Advanced Certificate in Science: The Open University of Sri Lanka Opens New Pathways to University Education
View(s):
For many Sri Lankan students, the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination is a decisive turning point. While it opens doors for some, others are left searching for alternative routes to pursue their aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and beyond. Recognising this national need, the Faculty of Natural Sciences of the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) offers a timely and powerful solution through its Advanced Certificate in Science (ACS) programme, a qualification that has transformed thousands of academic journeys across the country.
Established under the provisions of the Universities Act and recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), the Open University of Sri Lanka is the country’s only national university dedicated entirely to Open and Distance Learning (ODL). For over three decades, OUSL has provided inclusive, flexible, and high-quality higher education opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The ACS programme stands as a cornerstone of this mission.
A Gateway to Science and Engineering Degrees
The Advanced Certificate in Science is a Level 2 qualification under the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) and is widely accepted in lieu of G.C.E. (A/L) science passes for admission to degree programmes at OUSL. It is specifically designed for students who wish to pursue Bachelor of Science, Engineering Technology, Education, Management, Health Sciences, and Social Sciences degrees, but who may not fully meet traditional A/L entry requirements.
The programme offers courses in four fundamental scientific disciplines:
Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Students may select up to three disciplines, and successful completion of a minimum of 30 credits qualifies them for the award of the Advanced Certificate in Science.
One of the most significant advantages of the ACS is its flexible recognition system. Students are allowed to combine G.C.E. (A/L) results from any sitting with ACS course passes to meet eligibility criteria for degree programmes. For instance, a student who has passed one science subject at A/L may complete the remaining subjects through ACS and still qualify for admission to a Bachelor of Science degree in, the Open University of Sri Lanka. This provision has opened doors for many students who narrowly missed A/L cut-off requirements.
Wide Range of Progression Opportunities
Completion of the ACS enables students to progress to a diverse range of undergraduate programmes offered by different faculties of OUSL. These include:
• Faculty of Natural Sciences:
Bachelor of Science degrees in Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Computer Science
Bachelor of Education (Natural Sciences)
• Faculty of Engineering Technology:
Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Bachelor of Industrial Studies Honours in Apparel Production and Management, Textile Manufacturing, Fashion Design and Production Development, and Agriculture
• Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences:
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Youth and Community Development
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
• Faculty of Health Sciences:
Bachelor of Science Honours in Psychology
• Faculty of Management Studies:
Bachelor of Management Studies Honours
Specialised degrees in Accounting and Finance, and Marketing Management
• Faculty of Education
Education (Honours) in Primary Education B.Ed (Hons.) in Primary Education
The Bachelor of Education Honours in Natural Sciences Degree Level 3 /Level 4
This broad recognition highlights the ACS not merely as a preparatory programme, but as a strategic bridge to higher education across disciplines.
Designed for Flexibility and Accessibility
In keeping with OUSL’s open learning philosophy, the ACS is conducted entirely online, with academic activities delivered through Zoom-based Interactive Learning Sessions(day schools), supported by the Open University’s Learner Management System (OULMS). There are no face-to-face practical sessions, making the programme ideal for students who are employed, living far from urban centres, or managing family responsibilities.
The programme is offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, ensuring linguistic inclusivity. Students receive structured learning materials, continuous academic support, and guidance from experienced lecturers attached to the Departments of Zoology, Plant Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Entry Requirements and Exemptions
Admission to the ACS requires six passes at the G.C.E. (O/L) examination, including Mathematics and Science, or an equivalent qualification accepted by the Senate of OUSL. Applicants must be over 18 years of age.
Students with prior exposure to science subjects at G.C.E. (A/L) may sit forexemption tests, which can lead to exemptions from firstyear (Part I) ACS courses. In some cases, particularly for students aiming for engineering pathways, exemptions may allow completion of the programme within one year, instead of the standard twoyear duration.
Affordable, Recognised, and Nationally Accessible
With regional centres and study centres across Sri Lanka, including Colombo, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna, Batticaloa, Anuradhapura, Badulla, Kurunegala, and Ratnapura, the Open University ensures nationwide access to its programmes. The ACS is also affordable, with the option to pay tuition fees in instalments, making higher education financially attainable for a wider segment of society.
A Second Chance That Leads to Success
Over the years, the Advanced Certificate in Science has proven to be more than an alternative qualification. It has become a second chance with real outcomes, enabling students to re-enter the academic pathway, gain confidence in scientific learning, and progress to recognized degree programmes with strong career prospects.
For students who believe their ambitions should not be defined by a single examination, the Advanced Certificate in Science of the Open University of Sri Lanka stands as a reliable, recognised, and respected pathway, one that turns missed opportunities into meaningful achievements and lifelong success.
How to Apply
Applications for the ACS 2026/27 Academic Year are accepted online via the Open University of Sri Lanka website. Applicants requiring guidance may obtain assistance from any OUSL Regional or Study Centre. Eligible candidates may also sit for an Exemption Test, enabling expedited completion of the programme.
More Information : https://ou.ac.lk/programme/advanced-certificate-in-science-programme/
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!