• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Institutes
  • Schools
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Shop

Student Sri Lanka Education

Courses, Classes, Jobs, O/L A/L Exams, Universities




  • Shop
  • Courses
    • Course Finder
  • Download
  • Exams
    • A/L
    • O/L
    • Grade 5
  • Universities
    • National
    • Private
    • Study Abroad
  • Careers
    • After A/L
    • After O/L
  • tuition
You are here: Home / Courses / External Degrees in Sri Lanka

External Degrees in Sri Lanka

February 26, 2010 By ..... 21 Comments

If you unable to enter National University with good Z-scores as an internal student, still you can obtain a degree by registering as an external student. Such degrees are known as External Degrees.

There are many external degrees offered by different National Universities in Sri Lanka. The advantage of going for such a degree is you can do studies while doing a Job. After registering in the particular university, classes offered by various Private educational (tuition) centers should be followed before sitting for the examinations.

External Degree courses listed on the UGC website

External Degree Course
1.  Bachelor of Science in Electronics & Automation Technologies  University of Colombo
2.  Bachelor of Information Technology
3.  Bachelor of Science in Financial Engineering
4.  Bachelor of Business Administration  University of Peradeniya
5.  Bachelor of Arts (General)
6.  B.Sc. Business Administration (General)  University of Sri  Jayewardenepura
7.  Bachelor of Humanities & Social Sciences
8.  Bachelor of Arts in English (General)
9.  B.Sc. Management (Public) General
10.  Bachelor of Commerce (General)
11.  Bachelor of Social Sciences (General) in Environmental and Development Studies
12.  Bachelor of Information Technology  University of Moratuwa
13.  Bachelor of Science in Plantation Management  Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
14. Bachelor of Science in Food Quality Management
15.  B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) Diploma -to – Degree upgrade  University of Kelaniya
16.  Bachelor of Science (Speech & Language Therapy)
17.  Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
18.  Bachelor of Commerce (Special)
19.  Bachelor of Science (General)
20.  Bachelor of Business Management
21.  Bachelor of Arts
22.  Bachelor of Business Administration  Rajarata University of Sri Lanka
23.  Bachelor of Business Administration (General)
24.  Bachelor of Arts  University of Ruhuna
25.  Bachelor of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management)  Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
26.  Bachelor of Commerce  University of Jaffna
27.  Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) General  South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
28.  Bachelor of Business Administration (General)
29.  Bachelor of Arts (BA) General
30.  Bachelor of Performing Arts (External) General  University of the Visual & Performing Arts
31  Bachelor of Business Management (External) General  Eastern University,Sri Lanka
  • Universities have the authority to decide on extension courses

Popular External Degrees

[table id=2 /]

UGC recognized External Degree Programs

UGC has approved following External Degrees & Extension Courses.

University of Colombo

  1. Bachelor of Science in Electronics & Automation Technologies
  2. Bachelor of Information Technology
  3. Bachelor of Science in Financial Engineering

University of Peradeniya

  1. Bachelor of Business Administration
  2. Bachelor of Arts (General)

University of Sri  Jayewardenepura     

  1. B.Sc. Business Administration (General)
  2. Bachelor of Humanities & Social Sciences
  3. Bachelor of Arts in English (General)
  4. B.Sc. Management (Public) General
  5. Bachelor of Commerce (General)
  6. Bachelor of Social Sciences (General) in Environmental and Development Studies

University of Moratuwa

  1. Bachelor of Information Technology

Wayamba University of Sri Lanka

  1. Bachelor of Science in Plantation Management

University of Kelaniya

  1. B.Sc. (Physiotherapy) Diploma -to – Degree upgrade
  2. Bachelor of Science (Speech & Language Therapy)
  3. Bachelor of Science (Occupational Therapy)
  4. Bachelor of Commerce (Special)
  5. Bachelor of Science (General)
  6. Bachelor of Business Management
  7. Bachelor of Arts

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

  1. Bachelor of Business Administration
  2. Bachelor of Business Administration (General)

University of Ruhuna

  1. Bachelor of Arts

Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka

  1. Bachelor of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management)
  2. Certificate in IT
  3. Certificate in English
  4. Higher Diploma in Corporative Business Management
  5. Bachelor of Commerce  University of Jaffna

South Eastern University of Sri Lanka

  1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) General
  2. Bachelor of Business Administration (General)
  3. Bachelor of Arts (BA) General

University of the Visual & Performing Arts

  1. Bachelor of Performing Arts (External) General



Some Popular External Degrees

We will have a brief look at some recognized external degrees in Sri Lanka.

BIT (Bachelor of Information Technology) (Colombo)

This degree is offered by University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC). It’s one of most popular external degrees in Sri Lanka. BIT is a degree programme which was introduced in year 2000. It has duration of 3 years. However you can obtain a diploma at end of 1st year as a part qualification. It is considered as nationally and internationally recognized information and communication qualification. You can follow BIT, If you have three passes in the G.C.E. (A/L) examination in one sitting and a credit pass for Mathematics in the G.C.E. (O/L).
Details: https://studentlanka.com/2011/09/19/bachelor-of-information-technology-bit-external-degree-from-ucsc/

B.Sc (Business Administration) (Jayewardenepura)

This is another popular external degree in Sri Lanka offered by Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. It’s a university that offers the best Management courses in the country. Therefore each year large number of candidates get registered for this external degree. It’s conducted by Department of Business Administration. Course duration is 3 years. You should have at least 3 passes in A/L in one sitting. There are three other external degrees offered by University of Sri Jayewardenepura such as

B.Sc. Public Management (General) external Degree program

Conducted by the Department of Public Administration,University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Bachelor of Commerce (General) external Degree program

Conducted under the Department of Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Bachelor of Arts External Degree programs – B.A (General/Special Degrees)

Many universities in Sri Lanka offer B.A external degrees.

BA degrees of University of Sri Jayewardenepura
University of Sri Jayewardenepura offers three Extenal degrees in Arts.
Bachelor of Arts (General) External Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts Social Sciences (General) External Degree in Environmental and Development Studies
Bachelor of Arts in English (General) External Degree

Bachelor of Arts (BA) at University of Peradeniya
The Faculty of Arts of the University of Peradeniya conducts the BA Degree programme since the establishment of the External Examinations Division in 1978.

B.A(General/Special Degree) (Kelaniya)
University of Kelaniya has started this programme in 1993. You have to first register for General degree and based on your performance at 1st year limited number of students will be registered for Special degree. You should have obtained at least 3 passes at GCE A/L examination together with 6 passes at GCE O/L including 3 Credit passes. (Maths should be Credit pass or above). Other recognized qualifications are also considered.

B.A General (External) Degree at University of Ruhuna
https://studentlanka.com/2015/04/14/external-degrees-university-of-ruhuna/

B.Sc (General) (Physical Science stream) (Kelaniya)

This is another degree offered by University of Kelaniya. There are two subject combinations which can be selected according to your preference. To enter this degree programme you should have obtained 3 passes at GCE A/L including Combined Mathematics. Candidates for External Degree Courses should have completed 18 years of age. A certified copy of the Birth Certificate should be forwarded with the application for registration. More…

B.Com (Special Degree) (Kelaniya)

Bachelor of Commerce is a there year degree programme conducted by University of Kelaniya. You should have obtained 3 passes at GCE A/L preferably in Commerce stream.

Similarly University of Peradeniya also offers some external degrees.

Here we have mentioned only some of most popular external degrees offered by National universities in Sri Lanka. Some students follow Degrees at Open University.

Check details of External Degree Programs

External Degrees at University of Kelaniya
https://studentlanka.com/2013/03/06/external-degrees-university-of-kelaniya/
External Degrees at University of Colombo
https://studentlanka.com/2014/03/14/external-degrees-university-of-colombo/
External Degrees at University of Sri Jayewardenepura
https://studentlanka.com/2013/12/21/external-degrees-university-of-sri-jayewardenepura-bsc-management-bcom-ba-2014/
External Degrees at University of Peradeniya
https://studentlanka.com/2014/02/08/external-degrees-university-of-peradeniya/
External Degrees at University of Ruhuna
https://studentlanka.com/2015/04/14/external-degrees-university-of-ruhuna/



Related Courses:

Online degrees in Sri Lanka
CIMA – a quick guide
BIT External Degree from UCSC
Educational Loans by Sri Lankan banks
National Institute of Business Management-NIBM
Sri Lanka Law College
NIBM
SLIIT,
Technical education and vocational training

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Comments

comments

No related posts.

Filed Under: Courses, Degrees, Universities Tagged With: Courses, External degree

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ruzaina says

    February 3, 2020 at 8:04 pm

    I passed A/L examination in arts stream , so I want to apply for external degree in English , how to apply plz tell me

    Reply
  2. Renuka says

    February 5, 2019 at 10:04 pm

    Is it possible to do the BIT degree in Moratuwa University while doing an internal arts degree as well? Is this against UGC regulations?

    Reply
  3. Gayanthi says

    November 14, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    sri, how to apply for sri lankan kelaniya university external degree programme in 2019

    Reply
  4. RANJITH SAMARAKOON says

    March 16, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    i AM KEEN TO DO AN EXTERNAL LAW DEGREE. I OWN AN INSURANCE BROKING COMPANY IN SRI LANKA FOR THE LAST ALMOST 8 YEARS.

    MY WORK EXPERIENCE IS IN INSURANCE , AND THEREFORE, I AM KEEN TO DO A DEGREE IN LAW.

    i AM 49 YEARS.

    IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO GET THIS DEGREE AS AN EXTERNAL STUDENT.

    Reply
    • Subo says

      April 8, 2018 at 2:31 pm

      I have following a external degree in bachelor of arts. So I need to know how to apply for a govenment teaching after the degree? There are any exams to apply that and what kind of exams that I need to face? Can you give me some details please?

      Reply
      • Hiran says

        April 9, 2018 at 9:19 pm

        Ministry of Education will call applications for graduate teachers like this one.
        https://studentlanka.com/2013/04/23/sri-lanka-teaching-jobs-vacancies-for-graduate-teachers/

  5. Amal Jayamanna says

    February 18, 2018 at 10:58 pm

    Dear, i have passed A/L in maths stream, i need some details about suitable degree.
    I need to follow as an external student.
    What are the best choice to follow a degree related to maths subjects and which university could be suitable?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      February 19, 2018 at 7:25 am

      BIT colombo, moratuwa university

      Reply
  6. Huseina shakir says

    February 13, 2018 at 4:23 pm

    Pls suggest me an English degree programme.I am an English teacher. i live in Colombo. Any part time place would be fine

    Reply
  7. Ravindu says

    October 29, 2017 at 11:51 pm

    What is the difference between external degrees and general degrees?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      November 4, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Many external degrees are three year General degrees. Special degrees should be four year degrees.

      Reply
    • sakunika says

      January 10, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      BBA Extrenal degree akda hoda sliate ake accountansy digry akada

      Reply
  8. Nisha says

    October 27, 2017 at 12:21 am

    I want to know about following an external degree,I have done AL in arts stream 2011 and I failed English Literature.Can I follow BA degree or what should I do to follow an external degree..

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      November 4, 2017 at 8:55 am

      You can follow BA external degree.
      Read this also. Open University vs External Degree- Which is better & more employable?
      https://studentlanka.com/2017/08/15/open-university-vs-external-degree-which-is-better-more-employable/

      Reply
  9. Mudith Bulathsinghala says

    September 24, 2017 at 8:15 pm

    what is the difference between internal and external degrees? and does this external degree has the same recognition as the internal degree do?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      September 26, 2017 at 6:23 am

      With external degrees you can apply for government jobs and for many higher education programs. Recognition of a degree by a private sector depends on the performance of the candidate.

      Reply
  10. Dahanayaka says

    September 20, 2017 at 9:51 am

    Dear, i have passed A/L in bio streem, i need some details about Agriculture courses like as some diploma,or degree level from state universities.
    I need follow as an externel or internal student.
    What are the best choise to follow the agri courses and which university could be suitable?
    I think open university or wayamba campus.
    But i need spend low cost to follow this course.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      September 21, 2017 at 8:37 pm

      Join Open University to do Agriculture, or join Agriculture colleges.
      https://studentlanka.com/2010/04/28/admission-to-sri-lanka-school-of-agriculture-diploma-in-agriculture/

      Reply
  11. A. Sheeja says

    February 15, 2017 at 5:00 pm

    I have altogether 10 yrs working experience such as 5 yrs in teaching, 1 yr as business coordinator, 1 sample room coordinator and currently working since 4 yrs in Brandix Apparel solutions in Welisara then they transferred to Accenture Global company in Supply chain. I have followed Diploma in English through Aquinas University and followed Diploma in Association of Business Executive (6th level) through Oxford business college.
    Should I able to follow MBA according to my work experience.

    Reply
  12. Kelum Erandika says

    January 28, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Do U know any food science degree cource in any sri lankan campus.
    Pls help me

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      January 30, 2017 at 7:27 am

      No external food science degrees. Internal food science bsc courses are in Jayewardenepura and Peradeniya universities.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

බාහිර උපාධි පාඨමාලා

February 26, 2010 By ..... 1 Comment

ජයවර්ධනපුර, කැලණිය, පේරාදෙණිය, කොළබ, රුහුණ සහ අනෙකුත් විශ්ව විද්‍යාල මගින් ඉදිරිපත් කරන බාහිර උපාධි පාඨමාලා පිළිබඳව දන ගැනීමට පිවිසෙන්න.

External Degrees in Sri Lanka

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Comments

comments

No related posts.

Filed Under: Courses, Degrees, Universities Tagged With: Courses

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deepika says

    September 15, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    Nort

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Search

Student Lanka online shop

Recent Comments

  • Hiran on Download or read Biology 2020 New Edition resource books free
  • Yasiru on A/L Biology Multiple Choice MCQ questions and Analysis -1 (Grade 12) – Dr Hiran Amarasekera
  • Gayansa Gunathilaka on Guide to select 2025 A/L Subjects, Tuition Teachers and Classes.
  • yuhasa on Olympiad past papers – Biology, Physics, Astronomy, Science, Maths, Informatics
  • nira on Download or read Biology 2020 New Edition resource books free

Buy Books Online

  • A/L Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA technology – අණුක ජීව විද්‍යාව සහ ප්‍රතිසං‍යෝජිත DNA තාක්ෂණය – Prof Hiran Amarasekera
    රු 1,300.00
  • A/L Biology Multiple Choice MCQ questions and Analysis -1 (Grade 12) – Dr Hiran Amarasekera
    රු 1,700.00
    5.00 out of 5
  • A/L Chemistry 2020 and 2021 Vivarana – Two book bundle රසායන විද්‍යා විවරණ පොත් දෙක
    රු 1,000.00
  • 2022 A/L Chemistry Past Paper with Complete Analysis 2022 රසායන විද්‍යා විවරණය
    රු 500.00

Recent Posts

  • UGC University Admission 2025 based on 2024 A/L: Essential Guide for Students
  • University of Moratuwa Aptitude Tests 2025: Architecture, Design, Fashion Design, Landscape
  • The Future of Work: Why Skills Trump Degrees in Today’s Job Market
  • Bachelor of Social Work Honours Degree from NISD: Free Degree Opportunity! 🎓
  • ABSOL-X: Sri Lanka’s Breakthrough in AI Image Generation

Copyright © 2025 studentlanka.com. All Rights Reserved.