Over the past three decades it has achieved substantial progress and has emerged as a “Centre of Excellence” in higher education in agricultural sciences in the country.

The PGIA, in terms of the Ordinance No. 9 of 1979, functions as a semi-autonomous unit within the University of Peradeniya. The academic programmes of the Institute are developed and implemented by eleven Boards of Study namely, Agricultural Biology, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Bio-Statistics, Business Administration, Crop Science, Food Science and Technology, Plant Protection and Soil Science. Courses are taught by a panel of eminent teachers drawn primarily from the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya and also include teachers from other faculties of the University of Peradeniya and other universities, and scientists from the Department of Agriculture, research institutes and the private sector.

All applicants to the PGIA will have to sit an aptitude test and may be called for an interview before selection to the PGIA. However, this will not apply in the case of foreign students.

The PGIA offers three degree programmes i.e. M.Sc., M.Phil. and Ph.D/DBA. The institute has awarded 40 Ph.D, 261 M.Phil., 1019 M.Sc. and 35 MBA degrees during the last 30 years, with the student intake increasing every year, reaching over 500 in 2007.

The research components are carried out in collaboration with other institutes and departments, both local and foreign, and are mostly aimed at solving national problems related to agriculture. Moreover, the PGIA conducts many workshops and training programmes which are extremely popular as they focus mainly on current topics. The facilities of the PGIA are constantly upgraded to cater to the needs of postgraduate education.

The Annual Congress of the PGIA is a prestigious and unique event at which the students are given the opportunity of presenting their research findings to an audience that includes eminent scientists. It is an event at which even postgraduate students from countries of the region take part.

The Prospectus includes all the necessary information on study programmes, courses and regulations pertaining to the degree programmes. Any clarification could be sought from the Assistant Registrar or the Director.