The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) is now accepting applications for its OUSL ecotourism diploma – the Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism – for the 2026/2027 academic year. Applications opened on 8 October 2026 and close on 9 November 2026. The one-year programme is run by the Department of Zoology and suits anyone who wants to start or grow an ecotourism business, or simply understand Sri Lanka’s natural resources better. You can apply with three G.C.E. A/L passes from any stream.
Applications are open now. The programme is listed on the OUSL Online Application portal as Diploma in Natural Resources and Eco Tourism (code DR), Intake 1/2026, with a LKR 500 application fee.
OUSL Ecotourism Diploma 2026/27: Key Facts
| Item | Details (from OUSL) |
|---|---|
| Programme | Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism (code DR) |
| Conducted by | Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, OUSL |
| Duration | Minimum 1 year |
| Applications | 8 October – 9 November 2026 (online) |
| Programme starts | 19 December 2026 |
| Application fee | LKR 500 (online) |
| Course fee | Listed as LKR 42,000 (see the fee breakdown below) |
| Where to apply | apply.lmsousl.lk |
Who Can Apply
OUSL accepts any one of the following:
- Passes in three G.C.E. A/L subjects, at any number of sittings, or
- A pass in any OUSL Foundation Level course, or
- Completion of OUSL’s Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and Management or Certificate in Environmental Sciences, or
- Any other qualification accepted by the OUSL Senate.
What You Will Study
According to OUSL, the courses cover the diversity of living organisms, ecological assessment of habitats, environment, society and culture in Sri Lanka, natural resources, biodiversity and wildlife conservation, environmental communication and interpretation, concepts and practices in ecotourism, Sri Lanka’s environmental policies, and a compulsory research project.
Fees and Payment
| Fee | Amount (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Online application fee | 500 |
| Tuition (30 credits × 1,300) | 39,000 |
| Facility fee | 2,500 |
| Registration fee | 500 |
| Library facilities fee | 100 |
Tuition is paid in two instalments: 60% at registration and 40% later. The registration, facility and library fees are paid in full at registration.
Check the total with OUSL. OUSL’s programme page lists the course fee as LKR 42,000, but the itemised fees above add up to LKR 42,100. Confirm the exact amount with the department before you pay.
Key Dates in the 2026/27 Programme
| Stage | Date (from OUSL) |
|---|---|
| Academic activities | 19 Dec 2026 – 21 Nov 2027 |
| Continuous assessment 1 | 24 Apr – 8 May 2027 |
| Continuous assessment 2 | 10 – 18 Jul 2027 |
| Final examinations | 20 – 28 Nov 2027 |
How to Apply Step by Step
- Open the OUSL Online Application portal at apply.lmsousl.lk.
- Find Diploma in Natural Resources and Eco Tourism (DR) and click Apply for this programme.
- Fill in your personal details and the qualification you are applying with (A/L results, foundation course or OUSL certificate).
- Pay the LKR 500 application fee online and keep the receipt.
- Submit before 9 November 2026. You can continue or check your application later from the same portal.
Documents to Keep Ready
- National Identity Card (NIC)
- G.C.E. A/L results sheet, or your OUSL foundation course or certificate results
- Working email address and mobile number
- A payment card or other method accepted on the portal
BrightNook Tips
- Ignore older fee figures online. Some sites still show different fees or label this as a 2027/28 intake. OUSL’s own page says 2026/2027.
- Plan your weekends. Continuous assessments fall in April–May and July 2027, with finals in late November 2027. Mark them in your calendar now.
- Good for working people. If you already work in tourism, hotels or guiding, this gives you formal academic recognition for skills you use every day.
- Next step: OUSL also runs an Advanced Certificate in Wildlife Conservation and Management in the same department, if you want to go further.
සිංහලෙන් කෙටියෙන්
විවෘත විශ්වවිද්යාලයේ ස්වාභාවික සම්පත් සහ පරිසර සංචාරක ඩිප්ලෝමාව සඳහා 2026 නොවැම්බර් 9 දක්වා මාර්ගගතව අයදුම් කළ හැක. ඕනෑම විෂය ධාරාවක උසස් පෙළ විෂයයන් 3ක් සමත් අයට සුදුසුකම් ඇත. අයදුම් ගාස්තුව රු. 500කි.
தமிழில் சுருக்கமாக
இலங்கை திறந்த பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் இயற்கை வளங்கள் மற்றும் சூழல் சுற்றுலா டிப்ளோமாவுக்கு 2026 நவம்பர் 9 வரை இணையவழியாக விண்ணப்பிக்கலாம். எந்தப் பிரிவிலும் க.பொ.த உயர்தரத்தில் 3 பாடங்களில் சித்தியடைந்தவர்கள் தகுதியானவர்கள். விண்ணப்பக் கட்டணம் ரூ. 500.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply with Arts or Commerce A/L subjects?
Yes. OUSL asks for passes in three A/L subjects at any number of sittings and does not name a required stream.
How long is the programme?
A minimum of one year. For the 2026/27 intake, academic activities run from 19 December 2026 to 21 November 2027.
How much does it cost in total?
OUSL lists the course fee as LKR 42,000, plus the LKR 500 application fee. The itemised fees add up to LKR 42,100, so confirm the exact total with the department.
Who do I contact for questions?
The Department of Zoology, OUSL, Nawala – telephone 011 288 1488 or 011 288 1446, as listed on the programme page.
Official Sources
- OUSL – Diploma in Natural Resources and Ecotourism programme page (checked 9 October 2026)
- OUSL Online Application portal (programme DR listed, checked 9 October 2026)
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website and is not affiliated with The Open University of Sri Lanka. Always confirm details with the official OUSL notice before applying.
