A programme has been initiated to enrol 10,000 students to an Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) Degree Course for new jobs connected with Information Technology and Computer Science.
University Grants Commission Chairman Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunga said that the Open University will introduce the new Degree Course targeting more than 40,000 jobs in Information Technology and higher education fields. This will fulfill the requirements of students who do not qualify for university entrance, after sitting for the GCE Advanced Level Examination.
Professor Amaratunga was speaking at a press conference at the Government Information Department on Tuesday to brief the media regarding this new Degree Course.
The significance of this Degree Course is that it is being jointly introduced with the country’s institutional and business sector. The Government has granted Rs.300 million to the Open University for further developing computer facilities required for this course. The Open University of Sri Lanka has called for applications through the University Grants Commission for this Degree Course. Students who have obtained at least three simple passes in subjects such as Arts, Commerce, Mathematics, Science and Technology can apply for this course as well.
At the same time, if certain students have failed the Advanced Level Examination, they can apply for the Course based on their Ordinary Level Examination results and they will be provided with the required knowledge within a foundation year by the University. Students can follow the course through the Internet from their places of residence. In addition, the Government will provide a low interest loan for payment of course fees and purchasing computers. Facilities will also be provided to enable students to repay the loan subsequent to finding employment.
