TL;DR Accounting courses in Sri Lanka on Uplift cover a short certificate, HND programs, an honours degree and a postgraduate diploma, and they sit beside professional bodies such as AAT, ACCA and CIMA. Your entry point depends on whether you have O/Ls, A/Ls or a degree, and on whether you want an academic award, a professional title or both.
This guide lines up the options by entry rules, length and level. You can also browse the accounting programs in the wider business study area. The programs come from KIU University, Colombo International Campus, Asian Institute of Business and Science (AIBS) and Achievers International Campus.
What are the accounting courses in Sri Lanka?
Accounting study falls into three layers. The first is a short certificate or an HND for school leavers and working staff. The second is a full honours degree after A/Ls. The third is a postgraduate diploma for graduates and experienced managers.
The programs listed today appear below. Open a course page for entry rules, fees and intake dates.
ViewBM (Hons) in Accounting
KIU University · Bachelor's · Sri Lanka
- View
Certificate Course in Financial and Management Accounting
KIU University · Certificate · Sri Lanka
ViewHND in Business (Accounting & Finance)
Colombo International Campus · HND · Sri Lanka
ViewPostgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Achievers International Campus · Master's · Sri Lanka
Which accounting course suits a school leaver?
The Certificate Course in Financial and Management Accounting at KIU University is the lightest entry point. KIU lists entry as a completed A/L or O/L, or at least six months of similar work experience, so it also suits people already working. Our guide to the KIU certificate explains what it covers.
For a longer route, the HND in Business (Accounting and Finance) at Colombo International Campus runs for 18 months in a hybrid mode. Entry is at least 2 A/L passes in any stream, or a recognised foundation qualification in business, and the page says IELTS or PTE is not mandatory.
The BTEC HND in Accounting and Finance at AIBS also runs for 18 months full-time. It asks for 6 O/L passes including English and Mathematics, or 3 A/L passes in any stream. Our HND comparison sets the two HNDs side by side.
Which accounting degree can you study after A/Ls?
The BM (Hons) in Accounting at KIU University is a 4-year full-time degree. KIU lists two entry routes. One is 3 simple passes in the Commerce stream including Accounting at the A/L, in one sitting. The other is 3 simple passes in any stream in one sitting, plus a credit in Mathematics and in Business and Accounting Studies at the O/L.
The program page also mentions agreements with professional bodies including ACCA and CIMA that carry exemptions and scholarships. Terms change, so ask KIU for the current schedule. Our accounting degree guide compares the degree and HND routes in more depth.
Where do professional qualifications fit?
A degree or HND gives you an academic award. A professional body gives you a professional title and its own exams, and many students study for both. Uplift has a guide for each body, so you can see the levels and entry points before you commit:
AAT in Sri Lanka levels and entry rules
ACCA in Sri Lanka levels, entry points and experience rules
CIMA in Sri Lanka levels, exams and the route to CGMA
What can you study after an accounting degree?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance at Achievers International Campus runs for 6 months. The page describes an OTHM Level 7 Diploma of 120 credits regulated by Ofqual. Entry is any bachelor's degree, or at least 5 years of work experience including 2 years at managerial level, plus a C pass in English at the O/L. Our postgraduate diploma guide covers it in detail.
For finance-focused study, the programs below sit in the neighbouring finance area.
