Postgraduate Diploma in Sri Lanka
PGD Courses, Fields & Fees
A complete breakdown of Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) programmes in Sri Lanka, the fields you can study, the fees in LKR, and how a one-year PGD can convert into a full Master's degree.
What is a Postgraduate Diploma?
A Postgraduate Diploma (PGD or PGDip) is a recognised qualification that sits above a Bachelor's degree but below a Master's. In Sri Lanka it is one of the most practical ways for a graduate to specialise in a new field, upgrade career prospects, or build a bridge towards a full Master's degree without committing to the longer research thesis from the very start.
Most PGD programmes are taught over one academic year and are delivered part-time or in the evenings and weekends so that working professionals can study without leaving employment. The single biggest advantage is the conversion route: at many universities and institutes you can add a dissertation or extra modules to a completed PGD and graduate with a full Master's qualification.
- Sits between a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s
- Typically one year, study while you work
- Counts as credit towards a related Master’s degree
- Available in Education, Management, IT, HRM, Counselling and English
Popular PGD Programmes Compared
The most in-demand Postgraduate Diploma fields offered across Sri Lankan universities and professional institutes.
PGD in Education (PGDE)
Focus: Teaching methods, pedagogy, classroom practice
Duration: 1 year
Fees: LKR 120,000 - 250,000
Popular with graduate teachers seeking a recognised teaching qualification.
PGD in Management (PGDM)
Focus: Strategy, finance, marketing, operations
Duration: 1 year
Fees: LKR 200,000 - 400,000
A strong stepping stone into an MBA or MSc in Management.
PGD in Information Technology
Focus: Software engineering, data, networks, project work
Duration: 1 - 1.5 years
Fees: LKR 250,000 - 450,000
Ideal for graduates moving into IT or digital roles.
PGD in Counselling & Psychology
Focus: Counselling theory, ethics, supervised practice
Duration: 1 year
Fees: LKR 180,000 - 350,000
Builds practitioner skills for school, clinical and community settings.
PGD in Human Resource Management
Focus: HRM, labour law, recruitment, development
Duration: 1 year
Fees: LKR 175,000 - 350,000
Valued for HR executive and people-management careers.
PGD in English / English Education
Focus: Language teaching, applied linguistics, communication
Duration: 1 year
Fees: LKR 150,000 - 300,000
Sought after by English teachers and trainers across Sri Lanka.
Where to Study a PGD in Sri Lanka
Postgraduate Diplomas are offered by state universities, the Open University of Sri Lanka, and recognised professional institutes.
Open University (OUSL)
The Open University of Sri Lanka offers flexible distance and blended PGDs in Education, Management and other fields, making them accessible to students island-wide who cannot attend a conventional campus.
State Universities
Colombo, Kelaniya, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura and other UGC universities run PGDs through their postgraduate faculties, often as the first stage of an MA, MSc or MBA.
Professional Institutes
Bodies such as the NIBM, IPM and other chartered institutes award career-focused PGDs in HRM, IT and management that are well regarded by employers in Colombo and overseas.
Entry Requirements
The standard entry requirement for a PGD is a recognised Bachelor's degree, ideally in a related discipline. Some programmes accept professional qualifications plus relevant work experience, and a few allow mature applicants with strong industry backgrounds.
Fees in LKR
PGD fees in Sri Lanka generally run from LKR 120,000 to 450,000 for the full programme, depending on the field and institute. Many providers allow semester or monthly installments, and OUSL programmes are often the most affordable.
Recognition & UGC
PGDs from OUSL and state universities are UGC-recognised, which matters for government service and further study. Before enrolling with a private institute, confirm the awarding body and whether the PGD is accepted for your intended Master's pathway.
Master's Conversion & Career Pathways
For many graduates the PGD is the first half of a Master's degree. At OUSL and most UGC universities, a completed Postgraduate Diploma carries credit into the matching MA, MSc or MBA, so you simply add a research dissertation or a final set of modules to graduate with a full Master's. This staged route spreads the cost and lets you confirm the field is right for you before committing further.
A PGD also stands on its own as a strong career qualification. Graduates use it to qualify as recognised teachers, move into HR and management roles, transition into IT, or register as counselling practitioners. Employers across Colombo and the public sector value the PGD as proof of specialised, postgraduate-level competence.
Postgraduate Diploma FAQs
Is a PGD higher than a degree in Sri Lanka?
Yes. A Postgraduate Diploma sits above a Bachelor’s degree and below a Master’s, so it is a genuine postgraduate-level qualification that requires a degree to enter.
How long does a postgraduate diploma take?
Most PGD programmes in Sri Lanka take one academic year, and many are delivered part-time so you can continue working while you study.
Can I convert a PGD into a Master’s degree?
In most cases yes. At OUSL and UGC universities a completed PGD carries credit into the matching Master’s, so you add a dissertation or final modules to graduate with the full qualification.
How much does a PGD cost in Sri Lanka?
PGD fees usually range from LKR 120,000 to 450,000 for the full programme depending on the field and institute, with OUSL programmes among the most affordable.
Do I need a degree to enrol in a PGD?
A recognised Bachelor’s degree is the standard requirement, though some programmes accept professional qualifications combined with relevant work experience.
Ready to start your Postgraduate Diploma?
Talk to a Ceylon Open Campus advisor about the right PGD field and Master's pathway for your career.