TL;DR External degrees in Kelaniya University are run by its Centre for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE) for students who study mostly on their own and sit university exams. Places are limited and selection is competitive, with priority given to higher A/L Z-scores. Recent calling notices list programs such as the BA General, BBM General, BCom Special and BSc General (External), and you apply online through the CDCE website.
An external degree suits people who need flexibility, such as students who work or who missed a place in the regular intake. This guide explains how the Kelaniya process works from the CDCE's own notices, and how it compares with studying at a private institute on Uplift.
Browse the business management programs in the wider business study area. Uplift does not offer University of Kelaniya external degrees, so the details below come from the CDCE, accessed on 26/10/2026. Always check the latest calling notice, because dates and rules change each year.
What are external degrees in Kelaniya University?
An external degree lets you study for a university qualification without attending the regular full-time program. The University of Kelaniya offers these through the CDCE, which publishes a calling notice for each intake.
Recent notices list the BA General, BBM General, BCom Special and BSc General (External). The BA General and BBM General run for three years, and the BCom Special runs for four years. Some programs are taught in Sinhala, some in English and some in both, so check the language shown for your program.
Who can apply and how are students selected?
Places are limited, so selection is competitive. According to the CDCE selection criteria, priority goes to applicants with the highest G.C.E. A/L Z-scores.
Applicants should have passed any three subjects at one and the same attempt, in not more than three attempts, at the A/L examination conducted by the Department of Examinations. Applicants with qualifications at SLQF Level 2, such as NVQ Level 5 or an Advanced Certificate, may also be considered. Other qualifications approved by the Senate can be considered on the recommendation of the University Admissions Committee for External Degrees, but only a limited number of those applicants are selected, after regular applicants.
Why are places limited?
The selection criteria were amended under UGC circulars. Under UGC Circular No. 932, the number of students enrolled for a program in future academic years is tied to the number of internal students, at twice that number. That is why the number of external places changes from year to year and from program to program.
How do you apply?
Applications are made online through the CDCE website. Selected candidates pay a first instalment and register by a set deadline. Fees are published in each calling notice and can be paid in instalments for some programs. Because older notices show older fees, rely only on the notice for the intake you are applying to.
The CDCE lists its contact details on its website, so ask them directly if a rule in the notice is unclear. Our guide on how to apply for a degree in Sri Lanka covers the general steps for private institutes, and the degree fees guide explains how to read and compare fees.
How is an external degree different from a degree at a private institute?
The two routes meet different needs, and neither is better for everyone.
Study style
An external degree is largely self-paced, and you sit university examinations. A degree at an institute usually follows a timetable of classes, with scheduled assessments.
Entry and places
External places depend on the CDCE intake and Z-score priority. Institute degrees list their own entry rules in the program record, and many publish intake dates there.
Awarding body
For an external degree, the University of Kelaniya is the awarding university. Many institute programs on Uplift are delivered with an international university partner. For example, the BA (Hons) in Business Administration at ESOFT Uni is a London Metropolitan University (UK) program, and the BM (Hons) in Accounting at KIU University is a four-year honours degree. Read the program page for the awarding body and entry rules.
