3 years
Three levels, two semesters each
Since 2000
UCSC's external IT degree
ACM/IEEE
Accredited curriculum
English
Medium of instruction
About the degree
The BIT is UCSC's three-year external degree in IT. It is taught in English, and you sit the UCSC exams at the end of each semester. Success depends on dedication, managing your own time, and a good grounding in English and Mathematics.
Why BIT
- A fully external degree: study from anywhere, at your own pace.
- Lectures, course material and assignments on the UCSC online learning platform (VLE).
- Built in stages, each with its own award: Diploma, Higher Diploma, then the Degree.
- One of the most affordable IT degrees in Sri Lanka and South Asia.
- Designed around what the IT industry needs.
Where graduates work
Software developmentIT support and networkingSystems analysisCybersecurityData science and analytics
An award for every year
Year 1 · Level I
Diploma in Information Technology (DIT)
Year 2 · Level II
Higher Diploma in Information Technology (HDIT)
Year 3 · Level III
Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT)
Rules to know
- Each level needs at least 30 GPA credits, including every compulsory course.
- Enhancement courses carry no GPA, but all Level I and II courses, enhancement ones included, must be completed to move up a level.
- Complete each level within three years of registering for it, or register again as a new student.
- The degree normally takes three years and can be extended up to six.
New curriculum from the 2026 intake
Curriculum
Brighten Academy runs classes for every course below.
Enhancement non-GPAOptional elective
Level I: Diploma in Information Technology (DIT)
Year 1 · from 2026/2027
Semester 1
- IT1107Fundamentals of IT Systems3 cr
- IT1207Computer Systems3 cr
- IT1307Operating System Concepts4 cr
- IT1407Fundamentals of Programming3 cr
- EN1107Communication and Technical Writing for IT ProfessionalsEnhancement2 cr
Semester 2
- IT2107Object-Oriented Software Modeling and Development3 cr
- IT2207Fundamentals of Software Engineering4 cr
- IT2307Database Systems4 cr
- IT2407Fundamentals of Full-Stack Web Development4 cr
- IT2507Mathematics for Computing3 cr
Level II: Higher Diploma in Information Technology (HDIT)
Year 2 · from 2027/2028
Semester 3
- IT3107Principle of Information Security3 cr
- IT3207Data Structures and Algorithms4 cr
- IT3307Data Management and Governance3 cr
- IT3407Modern Web Application Development4 cr
- EN3107Application-Focused LaboratoryEnhancement2 cr
Semester 4
- IT4107User Experience Design3 cr
- IT4207Enterprise Application Development4 cr
- IT4307Information Technology Project Management3 cr
- IT4407Probability and Statistics for IT3 cr
- IT4507Computer Networks3 cr
Level III: Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT)
Year 3 · from 2028/2029
Semester 5
- IT5107Software Development Project (Semesters 5 and 6)8 cr
- EN5107Fundamentals of Management & EntrepreneurshipEnhancement2 cr
- IT5207Professional Practice3 cr
- IT5307Fundamentals of Data AnalyticsOptional3 cr
- IT5407Systems & Network Administration3 cr
- IT5507Applied Machine Learning3 cr
Semester 6
- EN6107Emerging Topics in Information TechnologyEnhancement2 cr
- IT6207Software Quality Assurance3 cr
- IT6307Mobile Application Development4 cr
- IT6407Network Security and Audit3 cr
- IT6507e-Business TechnologiesOptional3 cr
Entry requirements
You need one qualification from Part A and the Part B requirement.
Part A: one of these
- Three passes in the G.C.E. A/L (new syllabus) in one sitting, or four passes in the old syllabus
- Three passes in Cambridge or Pearson Edexcel International A Level in one sitting
- All theory components of UCSC's Foundation in Information Technology (FIT)
- HNDIT from SLIATE
- NVQ Level 5 or above in IT from TVEC
- Another qualification the University Senate accepts as equivalent
Part B
- G.C.E. O/L, or Cambridge / Pearson Edexcel International O Level: six passes with three credits, including Mathematics and English
No A/Ls? UCSC's Foundation in Information Technology (FIT) also qualifies you under Part A.
UCSC fees
Paid to UCSC, not to Brighten Academy. Fees are non-refundable and UCSC may revise them.
2026 intake · Level I (local students)
- Application fee (when you apply)Rs. 5,000
- Annual registration (paid at the registration interview)Rs. 35,000
- Exam fees (10 papers × Rs. 1,500)Rs. 15,000
- Level I total, after the application feeRs. 50,000
Students who joined before 2026 (local)
| Registration | Exam / course | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Rs. 8,500 | Rs. 4,150 | Rs. 50,000 |
| Level II | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 5,000 | Rs. 60,000 |
| Level III | Rs. 11,000 | Rs. 6,000 | Rs. 100,000 incl. project Rs. 29,000 |
Pay online by card, through GovPay, or at any People's Bank branch with your CIN as the reference. Cash, money orders and postal orders are not accepted. Foreign student fees are on bit.lk.
How to apply
UCSC opens applications once a year and announces each intake on bit.lk. We can help you through it.
- Create an account on the UCSC online application portal with your NIC and an email address you check often, then verify the email.
- Fill in your personal and education details and check them before submitting.
- Pay the application fee online by card or through GovPay.
- Submit the application and download a copy for your records.
- If you are shortlisted, the selection interview details are published on bit.lk.
Originals to bring for verification
- NIC (or passport for foreign applicants)
- Birth certificate (and marriage certificate if your name has changed)
- O/L certificate(s) or equivalent
- A/L certificate, or the FIT, HNDIT or NVQ qualification you apply with
Useful links
External Degrees Centre, UCSC
For registration, exam and certificate questions, contact UCSC directly.
UCSC Building Complex, 35 Reid Avenue, Colombo 7
+94 11 258 1245/6/7 (Ext. 6093)
Monday to Friday, 8.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m.
Programme details from the official BIT website, bit.lk, as of 23 October 2026. Always confirm dates, fees and rules there.
Join the next intake
Tell us which semester you're in and we'll help you get started.