BA Degree in Open University Sri Lanka
OUSL Bachelor of Arts
A full guide to studying the Bachelor of Arts at the Open University of Sri Lanka, the subjects you can choose, the fees in LKR, how distance learning works, and where a BA can take your career.
The BA at the Open University
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is a full, UGC-recognised undergraduate degree designed for people who cannot attend a conventional campus. It is delivered through distance and blended learning, which means you study mainly from home with printed and online materials, supported by regional centres, day schools and assignments rather than daily lectures.
What makes the OUSL BA different is that it is credit-based and largely self-paced. You build the degree by completing courses worth set credit values, registering for the subjects that suit your goals each academic year. This flexibility is why the BA is so popular with working adults, parents, public servants and students in rural areas who want a recognised national degree without leaving their jobs or families.
- A full UGC-recognised national degree
- Distance and blended learning, study from home
- Credit-based and largely self-paced
- Subjects in Social Sciences, Languages, Economics and Education
BA Subjects & Streams Compared
The main subject streams you can build your Open University BA around.
Social Sciences
Covers: Sociology, Political Science, Geography
Duration: 3 - 4 years
Fees: LKR 30,000 - 60,000 per year
A broad foundation for public sector, research and NGO careers.
Languages
Covers: English, Sinhala, Tamil and translation studies
Duration: 3 - 4 years
Fees: LKR 30,000 - 55,000 per year
Ideal for teaching, media, translation and communication roles.
Economics
Covers: Micro, macro, development and applied economics
Duration: 3 - 4 years
Fees: LKR 35,000 - 60,000 per year
Strong base for banking, planning and policy-focused careers.
Education
Covers: Pedagogy, educational psychology, curriculum
Duration: 3 - 4 years
Fees: LKR 30,000 - 55,000 per year
Popular with serving and aspiring teachers across Sri Lanka.
How Distance & Blended Learning Works
At OUSL you register for a set of credit-bearing courses each year and study them using self-instructional materials supplied by the university. Learning is reinforced through optional day schools at regional centres in Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and elsewhere, along with continuous assignments and a final examination for each course. Because the degree is built from credits, you can move at a pace that fits your work and family life.
This blended model keeps costs low and access wide. You do not need to relocate or give up employment, and the same national qualification is open to students in every district. For many Sri Lankans the OUSL BA is the only realistic path to a recognised degree, which is exactly why the Open University was established.
Entry Requirements
The usual entry route to the BA is through Advanced Level passes, or by first completing the Open University foundation programme. Mature applicants with relevant experience may also qualify. Some streams have specific subject requirements, so always check the current OUSL prospectus.
Fees in LKR
OUSL fees are among the lowest for any recognised degree in Sri Lanka, typically a few tens of thousands of rupees per year depending on the courses you register for. Because you pay per registration, you can spread the total cost of the BA across the full duration of study.
UGC Recognition
The Open University of Sri Lanka is a UGC member university, so its BA is a fully recognised national degree accepted for government employment, professional registration and postgraduate study both locally and overseas.
Career Pathways After a BA
A BA from OUSL opens the same doors as a conventional Arts degree. Graduates go into teaching, the public sector, banking, NGOs, development work, media and administration. Because the degree is recognised by the UGC, it qualifies you to sit for government competitive examinations and to apply for graduate-level positions across the island.
The BA also serves as a launchpad for further study. Once you graduate you can progress to a postgraduate diploma or Master's degree, or strengthen your profile with professional qualifications. For students who want extra flexibility, distance and external study routes pair naturally with the Open University model.
OUSL BA Degree FAQs
Is the OUSL BA a recognised degree?
Yes. The Open University of Sri Lanka is a UGC member university, so its Bachelor of Arts is a fully recognised national degree accepted for employment and further study.
How long does the BA at OUSL take?
The BA is credit-based and largely self-paced, so it usually takes three to four years depending on how many courses you register for each academic year.
What subjects can I study for the BA?
OUSL offers BA streams in Social Sciences, Languages, Economics and Education, and you build your degree by combining recognised credit-bearing courses.
How much does the Open University BA cost?
Fees are among the lowest for any recognised degree in Sri Lanka, usually a few tens of thousands of rupees per year, paid per course registration.
What are the entry requirements?
Most students enter through Advanced Level passes or the OUSL foundation programme, and mature applicants with relevant experience may also qualify for some streams.
Ready to start your Open University BA?
Talk to a Ceylon Open Campus advisor about OUSL BA subjects, entry routes and how to plan your distance-learning degree.