BSc External Degree Programmes 2027 – University of Colombo Faculty of Science
University of Colombo External Degree Programmes 2027 – Online Application, Courses, Fees & Eligibility
Faculty of Science – University of Colombo | External BSc Degree Intake 2027
University of Colombo External Degree 2027 – Quick Details
| University | University of Colombo |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
| Centre | Open Distance Learning Centre (ODLC) |
| Intake | 2027 |
| Number of Degrees | 06 BSc External Degree Programmes |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Application Fee | LKR 3,000 per programme |
| Course Fees | Starting from approximately LKR 200,000 per year depending on programme |
| Recommended Application Date | On or before 30 August 2026 |
University of Colombo External Degree Programmes 2027
Applications are now open for the University of Colombo Faculty of Science External Degree Programmes – Intake 2027. These programmes are coordinated through the Open Distance Learning Centre (ODLC) of the Faculty of Science.
Six BSc External Degree programmes are available in areas including Applied Chemistry, Data Analytics, Biotechnology and Microbiology, Electronics and Automation, Environment and Sustainability, and Financial Engineering. These programmes provide an opportunity for eligible students and working individuals to obtain a recognised university qualification through flexible external study.
Available External Degree Programmes – 2027
1. BSc (External) in Applied Chemistry
Offered by: Department of Chemistry
This programme provides knowledge in fundamental and advanced chemistry together with practical, technological and research-related learning. It also includes supporting areas such as communication, scientific writing, management, entrepreneurship and professional practice.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three passes at G.C.E. Advanced Level in one sitting including Chemistry; or
- Equivalent international Advanced Level qualifications including Chemistry; or
- Another equivalent academic/professional qualification accepted by the Faculty Board and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Medium: English
Application Fee: LKR 3,000
View Applied Chemistry Details2. BSc (External) in Applied Data Analytics
Offered by: Department of Statistics
The Applied Data Analytics degree focuses on data collection, data management, data visualisation, statistical modelling, machine learning, mathematics, statistics and information technology.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three G.C.E. A/L passes in one sitting including Combined Mathematics, Higher Mathematics or Mathematics under the new syllabus; or
- Three passes including Applied Mathematics or Pure Mathematics under the old syllabus; or
- Another equivalent qualification accepted by the Faculty and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Medium: English
Local Course Fee: LKR 200,000 per year
Application Fee: LKR 3,000
3. BSc (External) in Biotechnology and Microbiology
Offered by: Department of Plant Sciences
This interdisciplinary degree covers biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry and related areas, with applications in healthcare, agriculture, food, energy and environmental science.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three G.C.E. Advanced Level passes in one sitting including Biology and Chemistry; or
- Another equivalent academic qualification approved by the Faculty Board and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Medium: English
Annual Course Fee: LKR 300,000
Application Fee: LKR 3,000
Learning Mode: Blended learning with online and on-campus activities, mainly during weekends
View Biotechnology & Microbiology Details4. BSc (External) in Electronics and Automation Technologies
Offered by: Department of Physics
The programme combines electronics, computing, information technology, mathematics, statistics and automation technologies. It is particularly suitable for students interested in electronics, automation and related technology careers.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three G.C.E. A/L passes in one sitting with Physics as a subject, with preference for Mathematics students; or
- Three passes in the Technology Stream, with preference for Engineering Technology and Science for Technology; or
- Relevant equivalent academic/professional qualifications accepted by the Faculty and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Local Course Fee: LKR 200,000 per year
Application Fee: LKR 3,000
5. BSc (External) in Environment, Development and Sustainability
Offered by: Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences
This programme focuses on environmental management, sustainable development, practical laboratory and field techniques, management and statistical skills required for careers related to sustainability and environmental management.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three G.C.E. A/L passes in one sitting in Biology, Mathematics or Commerce Stream; or
- Arts Stream with Geography as a subject; or
- Technology Stream, with preference for Biosystems Technology; or
- An equivalent qualification accepted by the Faculty and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Local Course Fee: LKR 200,000 per year
International Fee: USD 2,500 per year
Application Fee: LKR 3,000
Mode: Blended / online weekend learning with practical and field activities
View Environment & Sustainability Details6. BSc (External) in Financial Engineering
Offered by: Department of Mathematics
The Financial Engineering degree combines mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting, computing and finance. Students study areas such as quantitative finance, financial modelling, risk management and corporate finance.
Minimum Eligibility:
- Three G.C.E. A/L passes in one sitting in Mathematics, Biology, Commerce or Technology streams; or
- Equivalent international A/L qualification including Mathematics; or
- Another equivalent academic/professional qualification accepted by the Faculty and Senate.
Duration: 3 Years
Credits: 90 Credits – SLQF Level 5
Local Course Fee: LKR 300,000 per year
Sri Lankans from a Foreign Territory: USD 2,000 per year
International Students: USD 2,500 per year
Local Application Fee: LKR 3,000
View Financial Engineering DetailsUniversity of Colombo External Degree Fees 2027
| Degree | Local Annual Fee | Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Applied Chemistry | Check current official programme notice | LKR 3,000 |
| Applied Data Analytics | LKR 200,000 / Year | LKR 3,000 |
| Biotechnology & Microbiology | LKR 300,000 / Year | LKR 3,000 |
| Electronics & Automation Technologies | LKR 200,000 / Year | LKR 3,000 |
| Environment, Development & Sustainability | LKR 200,000 / Year | LKR 3,000 |
| Financial Engineering | LKR 300,000 / Year | LKR 3,000 |
2027 Intake Important Dates
- Applications: August 2026
- Recommended latest application date: 30 August 2026
- Interviews: September 2026
- Final Selected List: October 2026
- Registration: November 2026
- Programme Inauguration: January 2027
- Programme Commencement: January 2027
How to Apply Online
- Select the BSc External Degree programme you wish to apply for.
- Pay the relevant non-refundable application fee.
- Prepare the required scanned documents.
- Visit the University of Colombo SIMS online application portal.
- Select the relevant degree and enter your email address and NIC/passport details.
- Complete all sections of the online application.
- Upload the required documents.
- Submit the application and keep the confirmation email for future reference.
Documents Required for Online Application
- Passport-size photograph – JPG / JPEG / PNG
- Application fee payment slip – JPG / JPEG / PNG
- Relevant educational certificates – PDF
- Birth Certificate – PDF
- National Identity Card (NIC) – PDF
- Passport, if available – PDF
Why Choose a University of Colombo External Degree?
The Faculty of Science external degree programmes are designed to provide flexible higher-education opportunities for students who wish to study in specialised science, technology, data, environmental and finance-related fields. Several programmes conduct teaching activities online or through blended weekend learning, making them suitable for students who need greater flexibility than a conventional weekday programme.
The programmes generally lead to a Bachelor of Science qualification after successful completion of the required credits and academic requirements. Depending on the particular degree, students may also receive intermediate Diploma or Higher/Advanced Diploma qualifications after completing the relevant levels.
Frequently Asked Questions – University of Colombo External Degree 2027
Yes. Online registration for the 2027 intake is currently open.
Six external BSc degree programmes are available through the Faculty of Science.
The online application system currently lists LKR 3,000 for each programme for local applicants.
The listed BSc External Degree programmes are designed for completion in approximately three years.
The University timetable indicates inauguration and commencement in January 2027.
Applicants should submit a separate application for each degree programme.
The advertisement states 31 August 2026, while the current SIMS application page displays 30 August 2026. Applicants are therefore advised to complete the application on or before 30 August 2026.
Direct link to official source