Post - Advanced Level
One can enter a state university with a high enough score at the advanced level exams. For those who miss obtaining a seat at the national universities, it’s not the end of their higher education. There are a range of higher education options available to them.
External Degree
What is It ?
External Degree Programs are designed to provide an opportunity to the students those who do not get the state university admission but are willing to obtain a degree from a state university. Each participating university conducts seminars mostly on the weekends and provide study materials. Students can follow separate classes conducted by various educational (tuition) institutes. You have to pay registration and examination fees to the University and you also have to spend money on Private Tuition classes. Since the seminars are held on the weekends you can do the external degree while doing full time jobs.
Admission Criteria
The field of engineering is divided into branches
- Basic qualification for entry to an EDP shall be three passes in one sitting at G.C.E. (AL) Examination with a minimum aggregate mark/Z score as determined by the UGC.
- UGC will issue minimum aggregate mark „Z‟ score on an annual basis. This „Z‟ score will be used to determine the eligibility of candidates to follow an external degree programme.
- Any other qualifications acceptable to the Senate of the relevant University/Higher Educational Institution/Institute may be considered for eligibility to be enrolled in a study programme. However, all such instances of applying alternative criteria should be adopted only with the concurrence of the UGC.
Structure of the Programs
All study programmes should follow the following generic structure where programme should be offered in 3 or 4 levels depending on 3- or 4-year degree programme and the study programme consists of a) Foundation Courses, b) Core Courses in principle subject area (s), and c) Supplementary Courses in subjects areas of emerging importance:
1. Foundation Courses
Compulsory for all students. The list of courses may include English Language, Computer Applications, Introduction to Social Sciences, Introduction to Basic Life Sciences, Mathematics, Career Guidance, etc.
2. Core Courses
The compulsory courses are defined by the study program for the general or special degree. Optional courses relevant to the core program could also be made available from a basket of choices.
3. Supplementary Courses
These courses will supplement the study program, based on the students‟ choice. This basket may include courses that would give a competitive edge in the employment market. The available choices of supplementary courses may change with changing times and include introductory courses in Economics, Business Management, Human Resource Management, Education Technology, etc.
Open University
What is It ?
Open University conducts lectures, practical classes and give more comprehensive study materials to students. Though OU is said to be a distance learning program, many students say that they have to follow these courses full time. As OU has separate full time teaching staff they may conduct their lectures during weekdays or weekends. Sometimes you may find it difficult to follow OU degree with a full time Job.
OU students have to do more work and spend more time in completing these degrees, as you have to spend more time on lecturers and practical classes. Cost of OU degrees are also higher. However in Open University you can do various types of courses with Practicals and field classes in Science, Agriculture, Pharmacy, Nursing, Law, Education, Engineering etc. which are not available as external degrees.
Open University also provide you with a broader University Education similar to full time National University. You can enjoy real campus life with your batch-mates and participate in various events and field trips organize by fellow undergraduates, and participate in Sports and extra-curricular activities of the OU.
Admission Criteria
Three G.C.E. (A/L) passes in approved subjects (in any number of sittings) OR OUSL Foundation Certificate.
Available Programs
- English
- Library & Information
- Social Sciences
- Management
- Law
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Special Needs
- Drama & Theater
- Natural Science - Education
- Bachelor of Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Development
- BEd Primary Education
- English
- Library & Information
- Social Sciences
- Management
- Law
- Nursing
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
- Software Engineering
- Technology – Engineering
- Civil
- Electrical
- Electronics & Communication
- Computer
- Mechanical
- Mechatronics
- Textile & Clothing
- Industrial Studies
- Agriculture
- Apparel Production and Management
- Fashion Design and Product Development
- Textile Manufacture
Foundation Courses
What is It ?
Foundation programs categorized in the SLQF level 2, are for students who do not pass the A/L exams but they would like to do higher studies at private institutions or private institutions affiliated with foreign universities. A minimum pass grade in O/L is a requirement and depending on the program one needs to have PASS or CREDIT for specific subjects. Upon completing the foundation programs students can enroll in private institutions and obtain various degrees including the following:
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Business & Management
- Science
- IT
- Law
- FInanace
- Creative Design and more.
Technical Colleges
What is It ?
Department of Technical Education and Training which functions under the purview of the Ministry of Skills Development and Vocational Training provides Technical and Technology Education and Training to youths from 9 Colleges of Technology and 30 Technical Colleges located across the island.
Admission Criteria
Applicants are required to have min six (6) passes in O/L. Depending on the programs applicants may be required to have pass grades in specific subjects. Age should be between 17 and 29.
Qualified persons will be selected on the results of an Interview. An aptitude test will be conducted for courses where more applications are received.
Available Programs
- Information Communication & Multimedia Technology
- Metal and Light Engineering
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
- Textile & Garment
- Health
- Food Technology
- Wood Related
- Hotel Industry
- Office Management
- Gem and Jewelry
- Electrical Electronic and Telecommunication
- Finance Banking and Management
- Languages
- Agriculture Plantation & Livestock
- Auto Mobile Repair and Maintenance
- Leather and Foot Wear
- Building and Construction
