Pic credit- OUSL
         Reference- Open university Sri Lanka official website         


In Sri Lanka, obtaining a degree from a government university is a highly coveted goal for many students. However, due to a variety of factors such as failing the A/L exam, having a lower rank in their chosen field, or making poor decisions when selecting a university, not every student is able to gain admission to these institutions due to limited enrollment spots each year. There are 17 internal/government universities in Sri Lanka, such as

                                                           1. University of Colombo
                                                           2. Eastern University
                                                           3. University of Jaffna
                                                           4. University of Kelaniya
                                                           5. University of Moratuwa
                                                           6. Open university
                                                           7. University of Peradeniya
                                                           8. Rajarata University
                                                           9. University of Ruhuna
                                                         10. Sabaragamuwa University
                                                         11. South Eastern University
                                                         12. University of Sri Jayewardenepura
                                                         13. Uva Wellassa University
                                                         14. The university of the Visual and Performing Arts
                                                         15. Wayamba University
                                                         16. Gampaha Wickramarachchi University
                                                         17. University of Vavuniya

The Open University of Sri Lanka is a unique institution that does not have specific requirements or qualifications for admission. Instead, students can simply apply to the university and take the necessary entrance exams or selection tests in order to gain admission. This makes it a great option for those who may not meet the requirements or qualifications for other universities, or who may not have the necessary scores or ranks. If you are interested in attending The Open University of Sri Lanka, all you need to do is apply and prepare for the necessary entrance exams or selection tests in order to gain admission.


What is Open University?

This is also one of the internal universities of Sri Lanka. But it functions differently than the other above-mentioned universities. This open university provides flexible and convenient distance learning opportunities for students who may not have the ability to attend traditional on-campus classes. Our open and distance learning approach allows students to fit their studies into their busy schedules, whether they are working professionals, government employees, or anyone else who may not have the availability to commit to a set class schedule because lecturing isn't compulsory. This flexible approach tempts all the students towards the open university.

What are the key features of an open university compared with other internal universities?

The Open University provides an opportunity for students who may not have passed their A/L exams or only have O/L results to achieve their dream of earning a university degree. Through foundation programs, these students can work towards enrolling in a degree program of their choice. The Open University allows these students to reach their goal of becoming a degree holders, just like those who attend traditional on-campus universities.

Secondly, At an open university, you have the flexibility to study at your own pace and on your own schedule. You will receive all necessary study materials and a timetable upon registration, and you are welcome to study independently without attending any lectures. However, please note that attendance is still required for practical classes, assessment tests, and all semester and final exams, just as it would be at a traditional university. Assessment marks and credit systems are also equivalent to those at traditional institutions. So, while you have the freedom to study at your own pace, it is still important to stay on track and meet all necessary requirements in order to succeed in your program.

Most classes at Open University are held on weekends, making them more accessible for both students and working individuals. Students have the flexibility to attend classes at any study center of their choice, as long as they have their university record book. However, exams must be taken at the student's registered study center. This allows students to register for programs that may not have a study center in their immediate area, while still being able to take exams at a convenient location.

The course fees are very affordable compared to other private institutions and offer an installment payment plan. You can pay the course fee over the course of a year in two or three installments. This makes it more convenient and manageable for you to pay for your education.

How many programs are conducted by the open university?

The open university has a wide range of programs such as 
  • Foundation Programs
  • Short Courses
  • Certificate Programs
  • Diploma Programs
  • Undergraduate Programs
  • Postgraduate Programs

I will write about every program, its entry qualifications, course fee, installment system, and so on in the future. Further, I plan to write programs according to the field of the programs and popularity in the job market as well as in near the future.


How many study centers are under open universities?

The open university has six faculties, nine regional centers, and 19 study centers throughout the country.

Regional Centers

  • Jaffna regional center
  • Anuradhapura regional center
  • Batticaloa regional center
  • Kurunegala regional center
  • Kandy regional center

Study Centers

  • Kilinochchi study center
  • Mullaitivu study center
  • Mannar study center
  • Vavuniya study center
  • Trincomalee study center
  • Puttalam study center
  • polannaruwa study center
  • Matale study center
  • Gampaha study center
  • Ampara study center
  • Kegalle study center
  • Bandarawela study center
  • Monaragela study center
  • Ambalangoda study center
  • Galle study center
  • Ambalantota study center
  • Kalutara study center


What are the scholarships and bursaries that the open university offers?

  • Mahapola Scholarships
  • University Bursary
  • Enrolment Bursary
  • Enhancement Bursary


The Mahapola scholarship is a program that provides financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds or low-income families who are studying at open universities in Sri Lanka. This scholarship is awarded in the form of a discount on tuition fees and is based on the number of students enrolled in a particular program. In some cases, the amount of the scholarship may be higher at open universities compared to internal universities.


To be eligible for the Mahapola scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

  • They must be full-time students
  • They must have completed their first year of study (level 3) and be enrolled in their second year (level 4)
  • They must have an average GPA of 2.0 or above
  • They must have registered for a minimum of 15 credits
  • They must be under 30 years old
  • Their family's annual income must be less than 300,000 Sri Lankan rupees

Attention! This scholarship opportunity is a one-time offer for students during their academic journey. If you fulfill the criteria for eligibility and wish to apply for the Mahapola scholarship, kindly reach out to the financial aid department of your Open University for additional details.


This bursary is available to work students and staff of any age, as long as their annual income is less than 500,000 and they have a minimum GPA of 2.0 or above. To be eligible for this bursary, students must be registered for a minimum of 15 credits in the current academic year. This bursary offers a 50% reduction on course fees for the registered year. Students can receive this bursary up to two times but must apply each year. It is important to note that students cannot apply for both the mahapola scholarship and the university bursary in the same year. If a student receives the mahapola scholarship in their second year, they may apply for the university bursary in their third year.


The enhancement bursary is available to students at certain internal universities and is offered to those who have completed 24 credits. There is no age limit for this bursary. If a student is approved for the bursary, they can receive it up to three times, with the amount increasing each year. In level 3, students will receive 10% of their tuition fee, in level 4, students will receive 20% of their tuition fee, and in level 5, students will receive 30% of their tuition fee. This bursary is determined and distributed by the university. It is only available to eligible students who apply in level 3 or above.


If you are a student who has participated in all continuous assessments and completed all compulsory academic requirements and registered for a minimum of 15 credits, you may be eligible to apply for the enrolment bursary. This bursary is offered to students in their first year (level 3 stage) of their degree program and is available to those whose family's annual income is less than 500,000. The bursary covers 50% of the tuition fee for one time during the student's degree program.


An open university is a fantastic option for students in Sri Lanka who have had to interrupt their studies after completing O/Ls. It provides the opportunity for these students to become graduates, just like their peers at traditional universities. Additionally, open universities are a great choice for those who were unable to attend a traditional university, even after passing their A/L exams. These institutions offer flexible study methods and a large network of study centers, making it easy for students to access education no matter where they live, from major cities to smaller towns. Overall, open universities offer a valuable and inclusive educational experience for a wide range of students.