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You are here: Home / Computing / How to Become a Software Engineer in Sri Lanka

How to Become a Software Engineer in Sri Lanka

April 3, 2016 By Hiran 152 Comments

software engineers sri lankaUpdated 2021 May 

A software engineer is one of the top jobs right now. It pays well, it is highly rewarding, and the opportunities are incredible. For someone in Sri Lanka, getting into the field is not that difficult, at least if you meet the requirements and put your all into it. Numerous options exist for anyone who wants to enter the field. To do this, though, you need to learn the steps and necessities. Any IT field will have certain requirements. For this one, taking a course in software engineering and earning a degree is such a requirement. An educational background is an important piece of realizing your dream as a professional in this sought after field.

The demand for professionals is always high, and you can continually find exceptional job opportunities that pay well.
Who is Computer Software Engineer?

Software engineers, are also called software developers and they design and develop software applications or computer systems. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

There are two functions of a software engineer: development of new applications and maintenance.

It doesn’t matter what sort of tools are programming languages you use, as long as you are fulfilling these roles and writing code, you are a software engineer.

Career Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Computer science, software engineering or related field. Some employers may prefer a master’s degree

Key Skills – Analytical, problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills as well as creativity and attention to detail; familiarity with database management, development environment, program testing and other related software

First, you should understand the job in general. Do your research to know if it is a good fit for you. For software engineering, that education comes from coursework and degrees. The course type that you would have for such a degree includes math, computer literacy, engineering, and a variety of other areas relevant to computer work, programming languages, and software.
software engineering job areas
There are several options in Sri Lanka that have accredited, trusted courses that can help you to stay on top of the field. They specialize in building successful, capable software engineers that can work all across the globe, getting in major corporations and starting their own businesses.

When you find a good place, stick with it. Engineering coursework has a tendency to up the difficulty, but it is worth it once you get into the field and start making a name for yourself.

Where to get an IT degree in Sri Lanka

Degree from a National University

  • Computer Science and Engineering Degree at Universtiy of Moratuwa
  • Computer Software Enineering courses at University of Sri Jayewardenepura or other Engineering Faculties
  • Bachelor Of Computer Science Degree Programme at University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC)
  • Compuer Science @ Univesity of Sri Jayewardenepura
  • Computer Science @ Univesrsity of Kelaniya
    Other Govenment Univesities that offer Computer science and Software engineering degrees eg. Peradeniya, Ruhuna, Uva-Wellassa.

However to enter most of these courses you need pass and have a good Z-score at GCE A/L examination in Mathematics stream (by following combined matematics as a subject). However you may enter into some of the IT courses by following IT as a subject or with science subjects.

External BIT Degrees and Open University

  • Bachelor of Software Engineering Honors Degree offered by OUSL and UGC (offered free under government loan scheme) 
  • Bachelor of Information Technology BIT External degree from UCSC
  • BIT External Degree from University of Moratuwa
  • Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours at Open University

Private Degrees Options in IT

  • Private IT degrees
  • Higher education and career options in IT, Computer Science after A/L
  • Computing and information Technology courses offered by SLIIT, NIBM, NSBM Green Campus, APIIT, Informatics, IDM, ESOFT and many other Private Institutes.
  • Follow a professional degrees in IT such as BCS/ ACS/ NCC.


Follow these steps to become software engieer:

  • Study Mathematics for A/L…… (Now with some degrees you can become an software engineer by following any subject, You need relevant skills on the particular field.) 
  • Earn a degree in software engineering or a related field. Most software engineer positions require a bachelor’s degree. …
  • Begin programming immediately. (Learn Python) 
  • Build software. …
  • Seek an internship. …
  • Find job opportunities. …
  • Consider your career goals.

Follow online Course in Software, IT, Development or Design

There are many online courses available now, where you can gain access to world-class online courses and learning content. Some are free and some are paid courses, some courses offer certificates, diplomas and even degrees. These courses include video lessons, quizzes, hands on practice techniques, class notes, access to recent resources etc. Some of these courses are offered by world class top University academics in the world and come by technical industry experts in software and IT filed.

Coursera Massive Open Online Courses
Coursera provides online access to the world’s best education. More than 20 million learners from around the globe have come to Coursera to take courses offered by its partners, universities like the University of Pennsylvania, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and top international universities.
Explore 1600+ online courses from top universities. Join Coursera today to learn data science, programming, business strategy, and more.
Online computer science courses to jumpstart your future.

Udemy online courses
Udemy offers Software Engineering courses for all levels: beginner to advanced. You can Understand the core concepts and algorithms of software engineering using Java, Python, Ruby, C++, PHP, Pascal, iPhone, Android and Object Oriented Programming here. More than 10,000 expert instructors have published online courses on Udemy. These courses start at US $10. Over 13 million students in 150+ countries are taking these courses to advanced their careers and pursue their passions. Each course is available on-demand, 24 / 7, via the iPhone, iPad, Android and Web.

Udemy

Can you become a Software Engineer by doing A/L in Technology Stream?

If you are really committed to become Software Engineer or Developer you need to do Mathematics for GCE A Level. Therefore you need to follow Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry to enter into Government Engineering Faculty. But now you can do IT instead of Chemistry and enter some Computer Science Degree programs.
If you haven’t done Computer Science or Software Engineering degree then you can do other IT jobs: design, hardware, networking, technical writing etc.

Status of IT Degrees identified by SLASSCOM, the national chamber for the IT/BPM industry (Vision 2022 Report) 

  • State universities currently produce 3,000 students per year
  • Lack of an authority to ensure quality of private higher education
  • Low awareness on industry career prospects, particularly within the BPM (Business Process Management) sector.Read Matched Content:




    Software Engineering is about how to engineer (design and create) software. But there are various other careers in the IT, software and development fields on how to use these software: Business Analyst, Graphic design, Customer service, Data Entry, Hardware, Networking or System Administrator, Sales, Technical Support (Technician or Help Desk) or Technical Writing.
    Microsoft office 365

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Filed Under: Computing, Courses, degree, Engineering, IT, Jobs Tagged With: computer, degree, engineering, jobs

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. studentlanka says

    June 7, 2017 at 11:01 am

    You won’t become a good programmer by memorising code and algorithms. Programming is about thinking not about remembering. You can have the best memory, but if you’re not thinking for yourself you’ll NEVER be a good programmer i.e. we have computers and the internet to remember things for us, so there’s no need for you to remember anything – you just need to know where and how to find the information you need.

    Reply
  2. Uthsara Bandara says

    May 27, 2017 at 5:34 am

    Can i enter software engineering faculty of Moratuwa university by doing maths,physics and ICT for A/Ls?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      May 27, 2017 at 6:51 pm

      No u cannot enter

      Reply
  3. CmdJ says

    May 22, 2017 at 5:50 am

    Sir,
    I’am a AL mathematics student. How many result does i need to be a software engineer?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:36 pm

      If u need to select to Engineering Faculty then you need very good Z score

      Reply
      • CMDJ says

        May 29, 2017 at 6:42 am

        Sir,
        I’m sorry sir. But I don’t think that i can go to university. But i like to be a software engineer. Please tell me, Is there another way to be a software engineer?

      • Hiran says

        June 3, 2017 at 11:31 am

        You can do a Private IT degree https://studentlanka.com/2011/09/26/private-it-degrees-in-sri-lanka-cost-and-study-options/ or HND IT is Government free course https://studentlanka.com/2014/12/08/higher-national-diplomas-institute-of-advanced-technological-education-sliate/

  4. Ahamed says

    May 2, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    Mata software negineer kenek wenna o/l eken mona resultda awama ganna ona??A/l wala mona stream ekenda yanna ona?software engineer kenekta monthsly salary eka kiyada?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      May 2, 2017 at 10:30 pm

      You need to do Physical science – Mathematics stream.

      Reply
  5. Fazil Ahamed says

    April 3, 2017 at 6:55 am

    sir
    I did my a Level in E.technology with ICT
    I wanna knw whatz BIT & software engineering
    watz tbe difrt btwen thoz two

    Reply
  6. Sareesa Samadhi says

    April 1, 2017 at 9:56 am

    Maths mean Can I do physics

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      April 13, 2017 at 9:08 am

      You need to follow A/L Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry to enter into Government Engineering Faculty. But now you can do IT instead of Chemistry and enter some Computer Science Degree programs.

      Reply
  7. Sareesa Samadhi says

    April 1, 2017 at 9:02 am

    To become a software engineer can I do I.T,English,Computer Science for A/ L in Art stream

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      April 1, 2017 at 9:13 am

      U need to do maths. There is no computer science subject for AL

      Reply
  8. Nalin says

    March 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm

    Can software engineers find jobs in kandy or any other towns? Or only in colombo?

    Reply
  9. shaz says

    February 25, 2017 at 6:09 am

    i am hoping to select i.c.t ,physics and mathematics to achieve my goal to become a software engineer ?can i achieve it with the aid of this three subjects?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      March 1, 2017 at 8:45 pm

      U cannot goto engineering faculty. But u can do computer science at university of Sri Jayewardenapura

      Reply
  10. Sandeepa says

    February 12, 2017 at 8:34 am

    Can I be a software engineer by doing A/L Technology. And what are the IT jobs of doing that subject

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      February 13, 2017 at 9:44 pm

      To become real software engineer do A/L mathematics stream. If you want other IT technitian do IT and technology stream.

      Reply
  11. Naween says

    February 7, 2017 at 6:23 pm

    I sat for the O/L Exam held in 2016,
    How could I be a softwear engineer.What are the required subjects one should follow in Mathematics stream to become a Software Engineer?
    Is it Chemistry or ICT with Combined Math and Physics? If II select ICT can I fallow my gole?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      February 9, 2017 at 11:12 pm

      Do mathematics stream

      Reply
  12. shaz says

    January 25, 2017 at 4:23 pm

    Should we choose I.C.T Or chemistry with combined mathematics?which is appropriate and easy to become a software engineer?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      April 13, 2017 at 9:10 am

      You need to follow Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry to enter into Government Engineering Faculty. But now you can do IT instead of Chemistry and enter some Computer Science Degree programs.

      Reply
  13. shazi says

    January 25, 2017 at 9:28 am

    Should we choose I.C.T or chemistry in the combined mathematics stream to become a software engineer?
    which one is more appropriate and easy?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      January 30, 2017 at 7:24 am

      Need chemistry to goto engineering faculty

      Reply
  14. shaz says

    January 19, 2017 at 4:38 pm

    Can we become a software engineer by choosing information technology as one of the the a/l subject?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      January 19, 2017 at 10:17 pm

      ICT is not Engineering subject

      Reply
    • nidi99 says

      January 27, 2017 at 11:29 pm

      I have done c.maths, physics ,it.and z is about 2.3.whats the best course i can follow?

      Reply
  15. sheran says

    January 16, 2017 at 1:27 pm

    I sat for the O/L Exam held in 2016 December,still waiting for the results.
    How could i can be a soft wear Engineer.What are the miniumam results that i shuld have or what are the foundation courses i should fallow.

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      January 16, 2017 at 9:16 pm

      Do A Level mathematics stream

      Reply
  16. aruna udana says

    January 15, 2017 at 9:59 am

    UCSC BSc information system. Is it good to follow. Does it have good job opportunities?

    Reply
  17. Kid says

    January 11, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    Can a commerce student (without doing ICT as a subject) with a nearly 2.0 Z-score get into Moratuwa University IT faculty?

    Reply
  18. luffar says

    January 4, 2017 at 10:52 am

    sir.. after doing commerce for A/l can we become a software engineer

    Reply
  19. Nafeel Mohammed says

    January 1, 2017 at 9:55 pm

    I did technology stream for A Level. Can I become software engineer? what i want to do?

    Reply
  20. Faslur Rajah says

    December 30, 2016 at 11:54 pm

    Which on is best?
    1- Bsc (Hons) Sof. eng in UCSC (7 years)
    2-Bsc(special) Sof.Eng in kelaniya (4 years)

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      December 31, 2016 at 10:24 am

      For both you need good A Level Z score. There are no 7 year degrees.

      Reply
      • Faslur Rajah says

        December 31, 2016 at 11:28 am

        3 years – BSc CS
        4 years-BSc(Hons)CS or BSc(Hons)Software Engineering
        Totally 7 years
        ?

  21. Faslur Rajah says

    December 30, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Which one have more job opportunity in Srilanka or Worldwide??

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      December 30, 2016 at 10:43 pm

      Software engineers have jobs local or foreign jobs

      Reply
  22. Haneen says

    December 19, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    What are the required subjects one should follow in Mathematics stream to become a Software Engineer?
    Is it Chemistry or ICT with Combined Math and Physics?
    Thanks in Advance

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      December 19, 2016 at 7:55 pm

      If u have done mathematics then it’s ok. Mat. Phy. Chem. Or maths Physics It.

      Reply
      • Faslur Rajah says

        December 30, 2016 at 10:54 am

        Sir!
        What is the different between Bsc(Hons)Sof.Eng in UCSC and Bsc(Special) Sof.Eng in university of Kaleniya???

      • Hiran says

        December 30, 2016 at 10:42 pm

        Different university.

  23. gayan says

    December 6, 2016 at 7:53 am

    How is the IJSE software engineering course??? It’s good course?????

    Reply
  24. Dinu says

    November 25, 2016 at 5:35 pm

    I did Biology for A Level. Can I become software engineer?

    Reply
    • Hiran says

      November 25, 2016 at 5:39 pm

      Yes. Follow required degree programs

      Reply
  25. Asitha says

    August 17, 2016 at 4:54 pm

    Some think that they can become software engineer by doing Technology for A/L?

    Reply
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