Eligibility
We believe that University should be an achievable goal for anyone with the desire for self-improvement and lifelong learning. That’s why we welcome promising students from all walks of life, and support you in a multitude of ways while you’re here.
Entry to most of our courses is assessed on the basis of your academic results, either in Sri Lanka or overseas.
To find out if your eligible, contact the relevant Faculty or Department for details.
Below is a summary of the application process, for details, please contact the International Academic Relations Division and they will provide you with a detailed document describing the application process.
The Steps
Deciding what and where to study is a big decision. These eight steps will help you navigate the path to University.
Step 1: Explore OUSL
The best way to get a feel for the University is to explore OUSL through its website. Feel free to contact the International Academic Relations Division (IRD) for details as well.
Step 2: Choose your course
Use the links in the ‘International Programs and Courses’ section to explore what you can study at OUSL, and find out what entry requirements you need for the courses you’re interested in. Not all courses are available for international students.
Step 3: Speak to a Student Recruitment Agent
Use the ‘List of Agents’ link in the Student Recruitment Agent section to find the nearest agent to you. Your recruitment agent will be able to help you with all the information you need, including providing you with the relevant paperwork and helping you get enrolled in the course of your choice. If your not working through a Student Recruitment Agent, please follow the below steps.
Step 4: Speak to a Faculty or Department Member
Contact the relevant Faculty or Department and speak to them about your entry options and any other information that you may not have got from your recruitment agent.
Step 5: See what scholarships you can apply for
OUSL offers a range of scholarships that you may be eligible for, contact the International Academic Relations Division (IRD) for further details.
Step 6: Visit us
The best way to get a feel for OUSL is to visit us. Contact the IRD for a list of dates and times to come and see what it’s like. The IRD can organize your visit to the University for you.
Step 7: Applying
To apply for most OUSL courses you can apply online using the following link:
Apply online
If you are unable to apply online, you can download the necessary application form via below link:
International student admission form
If you’re using an agent, your agent will assist you with the application process including providing you with the necessary application material.
Step 8: Visa and Immigration Requirements
Students planning on undertaking part or all of their study in Sri Lanka will need to apply for a Resident Visa – Student category. Students will be assisted throughout this process by the IRD.
Students must apply for an entry permit first whilst in their home country and a student visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Students are requested to contact the International Academic Relations Division as soon as they receive their official offer letter.
OUSL adheres to instructions given by the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka and the Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka with regards to all Visa and International Student matters.
For further details on the application process and assistance, please contact the International Academic Relations Division ird@ou.ac.lk
Being an OUSL Student
Student life is an integral part of the OUSL experience, and gives you so many personal and professional advantages.
Student life at OUSL is vibrant and exciting, with countless opportunities and events to engage in, please have a look at the various links within this website outlining the latest workshops, conferences, networks for further details.
The diversity of our student community and our student networks mean that there are endless opportunities outside the classroom as well. The International Academic Relations Division (IRD) works with OUSL’s students and external corporations to organize various mentoring programs and other activities.
If you have something in mind, why not ‘Contact IRD ’ with your proposal.
Clubs, Societies & Programs
OUSL is host to a number of programs and activity groups. For details on what we currently have, use the links for each of the programs for information.
International Friends Program
The purpose of this program is to foster social and cultural links between students. The program is open to all students within the University. To register for the program please enter your details below which will be automatically updated into the table below. Using the names and email addresses below students can contact each other.
The University expects students to act courteously at all times and respect each others beliefs and customs. If a complaint is made about any student not acting appropriately, the University will remove the student immediately from the program and may take disciplinary action against the student.
For students wishing to make a complaint or suggestion, please use the details provided in the ‘Contact Us ’ page.
OUSL International Friends Program Registration Form
OUSL Work Ready Program
The purpose of this program is to help OUSL students develop work ready skills by partnering students with corporations that will help them grow professionally. The program also helps corporations identify students for future recruitment. Work placements are currently only offered in Sri Lanka, no remuneration is offered.
The program is open to all students within the University who have successfully completed one year of study in their chosen field. Students who are currently working full time, part time or otherwise must get written consent of their current employer before taking on a work placement, it is the responsibility of the student to obtain the written permission. International students wishing to undertake work placements in Sri Lanka must ensure that their visa’s allow them to undertake paid or unpaid work before applying for the program.
To register for the program please enter your details into the downloadable form and send it back to the International Academic Relations Division. Your details will be stored within the International Academic Relations Division database and will be provided to corporations offering work placements.
The University expects students to act courteously at all times and respect the rules and regulations that they may be subject to within a work placement. If a complaint is made about any student not acting appropriately, the University will remove the student immediately from the program and may take disciplinary action against the student.
To make a complaint or suggestion, please use the details provided in the ‘Contact Us ’ page.
OUSL provides its students with a range of support services. For further information please click on the relevant link.
Learning Assistance
We offer a wide range of programs and services to increase students’ participation in University, and support your involvement in all aspects of education and life OUSL. For details of various assistance programs, please contact the relevant Faculty or Department for further details.
English Language Training
The Department of Language Studies conducts English language courses for students. Students wishing to inquire about the courses are requested to contact the Department directly.
OUSL is home to the Postgraduate Institute of English which is the only tertiary level institute responsible for the English language in Sri Lanka. The Institute conducts a Master’s Degree in Teaching English and also short courses, continuing professional development and workshops.
Library
The OUSL library offers a range of resources and services to facilitate teaching, learning and research.
IT Services
The Information Technology division is responsible for maintenance of the integrity and security of the university network, student database of the university, maintenance of the IT infrastructure for and provision of web pages, email, MIS, training of the staff on usage of IT, maintenance, upkeep and upgrading of all IT equipment in OUSL.
Health & Welfare
Security
OUSL is committed to ensuring your safety on campus. We want you to have the best possible experience during your studies here.
For any security related matters, please contact the OUSL Security Division on (011) 2881 344
Health Care Centre
OUSL cares for your health and provides staff and students with access to a health care centre. To contact the centre please dial: (011) 2881 370
Accommodation and Living Costs
If your course requires you to attend a residential component, OUSL has temporary residential facilities available at its main campus at Nawala.
Please contact the Warden to discuss your requirements on (011) 2881 289
If you’re looking at staying outside the University, the following websites will be of assistance in locating suitable accommodation:
www.lankapropertyweb.com
www.lankaproperty.net
www.lankarealestate.com
www.bhoomi.lk
www.lamudi.lk
Accommodation costs will vary based on the location, size, furnishings and services offered. Your able to find a range of accommodation types from luxury houses and apartments to homestays. As the main campus of OUSL is located in Nawala, students are encouraged to find accommodation nearby in suburbs such as Nawala, Nugegoda, Narahenpita, KIRDlopane.
General living costs in Sri Lanka are well below those of developed nations, however costs will vary based on the type of lifestyle you wish to lead. The monthly costs for 1 person without taking into account accommodation will be around between Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 30,000 or US$ 115 – US$300 (US$1=Rs.100).
Travel
Traveling around Colombo and around Sri Lanka can be quite a memorable experience, particularly if your using public transport, however a variety of transport options are available to get around, including private car, bus, train, three wheeler, taxi cab.
Ensure that you use only metered taxis, both for cabs and three wheelers.
If you wish to travel outside Colombo and your on a budget it is best to use trains and buses. Both trains and busses offer air conditioned luxury options. If you are not financially restricted, you can hire a private self-drive or car with driver.
OUSL and its partners provide a number of exchange and study abroad programs for students who wish to experience living and learning in another community.
For further details please choose from:
Exchange and study abroad offers you the opportunity to:
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- study and live in another part of the world
- experience something outside of your comfort zone
- challenge yourself personally and academically.
Going on exchange isn’t just travelling as a tourist; it’s living in a new country with a new culture.
Taking part in an exchange program takes initiative, commitment, and flexibility.
Each of our partner institutions offers its own unique experiences, and a chance to live in a part of the world that will be like nothing you’ve experienced before.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the exchange program you must:
- successfully completed one year of study at OUSL in an undergraduate or post graduate degree program
- be currently enrolled
- have an average grade of 60
- be financially self-sufficient for the length of time [UTF-8?]you’ll be on exchange. You’ll need to pay for your own travel and living expenses
- successfully answer the three selection criteria
Selection Criteria
OUSL students are chosen for outbound exchange according to the number of places available at the Partner Institute, their academic achievement, the merit of the student’s international study program and the student’s response to three selection criteria, namely:
- Academic achievements and desires
- Cultural understanding
- Ambassadorial duties
Answers for each section to be no more than 300 words each. A selection committee considers all applications and makes decisions on applications..
Your Study Program
You will need to organise a list of approved courses to study overseas. You must study courses that are equivalent to the courses in your study program here. Where you study will be guided by your study program needs.
See your course details to find out what courses you’ll need to complete while you’re overseas. If possible, we recommend that you take electives during your exchange program.
Research the courses offered by the Universities that you want to study at. You must find courses that are similar to the courses you need for your program here.
Your Faculty Dean at OUSL must approve your proposed study program, and will need to see descriptions of the courses you’re going to study.
Can I change these units once I’ve arrived at the foreign institute?
We recommend that you stick to your study program. If, for some reason, you need approval for courses that aren’t on your study plan, your Faculty Dean at OUSL must approve the new courses.
You must update your study plan to reflect any changes by contacting your Faculty.
How do I get academic credit?
You need to be enrolled full-time at OUSL, as well as being enrolled full-time at your overseas university.
The credit points required will need to be discussed with your Faculty or Department for your individual program.
Your Faculty Dean decides how much credit you’ll receive for each overseas course you take, based on course content and assessment
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When to apply
Applications must be received by the International Academic Relations Division three months prior to your planned departure.
Application Process
For you to go on exchange:
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- you must meet the eligibility requirements
- your Faculty Dean must approve your application to the program
- your host university must be able to offer you a place.
Step 1: Speak to a member of the International Academic Relations Division (IRD)
Speak to a member of the IRD to find out more about the exchange experience. The application process and eligibility will be explained in detail by the relevant officer.
Step 2: Check the cut-off dates for applying
Step 3: Choosing exchange preferences
Choose where you want to go on exchange from the list of our partner institutions.
Step 4: Get to know the exchange community
Exchange ambassadors
Exchange ambassadors are returned OUSL exchange students who are available to answer your questions about student exchange. They can guide you through the application process and share their views on the exchange program and particular partners.
To contact an exchange ambassador, please contact the International Academic Relations Division.
Step 5: Check the study costs and available scholarships
Calculate how much your exchange program will cost you, and see if you can get financial support.
Step 6: Develop a study plan
Research the partner university you have chosen and develop a proposed study plan for your exchange semester. A study plan is a list of units you would like to study at the partner university and the corresponding units at OUSL for which you will receive credit.
Book an appointment with your course coordinator. Bring unit descriptions of the units you’d like to study on exchange. Your course coordinator will review your study plan and either approve or reject your proposed units.
Step 7: Collect the required documents
Collect the supporting documents for your application, including:
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- your approved study plan
- answers to the three selection criteria
- two academic references from OUSL staff
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Step 8: Submit your application
Complete the application for the student exchange program and submit it, along with the relevant support documents to the IRD.
Ensure your application is submitted by the deadline.
Study Abroad & Exchange Programme Domestic Students Application
What happens next?
The IRD email you to let you know whether your application is eligible for exchange.
After your application is determined to be eligible for exchange, we’ll nominate you to your preferred overseas university.
Your host institution will send you an application package, which you’ll need to complete and submit to the host institution by the due date.
Your host institution will decide whether to offer you a place, and will notify either you or the IRD. If they notify you, you must notify the IRD and provide a copy of the offer document.
Visas and Medical Insurance
You will need your official acceptance documentation to apply for a student visa for your host country.
You will need to take out adequate Medical Insurance prior to your departure, in some instances the foreign institute may require you to provide proof of your medical insurance before they issue you with an offer letter.
Exchange offers you the opportunity to:
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- study and live in Sri Lanka
- experience something outside of your comfort zone
- challenge yourself personally and academically.
Going on exchange isn’t just travelling as a tourist; it’s living in a new country with a new culture.
Taking part in an exchange program takes initiative, commitment, and flexibility.
At OUSL we aim to offer you with a rich educational, social and cultural experience which will help you grow and develop as a unique individual.
Apply for exchange
Follow these easy steps to apply for our exchange program.
To apply for our exchange program, you must attend one of our partner institutions.
Step 1: Complete the application form
Download, complete and sign the application form.
Study Abroad & Exchange Programme International Students Application
Step 2: Attach required documents
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- Ensure that you attach all the required documents. This includes:
- a cover letter from your home institution stating that you’ve been nominated for our exchange program (unless your home institution has nominated you via email)
- certified copies of your most recent official academic transcripts in English
- proof of English language proficiency
- a certified copy of your passport
- a photocopy of your passport
- a copy of your undergraduate degree, if you’re applying for postgraduate study.
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Step 3: Choose your subjects
We recommend that you nominate at least 8 subjects in order of preference in case we can’t approve some of your preferences.
Make sure you meet all the prerequisites for your subjects.
You cannot change your subjects once you have made a selection.
Step 4: Submit your application
Send your application and all extra documents to the International Academic Relations Division (IRD) via post or email as per the details provided in the ‘Contact IRD ’ page.
When to apply
Applications must be received by the International Academic Relations Division three months prior to your planned departure.
What happens next?
It normally takes 4 weeks to process an application. It may take longer for a faculty to make a decision about some units.
If your application is successful, we’ll send you an email offering you a place in our exchange program.
Accepting your offer
Before you can enroll, you’ll need to officially accept your offer.
Step 1: Receive your offer
If you’re successful, we’ll send you:
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- an offer letter
- an acceptance of offer form
- an OUSL guide book
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Step 2: Accept your offer
To accept your offer, you must:
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- check that all your information is correct
- complete, sign and return the acceptance of offer form to the International Academic Relations Division (IRD)
- make your acceptance payments via the OUSL website. Your acceptance payment amount will be included in your offer letter. Please submit a copy of your payment to the IRD.
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Step 3: Confirm your enrolment and apply for your visa
When we receive your acceptance form, we’ll send you a confirmation of enrolment (CoE). You will need your confirmation of enrolment to apply for your visa.
It can take up to 2 months to be granted the relevant immigration documentation. Make sure you apply with enough time to process your visa application.
Visa and Immigration
Students planning on undertaking part or all of their study in Sri Lanka will need to apply for a Resident Visa – Student category. Students will be assisted throughout this process by the IRD.
Students must apply for an entry permit first whilst in their home country and a student visa upon arrival in Sri Lanka. Students are requested to contact the International Academic Relations Division as soon as they receive their official offer letter.
OUSL adheres to instructions given by the Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka and the Department of Immigration & Emigration Sri Lanka with regards to all Visa and International Student matters.
For further details on the application process and assistance, please contact the International Academic Relations Division ird@ou.ac.lk
OUSL offers a wide range of scholarships to current and future students to assist with the cost of their studies. OUSL is committed to enabling all students, regardless of their background, to achieve their best at the University and realise their potential.
Eligibility for OUSL scholarships varies depending on the specifics of the scholarship. Some are based purely on prior academic achievement, others are based on a variety of other requirements or a combination of academic and other requirements.
There are also a number of scholarships offered by organisations outside of OUSL. These scholarships are available to OUSL students but are not managed by the University.
Some of the scholarships offered by OUSL are funded internally while others are made possible by the generous support of donors and benefactors, external organisations, the Sri Lankan Government and industry.
Which scholarships are you eligible for?
Scholarships are generally categorised by the type of student you are (undergraduate, honours, graduate coursework or graduate research) and whether you are a domestic or international student.
Current and future students can determine which scholarships they are eligible to apply for by reading the information found within each of the scholarships listed.
How to apply
The application process differs depending on the specific scholarship. Specific scholarship application process information is included in the relevant scholarship listing.
List of Scholarships