TL;DR: Sri Lanka has one dedicated artificial intelligence degree on Uplift: the 3-year BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Universal College Lanka. Colombo International Campus offers an 18-month HND with an AI focus, and several data science degrees and master's programs cover machine learning too. The UCL degree takes two A/L passes in any stream.
If you want a career in AI, the first question is which route fits your results and your timeline. This guide walks through every AI and closely related program listed on Uplift today, with the entry rules and fees that are on record.
Apply nowThe dedicated AI degree
The BSc (Hons) Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at Universal College Lanka is offered through a partnership between UCL Sri Lanka and the University of Lancashire. It runs for 3 years, full-time, and is delivered at the UCL campus in Colombo.
The program covers machine learning, deep learning and data visualisation. Year 3 includes a module called Deep Learning, another on applications of AI and data science with legal and ethical case studies, and an honours degree project. The listing also mentions an optional industry placement.
Entry rules
Local A/L: 2 S passes in any stream.
Edexcel or Cambridge A/L: 2 D grades in any stream.
O/L English at C, or A/L General English at B.
Some subject prerequisites may apply, depending on the degree pathway at the University of Lancashire.
No tuition fee is recorded for this program yet. Ask UCL for the current fee through the course page.
A shorter route: the AI-focused HND
If you want to start working sooner, the HND in Digital Technologies (Artificial Intelligence Solutions and Applications) at Colombo International Campus takes 18 months.
It blends core computing with applied AI, data, cloud and cybersecurity, and it is project based. The listing describes the aim as designing, building and deploying AI-powered solutions.
Entry is either two A/L passes plus O/L passes in Mathematics and English, or an internationally recognised foundation qualification in computing. IELTS or PTE is not mandatory unless a provider specifies it.
An HND can also lead on to a degree. Our guide to the top-up degree in Sri Lanka explains how that step works.
Data science degrees that include machine learning
AI work rests on data skills, and three data science degrees on Uplift teach machine learning as a module.
BSc (Hons) in Data Science at ESOFT Uni
A 3-year degree awarded by London Metropolitan University. Tuition is LKR 1,620,000 in total, with a LKR 25,000 application fee. Machine Learning and Big Data Platforms sit in Semester 3. Entry is two A/L passes, or a relevant HND or foundation.
BSc Honours in Data Science at KIU University
A 4-year degree that mixes computer science, statistics and mathematics. Entry is a completed A/L, and KIU recommends a mathematics or physical science background. No fee is recorded on Uplift.
Which one fits you
Choose the AI degree if you want AI named on the certificate. Choose a data science degree if you prefer a broader base in statistics. Our guide to the data science degree in Sri Lanka compares those routes in more detail.
