Bachelor of Software Engineering BSE Hons Degree at the Open University: 2026/2027 Intake

If you have three passes at the GCE A/L examination in any stream, you can apply for the Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours (BSE Hons) degree offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL). You must also pass the Selection Test. The programme is a UGC approved, industry oriented degree designed to prepare you for a career in the software industry.

Applications for the 2026/2027 academic year are open now. Closing date is 15 November 2026.

Prepare for the Selection Test: Join our WhatsApp group

Every applicant must pass the Selection Test. If you plan to apply, please register in our WhatsApp group first. You will get the latest updates on the test and details about the Selection Test practice classes conducted by Yomal Watawala B.Mgt. Hons (OUSL).

Click here to join the WhatsApp group for the Aptitude (Selection) Test and practice classes

Important dates for 2026/2027

Issuing of applications: 15 October 2026
Closing date for applications: 15 November 2026
Online awareness session 1: General awareness session for BSE potential applicants, 1 November 2026 at 10.00 a.m. (Colombo time), on Zoom
Online awareness session 2: BSE 2026/27 Awareness Session, 15 November 2026 at 7.00 p.m. (Colombo time), on Zoom
Selection Test date: Not yet announced on the OU programme page. Please check the OU website and our WhatsApp group for the date.

The Zoom links for the awareness sessions are given on the OU programme page.

Programme overview

Degree: Bachelor of Software Engineering Honours (BSE Hons)
Conducted by: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, OUSL. Delivery is coordinated by the Centre for IT Educational Services (CITES).
Duration: Minimum 4 years. If you have accepted post secondary qualifications, you may complete the programme in a shorter period. The maximum time allowed is 12 years from first registration.
Medium: Day schools, lab sessions and discussions are conducted in English.
Standards: The programme follows the ACM/IEEE curriculum guidelines for computing degrees.
Industry partner: OUSL works closely with the Sri Lanka Association for Software Service Companies (SLASSCOM). Experts from SLASSCOM member companies helped design the curriculum. Member companies may also offer internships and scholarships to students with the right aptitude and attitude.
Career paths: Software architect, software engineer, systems analyst and QA engineer.

Entry requirements

You can apply if you have one of the following:

Passes in any three subjects at the GCE Advanced Level examination, excluding General English and General Information Technology, or
Minimum “D” passes in any three subjects at the Cambridge or Edexcel Advanced Level examination, or
A pass in the Advanced Certificate programme in Science, Apparel Technology, or Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management offered by OUSL, or
Any other equivalent or higher qualification accepted by the Senate.

And you must pass the Selection Test.

You do not need to be strong in mathematics before you start. The first year covers the basic mathematics needed for later courses. A bridging mathematics course is also available for students who studied Arts or Commerce at A/L.

Selection Test and practice classes

The Selection Test is an aptitude test. Good practice makes a big difference, so do not leave it to the last week. Join our WhatsApp group to get test updates and to join the online practice classes.

Join the WhatsApp group now

Curriculum and how the programme is delivered

Core areas: Computer science, programming, software engineering, mathematics, and quality assurance and testing. Special attention is given to communication skills.
Study mode: Technology supported distance learning. You use the Learner Management System (LMS) to access materials, join discussion forums and get tutor support.
Day schools: Interactive Learning Sessions are held on weekends, usually for two hours each, about four or five per course. Many are conducted on Zoom.
Exams and labs: The programme is mostly online, but final examinations are held on site. Some on site activities are arranged at selected regional centres.
Semesters: Two semesters per academic year. Each course runs for 15 weeks.
Workload: Each credit needs about 50 notional hours of study. In practice this is around 3 hours per week for each credit you take. You can take up to 30 credits in a year.
Industrial training: All students must complete one year of full time industrial training to get the degree. This can be done at any time after the second year.
Exit option: If you cannot complete the degree, you may still qualify for a Higher Diploma in Software Engineering if you meet the requirements.
Exemptions: If you already hold certain qualifications, you may get course exemptions. The list is in the student guidebook.

For the full list of courses year by year, please read the BSE Guidebook 2025/2026.

Fees and payment

The Open University gives the approximate course fee for the BSE degree as LKR 660,000. The fees below are listed for local students.

Item	Amount (LKR)
Application fee	750
Registration fee	750
Facilities fee	2,500
Library facilities fee (a refundable deposit is charged if you borrow books)	100
Fee per credit	4,190

Simple estimate of course fees: 125 credits x Rs. 4,190 = Rs. 523,750 at the current rate. Course fees can increase each year, so the total over four years will be higher. That is why OU quotes the approximate total of about Rs. 660,000.

How to pay: You can pay the course fee in two instalments each year, 60% at the beginning of the academic year and the balance at the beginning of Semester 2. Registration and facilities fees are paid at the beginning of the academic year.

Financial support: The Government has arranged interest free or low interest loans through state banks, which can be repaid over 60 months after graduation. OUSL also has bursaries and scholarships, including the Mahapola Scholarship. Read more in our post on the Interest-Free Student Loan Scheme 2026/2027.

How OUSL differs from other software engineering programmes

Same status as other national universities: OUSL is a state university established under the Universities Act, and its degrees are recognised by the UGC and professional bodies such as IESL.
First of its kind: OUSL describes the BSE Hons as the first software engineering degree programme offered in Sri Lanka.
Flexible: You can study from home, take a year off by maintaining your studentship, and study at your own pace within the 12 year limit.
Industry link: The curriculum was developed with input from SLASSCOM, which represents over 400 software companies in Sri Lanka.
No hostel: OUSL has no hostels, but temporary residential facilities are available at the Colombo, Kandy and Matara regional centres for scheduled academic activities.

Tip: SLASSCOM runs the Future Careers Bridge site. Try the challenges there to build your IT skills and get noticed by companies.

How to apply

Join our WhatsApp group for Selection Test updates and practice classes.
Check that you meet the entry requirements.
Apply online before 15 November 2026 at the OUSL online application portal.
Attend the Selection Test when OU announces the date.

Important links

Contact details

General inquiries: 011 288 1000
WhatsApp inquiries: 070 206 7059 / 070 206 7058
Email: [email protected]
Address: Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda

Details are taken from the Open University of Sri Lanka website (page last updated 16 October 2026). Please confirm dates and fees with OUSL before you apply.

Need help with the Selection Test?

Do not wait until the last minute. Register in our WhatsApp group today for updates and Selection Test practice classes.