BEd Honours in Special Needs Education 2026/27 – OUSL
BEd. Honours in Special Needs Education — Open University of Sri Lanka
The Open University of Sri Lanka invites applications for its Bachelor of Education Honours in Special Needs Education for the 2026/27 academic year — a pioneering programme equipping teachers with the skills to champion inclusive learning for every child.
Inclusive education is no longer an aspirational ideal — it is a constitutional commitment and a growing classroom reality across Sri Lanka. Yet many teachers feel underprepared to meet the diverse needs of learners with disabilities, learning differences, and developmental challenges. The BEd Honours in Special Needs Education from the Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) directly addresses this gap, offering a flexible, nationally recognised degree for both aspiring and practising educators.
Whether you are a teacher already working in a special needs school, a mainstream educator hoping to build inclusive classrooms, or a fresh graduate committed to making a difference, this programme offers a structured, evidence-based pathway to expertise.
Programme Objective
The BEd Honours in Special Needs Education is designed to prepare both pre-service and in-service teachers to effectively address diverse learner needs. The curriculum integrates comprehensive theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical skills and the latest inclusive and special education pedagogical approaches, producing graduates capable of transforming educational environments at every level.
With over 600,000 children with disabilities in Sri Lanka, the demand for trained Special Needs Educators has never been higher. This degree positions graduates for specialist teaching roles in inclusive schools, special education centres, and policy-making bodies across the island.
Admission Requirements
There are two distinct entry pathways into this programme:
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Diploma Holders (OUSL) — Applicants who have already completed any Diploma at Levels 3 & 4 from the Open University of Sri Lanka are eligible to apply for direct entry into the degree programme.
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National Diploma Holders — Candidates who hold a National Diploma in Teaching (Special Education) from a National College of Education may seek admission directly to Level 5 and subsequently Level 6, with exemptions granted for Levels 3 & 4 of the programme. This fast-track pathway recognises prior professional learning and accelerates degree completion.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to verify their eligibility and review the relevant Student Handbooks for detailed credit transfer information before submitting an application.
Application Details & Key Dates
Programme Medium
This programme is offered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, ensuring accessibility for teachers from every linguistic community across Sri Lanka.
Application Fee & Payment
The application fee is Rs. 500/=, payable online via debit card or credit card. Alternatively, cash payments may be made at any Regional or Study Centre of the OUSL.
Important: All applications must be submitted online only. Walk-in or postal applications are not accepted.
Why Choose OUSL for Special Needs Education?
The Open University of Sri Lanka is the country's largest and most accessible higher education institution, with a proven track record in flexible, distance-based learning. The Faculty of Education's Department of Special Needs Education brings together specialist academics and practitioner educators to deliver a curriculum that is both research-informed and practically grounded.
Unlike residential university programmes, the OUSL model allows in-service teachers to continue working while completing their degree — a critical advantage for educators who cannot afford to step away from the classroom. Study materials are available in all three media, and learners receive support through a network of regional study centres island-wide.
Graduates of this programme go on to serve as Special Needs Educators, Resource Room Teachers, Inclusion Coordinators, Educational Therapists, and programme designers for learners with physical, intellectual, hearing, visual, and psychosocial disabilities. It is one of the most impactful degrees available to educators in Sri Lanka today.
Downloads & Important Links
Access the official student handbooks and the online application portal below. Handbooks provide full programme outlines, credit structures, assessment methods, and course descriptions.
Contact Information
Ready to Make a Difference?
Applications for the 2026/27 intake are open now. Take the next step in your teaching career and help build inclusive classrooms across Sri Lanka.
Apply Online Now →
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