It is your responsibility to carefully read and understand this Handbook and to follow the rules & regulations therein when applying for university admission online as well as getting registered for the selected course of study of the university online. ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - i - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - ii - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION CONTENTS Title Page Message from the University Grants Commission 1 Abbreviations 3 Instructions to use this Handbook 5 SECTION 1 - Policies and Principles governing admission to first degree 7 programmes in State Universities & Higher Educational Institutes under the University Grants Commission 1.1 Admissions Policy for State Universities and Higher 8 Educational Institutes 1.2 Minimum requirements for university admission 10 1.3 Z score obtained by the students at the G.C.E. 10 (Advanced Level) Examination 1.4 ‘Cut off ’ Marks required for admission to different 10 courses of study at different universities 1.5 Criteria for determination of the district of a candidate 11 for university admission 1.6 Admission criteria for State Universities and Higher 12 Educational Institutes established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 (as amended) 1.7 Ineligibility for admission to a State University or a 13 Higher Educational Institute established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 (as amended) 1.8 Steps taken to reduce the delay in admission of students to 15 the universities SECTION 2 - Essential information for preparation for admission to first degree 17 programmes conducted by State Universities & Higher Educational Institutes under the University Grants Commission 2.1 Titles of each course of study under different subject streams 20 2.2 Advanced Level subject pre-requisites to satisfy the 30 entry requirements for first degree programmes ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - iii - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION SECTION 3 - Introduction to Uni-Codes system and instructions to use Uni-Codes for 101 indicating the order of preference 3.1 Introduction to Uni-Codes system and instructions to use 102 Uni-Codes for indicating the order of preference 3.2 Basis of assignment of students to courses of study of the universities 103 3.3 Change the order of preference for the courses of study of the 106 universities SECTION 4 - Application procedure and other important instructions 107 4.1 Application Procedure 108 4.2 Procedure for filling of vacancies / method adopted for not getting 109 selected to some of the higher preferred courses of study of universities under filling of vacancies or to remain in the currently selected course of study and the university without getting elevated to any of the higher preferences under filling of vacancies 4.3 Procedure to obtain a transfer from one university to another for 111 the same course of study 4.4 Procedure to make an appeal 112 4.5 Procedure to make a complaint/objection regarding selection 113 of a particular student for a course of study / university 4.6 Postponement of admission 113 4.7 Inquiries on university admission 114 SECTION 5 - Method of online application for university admission 115 “Uni-Codes” assigned for each course of study of university 131 G.C.E. (O/L) requirements 136 Requirement to pass the practical / aptitude test 137 SECTION 6 - Admission of students under special provisions 149 6.1 Blind and differently abled candidates 150 6.2 Students who have excelled in extracurricular activities 150 6.3 Candidates with exceptional abilities/skills in sports 151 6.4 Enlisted personnel of armed forces, police service & special 152 task force 6.5 Sri Lankans who have studied abroad and foreign students 152 6.6 Admission of teachers 153 6.7 Additional intake 154 SECTION 7 - An introduction to State universities and higher educational institutes 155 functioning under the University Grants Commission and the courses of study conducted by them ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - iv - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION SECTION 8 - Frequently Asked Questions by the students (FAQs) 219 SECTION 9 - ‘Cut-off’ marks of the previous year, to be used as a guide for the students 229 to understand the patterns of demand for courses of study SECTION 10 - Specimen application forms 239 Annex - I : Specimen Application Form for appeals Annex - II : Application for admission of candidates who have excelled in extracurricular activities Annex - III : Application for admission of blind/differently abled candidates Annexes ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - v - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - vi - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION MESSAGE FROM THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION Access to higher education is the ultimate dream in many young minds. The responsibility of the Universities is to provide conducive environments to produce graduates who are not only equipped with up-to-date knowledge, skills and the right attitudes but also with the appropriate mindset to progress in their chosen careers. The University Grants Commission (UGC) is the apex body responsible for selection and allocation of students to State Universities and Higher Educational Institutes (HEIs) established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. This publication provides the necessary guidance to help you to select the courses of study of your preference. It also provides detailed information regarding policies, rules and regulations, minimum qualifications required for University admission and other details. There is a separate section for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). State University System offers 225 courses of study of Universities (Uni Codes). Within the government policy on Higher Education, all courses are offered free. In addition, students are supported with Mahapola scholarships, government bursary and several other financial scholarships offered by non-state organizations and philanthropists. Data indicates that 70% - 80% of students receive such financial assistance. Hostel accommodation is provided at very subsidized rates and most peripherally located Universities offer hostel accommodation throughout the period of stay in the university. Due to the fact that All Island Merit is considered as the sole criteria for the selection to courses of study in Arts degree programmes and, 60% of selection to all other degree programmes are on District Basis, entry to State University System has become very competitive. For example, out of 76,559 students who applied for University admission for the academic year 2018/2019, only 31,158 students were selected. The University Grants Commission together with the State Universities is continuing to create more opportunities to enhance the student access to higher education in Sri Lanka. Life skills are an essential component for personality development for undergraduates and are sought and highly rated by potential employers. There are ample opportunities within universities to enhance life skills and other extra-curricular activities of undergraduates. University Grants Commission lays special emphasis on enhancing English and IT as essential soft skills of all undergraduates. During the year 2019, new English Language Teaching Departments (ELTD) have been established in the Universities. A uniform examination with band levels called UTEL is now conducted for all University students. The UTEL certificate will be very useful at the interviews for employment as objective evidence of competence in English. Currently, University students have access to a wide array of sports activities including opportunities to participate at international sports events. The University experiences of students can be enriched by their association with various student bodies in relation to subjects (Ex. Physiology or Geography Club), arts, culture (Ex. Arts Circle), religion (Ex. Buddhist Brotherhood, Muslim Majilis) and student unions etc. We strongly encourage students to get involved in such activities. You can get the best out of all these facilities to develop your soft skills. ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - 1 - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION The UGC is the legally mandated authority for registration of students to State Universities & Higher Educational Institutes established under the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Therefore, online submission of applications for University admission and online registration with the UGC for the selected course of study of the University is a mandatory requirement. The UGC certified lists of registered students are then sent to Universities and Higher Educational Institutes. Universities enroll students only from the certified lists sent by the UGC. The UGC will undertake the responsibility of the security of online systems. All students who wish to apply for a placement to State Universities must read the book carefully before completion of the online application. A clear understanding of different subject combinations would help you to select the courses of study you are interested in entering into. We have observed that failure to do so with care and precision has resulted in, students losing the most preferred academic programme or completely losing the opportunity to gain admission. We wish you success in all your future endeavors ! University Grants Commission, Sri Lanka ACADEMIC YEAR 2019/2020 - 2 - UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION ABBREVIATIONS UGC - University Grants Commission CMB - University of Colombo PDN - University of Peradeniya SJP - University of Sri Jayewardenepura KLN - University of Kelaniya MRT - University of Moratuwa UJA - University of Jaffna RUH - University of Ruhuna EUSL