Part Time Degrees in Sri Lanka
Weekend & Evening Degree Programmes for Working Professionals in 2026
Part time degrees in Sri Lanka let you earn a full bachelor's qualification while working, usually through weekend or evening classes over 3.5 to 5 years, with total fees typically ranging from LKR 350,000 to LKR 1,500,000 depending on the field and whether the award is local or foreign.
Discover the best part time degree programmes in Sri Lanka, the fields available, how long they take, and how flexible study can advance your career without pausing your job.
What Are Part Time Degrees in Sri Lanka?
Part time degrees in Sri Lanka are bachelor's programmes structured so that working adults can study without leaving employment. Instead of full-time daytime lectures, part time degree programmes deliver the same accredited curriculum through weekend classes, evening sessions, and increasingly through online and blended learning. This flexibility makes them one of the most practical routes to higher qualifications for professionals across the country.
A part time degree carries the same value as its full-time equivalent when awarded by an accredited institution — the difference lies only in scheduling and pace. For many working professionals, a weekend or evening degree is the difference between advancing their career and being held back by a lack of formal qualifications.
Part Time Degree Options in Sri Lanka 2026
The table below outlines popular part time degree options in Sri Lanka, the field each belongs to, the typical duration for part time study, and an indicative total fee range.
| Part Time Degree | Field | Typical Duration | Indicative Total Fees (LKR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBA / BSc Business Management | Business & Management | 3.5 - 4 years | 400,000 - 1,200,000 |
| BSc Information Technology | IT & Computing | 3.5 - 4 years | 500,000 - 1,300,000 |
| BSc Accounting & Finance | Finance | 3.5 - 4 years | 450,000 - 1,200,000 |
| BEd / Bachelor of Education | Education & Teaching | 3.5 - 5 years | 350,000 - 900,000 |
| BA English / Languages | Arts & Humanities | 3 - 4 years | 350,000 - 800,000 |
| BSc Psychology | Social Sciences | 3.5 - 4 years | 450,000 - 1,100,000 |
| BSc Nursing / Health Science | Healthcare | 4 - 5 years | 600,000 - 1,500,000 |
| LLB (Bachelor of Laws) | Law | 4 - 5 years | 500,000 - 1,400,000 |
Weekend vs Evening vs Online Degrees
Part time degree programmes in Sri Lanka come in a few common formats. Weekend degrees concentrate classes into Saturdays and Sundays, which suits those who prefer to keep weekday evenings free. Evening degrees run classes after working hours on weekdays, ideal for professionals who live close to their study centre. Online and blended degrees combine recorded and live sessions with occasional in-person workshops, giving the greatest flexibility for those with unpredictable schedules or who live far from a campus.
Each format leads to the same qualification, so the right choice depends on your work pattern, commute, and preferred learning style. Many working professionals in the Eastern Province choose weekend or blended formats to minimise disruption to their jobs.
Benefits of a Part Time Degree for Working Professionals
Choosing a part time degree offers several advantages:
- Keep earning a full salary while you study, avoiding the income gap of full-time education.
- Apply what you learn directly at work, reinforcing both your studies and job performance.
- Spread fees across several years through semester-based instalment plans.
- Qualify for promotions and roles that require a degree without leaving employment.
- Use prior HND or diploma qualifications for credit exemptions to shorten the pathway.
How to Choose a Recognised Part Time Degree
Before enrolling, confirm that the awarding institution is accredited and, where relevant, recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for government-sector employment. Check whether the degree is locally awarded or a foreign (for example UK or Australian) qualification delivered in Sri Lanka, as this affects both recognition and cost. Review the class schedule against your work commitments, and ask about credit exemptions if you already hold an HND or diploma — these can meaningfully reduce both time and fees.
Part Time Degree Pathways at Ceylon Open Campus
Ceylon Open Campus in Kattankudy is committed to making higher education accessible to working professionals across the Eastern Province. We offer flexible degree pathways designed so that students in Batticaloa and the surrounding region can study close to home rather than relocating to Colombo. Our team can help you match a part time degree to your career goals, assess any exemptions you may qualify for, and plan an affordable study route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a part time degree in Sri Lanka?
A part time degree in Sri Lanka is a bachelor's programme designed to be studied alongside full-time work, usually through weekend classes, evening sessions, or blended online learning. It covers the same academic content as a full-time degree but spreads the study over a longer, more flexible schedule, allowing working professionals to earn a recognised qualification without giving up their job.
How long does a part time degree take in Sri Lanka?
A part time bachelor's degree in Sri Lanka typically takes 3.5 to 5 years, compared with 3 to 4 years for full-time study. The exact duration depends on the field, the provider, and whether you hold prior qualifications such as an HND or diploma that grant credit exemptions and shorten the pathway.
How much does a part time degree cost in Sri Lanka?
Part time degree fees in Sri Lanka generally range from around LKR 350,000 to LKR 1,500,000 in total, depending on the subject and whether the award is local or a foreign (UK/Australian) degree. Business and IT degrees tend to sit in the mid-range, while foreign-awarded top-up degrees can be at the higher end. Most providers allow payment in instalments by semester.
Are part time degrees recognised in Sri Lanka?
Yes, provided the awarding institution is properly accredited. Degrees from UGC-recognised state universities, the Open University of Sri Lanka, and reputable institutes offering accredited foreign degrees are recognised by employers. Always confirm accreditation and, for government-sector employment, UGC recognition before enrolling in any part time degree programme.
Can I do a part time degree while working full time?
Absolutely — that is exactly what part time degrees are designed for. Weekend and evening degree programmes schedule classes outside standard working hours, and many now include online or blended components to reduce travel. Thousands of working professionals in Sri Lanka complete degrees this way each year to gain promotions, change careers, or meet qualification requirements.
Does Ceylon Open Campus offer part time degrees in the Eastern Province?
Yes. Ceylon Open Campus in Kattankudy offers flexible degree pathways suited to working professionals in Batticaloa and the wider Eastern Province. Our programmes are designed so you can study close to home without relocating to Colombo. Call our team on 075 922 0083 to discuss the part time degree options and entry routes available to you.
Earn Your Degree While You Work
Ceylon Open Campus offers flexible degree pathways designed for working professionals across the Eastern Province.