Ministry of Health Recruits 3,000 Student Nurses Island-Wide
One of the largest government nursing intakes in recent years — open to both male and female candidates across Sri Lanka.
Programme Overview
The Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka has officially announced the Student Nursing Training Programme 2026, inviting applications from qualified G.C.E. Advanced Level candidates. This is a rare government-backed opportunity offering a structured career path in the public health sector.
Eligibility Requirements
O/L Requirements — Candidates must have passed 09 subjects including Credit passes (grade C or above) in Sinhala or Tamil, Mathematics, Science, and English, completed within two sittings.
A/L Requirements — Must have sat the A/L examination in 2021, 2022, 2023, or 2024 under the Biological Science or Physical Science stream, passing 03 subjects in a single sitting.
| 🌿 Biological Science | ⚗️ Physical Science |
|---|---|
| Biology | Combined Mathematics |
| Chemistry | Chemistry |
| Agriculture | Physics |
| Physics | Advanced Mathematics |
| Mathematics | — |
Other Requirements
- Sri Lankan citizen
- Age between 18 and 28 years as of 29 May 2026
- Minimum height of 147.3 cm (4′10″)
- Must be unmarried
- Both male and female may apply (95% female, 5% male allocation)
- Physically and mentally fit
Who Cannot Apply
- Students currently enrolled in a full-time university degree programme
- Students at National Colleges of Education
- Those following full-time courses under the Ministry of Health or other government institutions
- Married or divorced applicants
- Applicants who provide false or misleading information
Documents to Prepare
Have the following ready before starting your online application:
- National Identity Card (NIC)
- G.C.E. O/L Result Sheet
- G.C.E. A/L Result Sheet with Z-Score
- Bank of Ceylon payment receipt (Rs. 1,000)
- Two active mobile numbers
- Valid email address
- Residence Certificate
- Birth Certificate
- School Leaving Certificate
Application Fee
The application fee is Rs. 1,000, payable over the counter at any Bank of Ceylon (BOC) branch only. Online banking transfers and cash deposit machines are not accepted. Keep your original receipt — it will be required at the interview stage.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Selection Process
Selection is based on a district-based recruitment system using Z-Score ranking. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview to verify qualifications and assess physical fitness. The gender allocation is 95% female and 5% male.
Benefits of Joining
Monthly allowance paid throughout the 3-year training period
Permanent government employment opportunity on successful completion
Minimum service bond after appointment to the government sector
Training conducted in recognised nursing schools across the country
Important Instructions
- Submit only one application — multiple applications will result in disqualification.
- The application must be completed entirely in English.
- Use the same NIC number that was used for the A/L examination.
- Download and print your application copy immediately after submission.
- If no email confirmation is received, contact the Ministry of Health without delay.
- General English and the Common General Test are not counted toward the A/L subject requirement.
Ready to Apply?
Applications close on 30 June 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to build a rewarding career in government healthcare.