Official emblem of Open University of Sri Lanka

Open University of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Overview

English Name: Open University of Sri Lanka
Control Type: Public
Open University of Sri Lanka institutional facilities
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Open University of Sri Lanka is a public institution located in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka. It operates as a higher-education provider.

The academic catalogue at Open University of Sri Lanka runs across bachelor's through doctoral programmes, with multiple faculties hosting a catalogue of active programmes. Each unit administers its own admissions and curriculum framework.

Location & Contact

Location pin, postal address, phone, email, website, and social profiles for Open University of Sri Lanka. Always verify channels through the official domain to avoid third-party impersonators.

Address: PO Box 21, Nawala
Postal Code: 10250
Phone: 94 11 288 1000
Social Media:

Academic Details

Open University of Sri Lanka's academic structure, enrolment numbers, and accreditation context are gathered below. Together they describe how the institution operates beyond the surface-level overview.

Admission Requirements: Three GCE 'A' level passes in relevant subjects may be required for undergraduate entry to Bachelor programmes.

Degrees

Degrees offered at Open University of Sri Lanka, organised by academic level for easy browsing. Levels generally follow international qualification frameworks and inform how credits transfer to other systems.

Bachelor's 18 programs

Bachelor's programmes build foundational expertise, preparing graduates for entry-level professional roles and further postgraduate study.

  • Agriculture
  • Civil Engineering
  • Education
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • English
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Law
  • Management
  • Medical Technology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Psychology
  • Science Education
  • Social Sciences
  • Software Engineering
  • Technology
Master's 11 programs

Master's programmes develop advanced specialised expertise, suited to senior industry positions and applied research.

  • Business Administration
  • Development Studies
  • Distance Education
  • Education
  • Engineering Management
  • Entomology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Natural Sciences
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Training
  • Technology
Doctoral 2 programs

Doctoral programmes train independent researchers, leading to academic, scientific, and senior advisory careers.

  • Education
  • Natural Sciences

Faculties & Divisions

The schools at Open University of Sri Lanka and their associated subjects. Centres of excellence within faculties signal subjects where the institution invests in research and graduate-level activity.

Education (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Distance Education
  • Education
  • Preschool Education
  • Secondary Education
  • Special Education
  • Teacher Training

Common Career Paths

  • Teacher
  • Educational Administrator
  • Curriculum Specialist

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Engineering Technology (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Textile Technology

Common Career Paths

  • Engineer
  • Project Manager
  • Technical Consultant

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Health Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Medical Technology
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Psychology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Human and Social Sciences (Faculty) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
  • Management
  • Modern Languages
  • Social Studies

Common Career Paths

  • Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Social Worker

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Natural Sciences (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Botany
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Zoology

Common Career Paths

  • Research Scientist
  • Lab Technician
  • Analyst

Illustrative career directions for this field; specific outcomes depend on programme and student choices.

Programs Offered

Every programme Open University of Sri Lanka offers, searchable by name and grouped by level. Pathway programmes leading from foundation to bachelor entry are sometimes listed separately from full degree programmes.

Bachelor's Degree

6 programmes

Open University of Sri Lanka lists 6 programmes that award a bachelor's degree — the foundational tier where students establish a discipline before narrowing their focus later.

Bachelor of Arts Honors in Library and Information Studies Information Systems & Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Development Liberal Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences Social Sciences & Education
Bachelor of Laws Degree Programme (LLB) Law
Bachelor of Science Natural Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Information Systems & Technology

Master's Degree

21 programmes

There are 21 programmes to choose from at Open University of Sri Lanka for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.

Commonwealth Executive Master of Business / Public Administration (CEMBA/CEMPA) Public Administration
Master of Arts in Development Studies and Public Policy Politics & International Relations
Master of Arts in Education Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language English Language Studies
Master of Education in Special Needs Education Degree Programme Education & Teaching
Master of Arts in Teaching Literature in a Second Language Context Literature
Master of Education Education & Teaching
Master of Energy Management Business & Management
Master of Laws in Criminal Justice Administration Law
Master of Nursing Degree for Chinese Students Nursing
Master of Philosophy / Doctor of Philosophy (MPhil / PhD) Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Philosophy in Education and Doctor of Philosophy in Education Philosophy & Ethics
Master of Science in Data Science Data Science & Analytics
Master of Science in Energy for Circular Economy (Online Masters) Economics
Master of Science in Nursing (MSc N) Degree Nursing
Master of Science in Structural Engineering General Engineering
Master of Teacher Education (MTE) Education & Teaching
Degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) (By Research) Philosophy & Ethics
MSc in Medical Entomology and Applied Parasitology Biological Sciences
MSc in Public Procurement and Supply Chain Management Supply Chain & Logistics
MSc in Environmental Science Environmental Sciences

Master of Business Administration

1 programme

There are 1 programme to choose from at Open University of Sri Lanka for graduates, aimed at advanced expertise, a career change, or a stepping stone toward doctoral research.

MBA in Human Resource Management Business & Management

Doctorate

3 programmes

Open University of Sri Lanka lists 3 programmes awarding a doctorate — the apex qualification for those pursuing research leadership or an academic career.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programme Philosophy & Ethics
Research Degrees (MPhil & PhD)
Degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (By Research) Philosophy & Ethics

Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications

127 programmes

These 127 programmes cover Open University of Sri Lanka's associate, certificate, diploma, and foundation options — qualifications valued for fast, targeted, or pathway-oriented study.

Short course in Web Development using PHP and MySQL
Short course in Professional web development using Joomla and WordPress (Online)
Stand Alone Courses in Science Natural Sciences
Advance Certificate in Laboratory Technology Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Advanced Certificate in Laboratory Technology Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Advanced Certificate in Applied Earth Sciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Advanced Certificate in Apparel Technology (ACAT)
Advanced Certificate in English for Professional Communication English Language Studies
Advanced Certificate in Pre-school Education Education & Teaching
Advanced Certificate in Sinhala as a Second Language Literature
Advanced Certificate in Social Sciences Social Sciences & Education
Advanced Certificate in Science programme (Foundation Courses for Science & Engineering Degree) General Engineering
Advanced Certificate in Tamil as a Second Language Literature
Advance Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and Management Business & Management
BA Honours in Tamil and Tamil Language Teaching Literature
Advanced Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (ESBM) Entrepreneurship
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English and English Language Teaching English Language Studies
Bachelor of Education Honours in Drama and Theatre Performing Arts
Bachelor of Education (Honours) in Primary Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Education Honours in Special Needs Education Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours – Agricultural Agriculture
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours (BIS)– Apparel Production and Management Business & Management
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours (BIS)– Fashion Design and Product Development Fashion Design
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours (BIS) – Textile Manufacture Specialization Industrial & Systems Engineering
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours
Bachelor of Management Studies Honours Business & Management
Bachelor of Management Studies Honours in Accounting and Finance Accounting
Bachelor of Management Studies Honours in Human Resource Management Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Management Studies Honours in Marketing Management Advertising & Digital Marketing
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences Honours Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Bachelor of Pharmacy Honours Degree Programme Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Agricultural Engineering Agriculture
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Civil Engineering Civil Engineering & Construction
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Computer Engineering Computer Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Electronics & Communication Engineering Robotics & Automation
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Mechatronics Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering – Textile & Clothing BSc(Eng) General Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering General Engineering
Bachelor of Science Honours in Nursing Nursing
Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology Psychology
Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours Software Engineering
The Bachelor of Education Honours in Natural Sciences – Level 3 /Level 4 Education & Teaching
The Bachelor of Education Honours in Natural Sciences – Level 3 /Level 4 Education & Teaching
Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry Chemistry
Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany Biological Sciences
Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics Mathematics
Bachelor of Science honours in Physics Physics & Astronomy
Certificate in English for General Communication English Language Studies
Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology Biological Sciences
Certificate in Sinhala as a Second Language Literature
Certificate in Tamil as a Second Language Literature
Certificate of Completion in Computer Literacy
Short Course in Counselling Skills for Professionals Counselling & Psychotherapy
Diploma in English English Language Studies
Diploma in Food Science Food Science
Diploma in Microbiology Biological Sciences
Diploma in Plant Breeding
Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism Tourism & Leisure
Diploma in Science in Laboratory Technology (DSLT) Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Diploma in Tourism Operations Tourism & Leisure
ELNEC Core Training Course in Palliative Care
English for Academic Purposes (Legal Studies) English Language Studies
English for Social Sciences English Language Studies
Enhancing Teacher Capacities in the Teaching of English Literature for G.C.E. Ordinary Level New Syllabus English Language Studies
Higher Diploma in Youth Development
Online Short Course on Teaching Children with Learning Disabilities Education & Teaching
Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership and Management (PGDELM) Business & Management
Post Graduate Diploma in Education Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Bilingual Education Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Practice in English English Language Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs Education Education & Teaching
Postgraduate Institute of English Registration for Research Degrees English Language Studies
Practical Skills in Molecular Biology and Gene Technology Molecular Biology
Programme in Tamil Programme in Sinhala Literature
Tropical Biodiversity and Ecotourism Field Course Biological Sciences
Short Course for Effective Use of AutoCAD for Engineering Drawings (Online) General Engineering
Short course in Academic Literacy and Content and Language Integrated Learning Linguistics & Language Studies
Short Course in Academic Writing (Online Asynchronous)
Short course in Capacity Development for SLEAS Officers (Online)
Short Course in Chinese Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Short Course in Computer Networks and Security (Colombo and Kandy Regional Centers) Social Sciences & Education
Short Course in Computerized Accounting (Online) Accounting
Short Course in Cosmetic Science and Technology Health Sciences
Short course in Digital Marketing (Online/Onsite) Advertising & Digital Marketing
Short Course in Dispensing Optics
Short Course in End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium (ELNEC) Core Training Course (On-Site) Nursing
Short Course in English for Employment English Language Studies
Short Course in English for Healthcare Professionals : for International Students (Beginner Level) English Language Studies
Short Course in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Entrepreneurship
Short course in Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Environmental Sciences
Short Course in Events Management Business & Management
Short Course in Financial Accounting Accounting
Short course in Graphic Designing (Online) Visual Arts
Short Course in Hindi Language Literature
යෞවනයන් සමග සිදු කරනු ලබන මානව කේන්ද්‍රීය නිර්මාණය පිළිබඳ කෙටි කාලීන පාඨමාලාව
Short Course in Human Resource Management (online) Human Resource Management
Short Course in Human Centered Design with Young People Applied Design
Short Course in Involuntary Land Acquisition and Resettlement (ILAR)
Short Course in Korean Language Linguistics & Language Studies
Short Course in Laws Governing Employment Law
Short course in Listening & Speech in English English Language Studies
Short Course in Marketing Analytics (Online) Data Science & Analytics
Short Course in Marketing Management (Online) Advertising & Digital Marketing
Short Course in Migration Law and Policy Law
Short Course in Molecular Biology Laboratory Techniques Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Short Course in News and Feature Article Writing
Short Course in Occupational Health and Safety Public Health
Short course in Plant Breeding Techniques
Short course in Professional Certificate in Revit Architecture (Online) Architecture
Short Course in Professional Computer Applications
Short course in Professional Web Designing (Online) Applied Design
Short Course in Python for Beginners
Short Course in Qualitative Data Analysis Data Science & Analytics
Short course in soil-less agricultural technology for urban gardening Agriculture
Short course in Tourism and Hotel Operations Tourism & Leisure
Short Course in Using Generative AI for Educational Efficiency Education & Teaching
Short Course in Video Production
Short Course in Wound Care Nursing Nursing
Short Course on Early Childhood Development Early Childhood Education
Short Course on New GCE A/L English Literature Syllabus English Language Studies
Short Course on Pharmaceutical Promotion for Medical Delegates Pharmacy
Short Course on Research Methodology in Education Education & Teaching
Short Course on School Management (Online)- Sinhala/Tamil/English English Language Studies
Short Course on “Software Test Automation Training Programme” Software Engineering

How to apply to Open University of Sri Lanka

How to apply to Open University of Sri Lanka — a five-step structure with notes on documents, channels, and timing for each phase.

  1. 1
    Research programmes at Open University of Sri Lanka

    Start by exploring the programmes section on this page. Open University of Sri Lanka runs 158 active programmes across multiple degree levels. Narrow by qualification tier and read each programme description before shortlisting.

  2. 2
    Review admissions criteria

    Before applying to Open University of Sri Lanka, confirm you meet the academic, language, and document requirements for your chosen programme. International applicants should also check visa eligibility for Sri Lanka.

  3. 3
    Gather supporting documents

    Standard documents: official transcripts, identity proof, language test results, personal statement, and references. Confirm exact requirements with Open University of Sri Lanka's admissions office before assembling, as expectations vary by programme.

  4. 4
    Lodge your application

    Lodge your application through the official website (www.ou.ac.lk). Online forms are the standard route. Save your draft frequently and submit before the programme deadline.

  5. 5
    Confirm receipt and track progress

    Verify your application has been received by the admissions team. You can reach the institution by email at [email protected] or by phone at 94 11 288 1000. Monitor the portal for status updates, interview invitations, or document requests, and respond within the stated deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions about Open University of Sri Lanka

Below are the key facts most prospective students ask about Open University of Sri Lanka, drawn directly from institutional records.

In which city is Open University of Sri Lanka?

Open University of Sri Lanka is based in Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.

Is Open University of Sri Lanka public or private?

It is a public higher-education institution.

What qualification levels does Open University of Sri Lanka offer?

Open University of Sri Lanka offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

Where can I learn more about Open University of Sri Lanka?

You can find Open University of Sri Lanka online at www.ou.ac.lk.

Top-Ranked Universities in Sri Lanka

Subject-specific rankings sometimes diverge from overall national rankings. A university below Open University of Sri Lanka overall may lead in your subject — worth checking subject tables separately.

Where Else to Study English Language Studies

Industry partnership exclusives on English Language Studies programmes vary — some Sri Lanka institutions hold sponsored chairs, others run rotating industry guest-teaching arrangements.

Universities Often Compared with Open University of Sri Lanka

Students applying to Open University of Sri Lanka often shortlist similar institutions of comparable scale, prestige, and academic depth. These universities frequently appear alongside Open University of Sri Lanka on application lists, useful for hedging or for direct head-to-head comparison.

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