The UCSC BIT external degree тАУ the Bachelor of Information Technology run by the University of Colombo School of Computing тАУ is one of the most popular ways to earn an IT degree in Sri Lanka without a state university place. You study externally, sit UCSC’s exams, and can collect a Diploma after Year 1 and a Higher Diploma after Year 2 on the way to the full degree. This guide explains who can apply, what it costs, how the yearly intake works and how to plan for it.
Intake timing: UCSC calls applications once a year on bit.lk and its social media. For the 26th intake (Academic Year 2026), early registration ran from 6 to 26 May 2026. Watch bit.lk for the next call.
UCSC BIT External Degree at a Glance
| Item | Details (from bit.lk) |
|---|---|
| Awarding body | University of Colombo School of Computing (UCSC) |
| Study mode | External degree |
| Length | Three years тАУ Level I, II and III, two semesters each (six semesters) |
| Exit awards | Diploma in Information Technology (after Year 1), Higher Diploma in Information Technology (after Year 2), BIT degree (after Year 3) |
| Time limit | Each level must be completed within 3 years of registering for that level |
| How to apply | Online, when the annual call is published on bit.lk |
Who Can Apply
For Academic Year 2025 onwards, UCSC says you must meet both (A) and (B).
(A) One of these:
- Three passes in the local G.C.E. A/L (new syllabus) in one sitting, or four passes (old syllabus) in one sitting
- At least three passes in Cambridge / Pearson Edexcel International A Level in one sitting
- Passed all theory components of UCSC’s Foundation in Information Technology (FIT) programme
- HNDIT issued and verified by SLIATE
- NVQ Level 5 or above in IT, issued and verified by TVEC
- Another qualification the UCSC Senate accepts as equivalent
(B) And one of these:
- At least six passes in G.C.E. O/L with three credits, including Mathematics and English
- At least six passes in Cambridge / Pearson Edexcel International O Level with three credits, including Mathematics and English
- Another qualification the Senate accepts as equivalent
Note the O/L rule. Even with A/L passes or FIT, you also need six O/L passes with credits in Mathematics and English (three credits in total). Check your O/L results sheet before you apply.
BIT Fees (Local Students)
UCSC lists a separate Level I fee structure for the 2026 intake:
| Level I тАУ 2026 intake | Amount (LKR) |
|---|---|
| Application fee | 5,000 |
| Annual registration (paid at the registration interview) | 35,000 |
| Exam fees тАУ 10 papers ├Ч 1,500 | 15,000 |
| Total for Level I (excluding application fee) | 50,000 |
For intakes other than 2026, bit.lk shows total course fees of LKR 50,000 (Level I), LKR 60,000 (Level II) and LKR 100,000 (Level III, including a LKR 29,000 software development project). Repeat exams cost the same as the first attempt. Fees can change for each intake, so check the Fees & Payments page before you pay.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Wait for the annual call on bit.lk (Registration тЖТ How to Apply).
- Create an account on the online application portal with your NIC and an email address you check regularly.
- Verify your email with the link UCSC sends, then log in.
- Fill in your personal and education details carefully and review them before submitting.
- Pay the application fee: local applicants can pay online or through GovPay, or with the bank voucher at any People’s Bank branch or People’s Wave app using your Customer Identification Number (CIN) as the reference.
- Download your submitted application and keep it.
- If shortlisted, attend the on-site interview at UCSC with your original documents. After the documents are checked and the fees are paid, you are registered as a BIT student.
BrightNook Tips
- No A/L passes yet? UCSC’s FIT programme is an official route in тАУ passing all its theory components meets requirement (A).
- Use the exit points. If money or time runs short, finishing Level I or II still gives you a Diploma or Higher Diploma in IT.
- Mind the time limit. Each level must be finished within three years of registering for it, or you have to register again as a new student.
- Budget per level, not per year. Fees are charged by level, and Level III costs the most because of the project.
- Pay only through official channels listed on bit.lk, and never through an agent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the BIT degree take?
Three years, in three levels of two semesters each. Each level must be completed within three years of registering for it.
Can I join BIT without A/L passes?
Yes, if you pass all the theory components of UCSC’s Foundation in Information Technology (FIT) programme, or hold an SLIATE HNDIT or a TVEC NVQ Level 5+ in IT. You still need the O/L requirement.
How much does BIT cost?
For the 2026 intake, Level I is LKR 50,000 plus a LKR 5,000 application fee. For other intakes, bit.lk lists LKR 50,000, 60,000 and 100,000 for Levels I, II and III. Always check the current fee page.
When is the next BIT intake?
UCSC publishes the call once a year on bit.lk. The 2026 early registration ran from 6 to 26 May 2026; the next date was not announced when we checked.
Official Sources
- BIT тАУ Admission Requirements (checked 10 October 2026)
- BIT тАУ Fees & Payments (checked 10 October 2026)
- BIT тАУ How to Apply and Selection Procedure (checked 10 October 2026)
- BIT тАУ Program Structure and Duration of Study (checked 10 October 2026)
BrightNook.lk is an independent education website and is not affiliated with the University of Colombo School of Computing. Always confirm requirements and fees on bit.lk before applying or paying.
