The NIBM Diploma in Software Engineering is a one-year, full-time, English-medium programme run by the School of Computing at the National Institute of Business Management (NIBM). It is a common first step into software careers for students with a Maths, Science or Technology A/L background, and it leads straight into NIBM’s Higher National Diploma (HND) in Software Engineering.
NIBM Diploma in Software Engineering at a Glance
| Item | Official detail |
|---|---|
| Offered by | National Institute of Business Management, School of Computing |
| Duration | 1 year, full time |
| Medium | English |
| Course fee | LKR 350,000 |
| Registration fee | LKR 5,000 |
| Campuses | Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala, Galle (Matara also appears in the intake list) |
| Next step | Higher National Diploma in Software Engineering (1 year, LKR 350,000) |
NIBM states that fees are subject to change without prior notice.
NIBM Software Engineering Entry Requirements
You qualify through one of these routes:
- A/L route: at least 3 passes at the G.C.E. A/L in the Mathematics or Science stream, or the Technology stream with ICT.
- O/L route: you sat the A/L in the Mathematics, Science or Technology stream and passed the O/L with at least 5 credits, including B passes in Mathematics and Science or ICT, and a C pass in English.
- NIBM route: successful completion of NIBM’s Degree Foundation in Computer Science.
Did not pass your A/L? The O/L route is open to students who sat the A/L in a Maths, Science or Technology stream, as long as their O/L results meet the credit and grade rules above.
What You Study
- Semester 1: Introduction to Computer Science, Mathematics for Computing, Algorithms and Programming Fundamentals, Digital Logic and Computer Organization, Object Oriented Programming, Data Management 1.
- Semester 2: Computer Networks, GUI Development, Software Engineering, Enterprise Application Development 1, Operating Systems, Developing Modern Web.
- Also: a Business Solution Development Project and Effective Communication Skills 1.
Intakes
NIBM’s most recent intakes for this diploma started between 29 September and 15 October 2026 (Kandy, Kurunegala, Colombo, Matara and Galle). The page does not list the next intake or an application closing date, so ask NIBM when the next intake opens at your preferred branch.
How to Apply
- Check that you meet one of the entry routes above.
- Open the course page on nibm.ac.lk and use the “Apply for the Course” link.
- Choose your branch and intake, then follow NIBM’s registration instructions.
- Keep copies of your O/L and A/L result sheets ready.
BrightNook Tips Before You Apply
- Plan the full two-year path. The diploma is the entry route to the HND, which costs another LKR 350,000. Budget for both if you want the HND.
- Check your English grade. The O/L route needs at least a C in English, and the course is taught in English.
- Compare the options. If you want a degree rather than a diploma, look at the UCSC BIT external degree and the OUSL software engineering degree too.
- Confirm the branch. Matara appears in the intake list but not in the campus list for this course, so check before you register.
- Ask about degree top-ups. The HND page does not state a degree progression, so ask NIBM what comes after the HND.
සිංහලෙන් කෙටියෙන්
NIBM මෘදුකාංග ඉංජිනේරු ඩිප්ලෝමාව වසරක පූර්ණ කාලීන, ඉංග්රීසි මාධ්ය පාඨමාලාවකි. ගණිත, විද්යා හෝ තාක්ෂණ (ICT සමඟ) අංශයෙන් උසස් පෙළ විෂයයන් 3ක් සමත් අයට ඇතුළත් විය හැක. පාඨමාලා ගාස්තුව රු. 350,000 සහ ලියාපදිංචි ගාස්තුව රු. 5,000 යි. මෙය NIBM HND පාඨමාලාවට ඇතුළු වීමේ මාර්ගයයි.
தமிழில் சுருக்கமாக
NIBM மென்பொருள் பொறியியல் டிப்ளோமா ஒரு வருட முழுநேர, ஆங்கில மொழிமூலக் கற்கைநெறியாகும். கணிதம், விஞ்ஞானம் அல்லது தொழில்நுட்பம் (ICT உடன்) பிரிவில் க.பொ.த. (உ/த) இல் 3 பாடங்களில் சித்தியடைந்தவர்கள் சேரலாம். கற்கைநெறிக் கட்டணம் ரூ. 350,000, பதிவுக் கட்டணம் ரூ. 5,000. இது NIBM HND கற்கைநெறிக்கான நுழைவு வழியாகும்.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the NIBM Software Engineering diploma?
The course fee is LKR 350,000 and the registration fee LKR 5,000. NIBM says fees can change without notice.
Can I join with O/L results only?
Only if you also sat the A/L in the Maths, Science or Technology stream and your O/L has at least 5 credits, with B passes in Maths and Science or ICT and a C in English.
How long is the course?
One year, full time.
What comes after the diploma?
The diploma is the entry requirement for NIBM’s one-year Higher National Diploma in Software Engineering.
Where is it offered?
NIBM lists Colombo, Kandy, Kurunegala and Galle for this course.
Official Sources
NIBM Colombo: 011 732 1000, No 120/5, Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 07.
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website and is not affiliated with NIBM. Details were checked against NIBM’s official course pages on 25 October 2026. Fees and intakes change, so confirm with NIBM before you register.
