The Department of English at the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo (කොළඹ විශ්වවිද්යාලය | கொழும்புப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்), is now accepting applications for its weekend English diploma programmes for the 2026/2027 academic intake. Designed to elevate professional language proficiency and pedagogical capabilities across Sri Lanka, the intake offers three specialized SLQF Level 3 diplomas: the Diploma in Advanced English, the Diploma in English for Teachers of English (Dip ETE), and the Diploma in English Medium Instruction (Dip EMI). Candidates with G.C.E. Advanced Level qualifications or verified professional field experience can register online before the approaching deadline to qualify for the entrance placement examination and secure admission.
Why This Opportunity Matters
In Sri Lanka’s rapidly evolving education and corporate landscape, standardized English fluency and accredited teaching credentials are indispensable prerequisites for career progression. For practicing and aspiring educators, the University of Colombo’s Extension Courses in English (ECE) provide Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 3 certifications recognized nationwide by the Ministry of Education and international institutions. The Dip (EMI) directly addresses the acute national shortage of certified bilingual and English-medium subject teachers in government, semi-government, and private schools. Concurrently, the Dip (Advanced English) offers corporate executives, public sector officials, and school leavers a weekend-compatible pathway to master high-stakes business communication and academic writing without disrupting full-time employment.
Closing date passed: this guide was written while applications were open, and the closing date in the notice was 22 September 2026. Check the official notice for any extension or the next call before you act (last reviewed 18 October 2026).
Key Programme Facts
| Awarding Institution | University of Colombo කොළඹ විශ්වවිද්යාලය | கொழும்புப் பல்கலைக்கழகம் |
|---|---|
| Administering Department | Department of English, Faculty of Arts (Extension Courses in English – ECE) |
| Programmes Offered |
1. Diploma in Advanced English – Dip (Advanced English) 2. Diploma in English for Teachers of English – Dip (ETE) 3. Diploma in English Medium Instruction – Dip (EMI) |
| Qualification Level | Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 3 |
| Programme Duration | 1 Year (240 contact hours across 40 weekend sessions of 6 hours each) |
| Class Schedule |
• Dip (Advanced English): Saturday OR Sunday (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM) • Dip (ETE) & Dip (EMI): Sunday only (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM) |
| Course Fee | LKR 95,000 (payable in two installments) |
| Selection Test Fee | LKR 2,500 (non-refundable application & placement test charge) |
| Application Closing Date | 22 September 2026 |
| Commencement | October 2026 |
Official Application Links & Portals
Submit your application through the official University of Colombo Google Form portal and verify payments using the dedicated finance gateway:
Eligibility Criteria & Entry Qualifications
Applicants must satisfy one of the recognized baseline criteria specified by the Department of English and sit for the competitive selection examination:
- Pathway A (Academic): G.C.E. Advanced Level examination with a minimum of three (03) passes in any stream, OR an equivalent certified qualification.
- Pathway B (Experience): G.C.E. Ordinary Level examination with six (06) passes (including English and Mathematics) AND at least three (03) years of verified work experience in a relevant field.
- Pathway C (Vocational / Foundation): Successful completion of a recognized Certificate Course in English or related discipline from an approved higher education institute, alongside three (03) years of relevant working experience.
- Specialized Condition for Dip (ETE) & Dip (EMI): In addition to the academic or experiential requirements above, applicants for Dip (ETE) and Dip (EMI) must present formal proof of a current teaching position or verified future appointment as an English or English-medium subject teacher.
Eligibility Self-Assessment Decision Matrix
Use this decision framework to verify your qualification match before remitting the placement test fee:
| Your Profile / Background | Dip (Advanced English) | Dip (ETE) | Dip (EMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/L 3 Passes + Non-Teaching Professional | Eligible (Direct entry to test) | Ineligible (Requires teaching proof) | Ineligible (Requires teaching proof) |
| A/L 3 Passes + Practicing English Teacher | Eligible | Eligible (Recommended stream) | Ineligible (Unless teaching other subjects in English) |
| A/L 3 Passes + Subject Teacher (Science/Math/Commerce) in English Medium | Eligible | Ineligible (Unless assigned English language classes) | Eligible (Recommended stream) |
| O/L 6 Passes + 3 Years Field Experience (Corporate / Office) | Eligible (Submit service letters) | Ineligible (Requires teaching appointment) | Ineligible (Requires teaching appointment) |
| O/L 6 Passes + 3 Years Teaching Experience in Recognized School | Eligible | Eligible (Submit principal letter) | Eligible (Submit principal letter) |
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
-
Remit the Non-Refundable Selection Test Fee (LKR 2,500):
Candidates can pay via over-the-counter deposit at any People’s Bank branch islandwide, or through the official University web portal:
- Bank Deposit Option: Account Name: University of Colombo | Bank: People’s Bank | Account Number: 3040 284 00 003. Ensure the bank teller clearly prints your Full Name and National Identity Card (NIC) number on the deposit slip.
- Online Payment Gateway Option: Navigate to pay.cmb.ac.lk, select category “Application Fee – Post Graduate – Faculty of Arts”, enter bank account reference 304028400003, complete the transaction via credit/debit card, and save the PDF/image confirmation.
- Scan Documentation: Produce clear, high-resolution scans or photos of your bank deposit slip / e-payment receipt and personal identification.
- Complete the Online Google Form: Visit the official portal at forms.gle/bZZK7f84cZthw5Bu6. Ensure you log in with an active Google account.
- Select Your Specific Diploma Programme: Choose exactly one target course: Dip (Advanced English), Dip (ETE), or Dip (EMI).
- Upload Payment Verification: Attach the digital payment slip to the form upload field.
- Submit and Retain Physical Copy: Submit the completed online form on or before 22 September 2026. Keep the original physical deposit slip safely; you must present it during in-person registration upon passing the placement test.
Required Documents Checklist
- Original Bank Deposit Slip or Official Online Payment Gateway Confirmation (LKR 2,500).
- Valid National Identity Card (NIC), Postal ID, or Passport.
- Certified Copies of G.C.E. A/L Examination Certificate or Official Result Sheet.
- Certified Copies of G.C.E. O/L Examination Certificate (mandatory if applying under the 3-year experience route).
- Official Service Letters or Employer Confirmation Certificates verifying 3 years of work experience (for Pathway B and C applicants).
- Official Letter of Appointment or Principal’s Endorsement verifying active or scheduled teaching assignments (mandatory for Dip ETE and Dip EMI applicants).
- Two recently taken passport-size color photographs (required at final document verification).
Where and How to Submit
All applications must be submitted strictly via the online Google Form link. Physical, posted, or emailed application forms will not be entertained by the university administration. Candidates without direct internet access at home can utilize regional community telecentres (Nanasala), Zonal ICT Education Centres, or public libraries to complete the online submission.
Department of English ECE Office Support:
Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo, Kumaratunga Munidasa Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka.
Official Website: arts.cmb.ac.lk/diploma-courses-english
Important Dates & Academic Timeline
| Milestone / Event | Date / Period | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Applications Opened | 19 July 2026 | Online portal and banking details released |
| Application Closing Deadline | 22 September 2026 | Final date for fee remittance and Google Form submission |
| Written Selection Examination | Late September 2026 | Specific date, time, and test venue emailed to applicants |
| Selection List Publication | Early October 2026 | Notified via university portal and individual email |
| Programme Commencement | October 2026 | Orientation and inaugural weekend lectures |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is tested in the University of Colombo English Diploma Selection Examination?
The selection examination assesses foundational English grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and structured essay writing. For teaching diplomas (Dip ETE and Dip EMI), basic pedagogical awareness and language aptitude may also be evaluated.
2. Can I pay the course fee of LKR 95,000 in installments?
Yes. The University of Colombo allows the full course fee of LKR 95,000 to be remitted in two installments across the academic year. Detailed payment schedules and due dates are provided upon registration.
3. Is attendance mandatory for the weekend lectures?
Yes. As an accredited SLQF Level 3 qualification carrying 240 contact hours, students must maintain a minimum of 80% attendance across the 40 sessions to qualify to sit for final semester examinations.
4. Can I change my weekend study day between Saturday and Sunday?
The Saturday option is exclusively available for the Diploma in Advanced English. The Dip (ETE) and Dip (EMI) streams operate on Sundays only. Once registered, cohort shifts are generally restricted due to class capacity limits.
Common Application Pitfalls & Troubleshooting
Crucial Submission Precautions:
- Missing Reference on Deposit Slip: If paying through a People’s Bank branch, ensure the teller prints your Full Name and NIC number directly on the printed slip. Hand-written additions made after leaving the counter can cause verification delays.
- Incorrect Payment Category on Portal: When using pay.cmb.ac.lk, you must select “Application Fee – Post Graduate – Faculty of Arts” and enter the exact account reference 304028400003. Choosing another faculty or account will lead to payment rejection.
- Non-Refundable Fee: The LKR 2,500 application/selection test fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstance, even if your application is submitted after the deadline or disqualified.
- Email Delivery Failures: Selection test admission cards and scheduling details are communicated strictly via email. Double-check your Gmail address on the form for typos and inspect your Spam folder regularly during the third week of September.
Primary Official Sources & Verification
- Faculty of Arts Official Notice – Diploma Courses in English (ECE 2026/2027)
- University of Colombo Official Online Payment Portal
- Official Online Application Google Form (Intake 2026)
- University of Colombo – Faculty of Arts Official Domain
Disclaimer: BrightNook (brightnook.lk) is an independent educational news and career advisory platform in Sri Lanka. This guide is compiled strictly for public informational convenience based on announcements published by the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. Course fees, closing dates, and entry regulations are subject to change at the sole discretion of the administering university. Always verify guidelines and make payments exclusively through the official university portal (arts.cmb.ac.lk).
