What Qualifications Do I Need to Enroll?
Most People Qualify!
Flexible entry requirements | Mature student pathways | Work experience counts
Complete entry requirements guide with qualification checker, program-specific requirements, mature student options, international qualifications, RPL (work experience as credit), and alternative pathways for those without traditional qualifications.
Entry Requirements by Program Type
| Program Level | Minimum Requirements | Alternative Entry | Who Can Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate Programs | O/Levels with 3+ passes (any grades) | Age 18+ with basic education | Almost everyone qualifies |
| Diploma Programs | O/Levels with 5+ passes OR A/L attempted | 1+ year work experience | Very accessible |
| HND (Level 5) | A/L with 2 passes (any subject) OR Diploma | O/L + 3 years work experience OR Mature student (25+) | Most working professionals qualify |
| BSc Direct Entry (3 years) | A/L with 3 passes including relevant subjects | Diploma in related field OR HNC (Level 4) | Moderate requirements |
| BSc Top-up (After HND) | Completed HND (Level 5) in related field | Diploma + work experience (case by case) | HND graduates directly qualify! |
| Postgraduate (Masters) | Bachelor's degree (Level 6) in relevant field | Degree + 2+ years professional experience | Requires undergraduate degree |
Quick Qualification Checker
Do you have A/Level passes?
✓ YES:
You qualify for: HND, BSc degrees (direct entry or HND pathway)
✗ NO:
Continue to next question
Do you have a Diploma or HNC?
✓ YES:
You qualify for: HND (advanced standing), BSc Top-up programs
✗ NO:
Continue to next question
Are you 25+ with 3+ years work experience?
✓ YES:
You qualify as MATURE STUDENT: HND, selected degree programs
✗ NO:
Continue to next question
Do you have O/Levels or equivalent?
✓ YES:
You qualify for: Certificate programs, Diploma programs, Foundation courses
✗ NO:
Continue to next question
Do you have professional certifications (CIMA, ACCA, etc.)?
✓ YES:
You may qualify for: Direct entry or advanced standing (assessment required)
✗ NO:
Contact us - we can find a pathway!
Still Unsure If You Qualify?
Contact our admissions team at 075 922 0083 with your qualifications for a free assessment!
Mature Student Entry (Age 25+)
Your Experience is Your Qualification!
If you're 25 or older, we recognize that professional and life experience is as valuable as academic qualifications. Mature student entry allows you to enroll based on your work history and skills.
Requirements:
- →Age 25 years or older
- →Minimum 3-5 years work experience in relevant field
- →English proficiency (O/L or work-based evidence)
- →Portfolio/interview assessment
Programs Available:
- ✓HND programs (all fields)
- ✓Business Management degrees
- ✓IT/Computing programs
- ✓Professional development courses
Bank Cashier
O/Levels + 8 years banking
HND Business Management
Now Assistant Manager
Site Supervisor
A/L failed + 12 years construction
HND Quantity Surveying
Started QS consultancy
Office Manager
O/Levels + 20 years admin
BSc Business (mature entry)
Promoted to Operations Manager
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need A/Levels to enroll in an HND program?
Not always! Options: (1) A/Levels with at least 1-2 passes (any stream), (2) O/Levels with 3+ years relevant work experience, (3) Completed diploma in related field, (4) Professional certifications + experience. HND is more flexible than degrees - we assess your overall background, not just academic qualifications.
I don't have A/Levels. Can I still get a degree?
Yes! Alternative pathways: (1) Start with Certificate → Diploma → HND → Degree progression, (2) Mature student entry (age 25+) with work experience, (3) Professional qualifications (CIMA, ACCA, etc.) may allow direct entry, (4) Complete HND first (easier entry), then top-up to degree. Many successful students took alternative routes!
What qualifications do I need as a mature student (over 25)?
Mature student benefits: Work experience counts as qualification! Requirements: (1) Age 25+ years, (2) Minimum 3-5 years professional work experience, (3) O/Levels or equivalent (can be waived with strong experience), (4) Interview/assessment may be required. We recognize that life experience = valuable learning. Many 30-40 year olds successfully enroll through mature student route!
Are international qualifications accepted?
Yes! Accepted qualifications: UK A-Levels/GCSE, International Baccalaureate (IB), American High School Diploma + SAT, Indian CBSE/ICSE, Australian HSC, Foundation programs from recognized institutions, Professional certifications (ACCA, CIMA, etc.). We assess international qualifications for equivalency. Contact admissions with your certificates for evaluation!
Do I need to take an entrance test?
Depends on the program: HND programs: Generally NO entrance test, qualification-based admission. Bachelor's direct entry: May require English proficiency test if O/L English < C grade. Mature students: Interview/portfolio assessment instead of test. Certain competitive programs: May have aptitude test. Most programs have open enrollment based on qualifications!
What if my qualifications are from years ago?
Old qualifications are still valid! No expiry on academic certificates - your 20-year-old A/Levels still count. We also consider: Current professional certifications, Work experience gained since then, Skills and knowledge acquired, Continuing education/training. In fact, mature students with older qualifications often succeed better due to life experience and motivation!
Check Your Eligibility Today
Contact Ceylon Open Campus for a free qualification assessment. We'll find the right pathway for you!
Phone
075 922 0083
Mon-Sat: 9AM - 6PM
coc.ceylon@gmail.com
24-hour response time
Campus
Ceylon Open Campus
Kattankudy, Sri Lanka