Bachelor of Arts Honours in Tamil and Tamil Language Teaching
The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) · Department of Language Studies, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences · Academic Year 2026/2027
OUSL has opened online applications for the BA Honours in Tamil and Tamil Language Teaching, a four-year distance-learning degree built for anyone who wants to teach Tamil professionally or strengthen their qualifications while continuing to work. Whether you're already teaching in a school, hoping to move into Tamil-medium education, or simply want an honours degree recognised by a Sri Lankan state university, this programme runs on the Open and Distance Learning model so you can study around your existing commitments.
Who Should Apply
- Anyone planning to teach Tamil as a First Language or as a Second Language.
- Practising teachers in primary, secondary, or higher education who want to upgrade their qualifications.
- Tamil speakers who would like an honours degree from a recognised Sri Lankan university.
- Anyone who wants a structured route into Tamil language and literature studies alongside formal teaching training.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and meet one of the following:
- Three passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level, including Tamil as a subject.
- Three passes at the G.C.E. Advanced Level in the Tamil medium, with at least a "B" grade for Tamil and Tamil Literature at G.C.E. Ordinary Level.
- The National Diploma in Teaching Tamil Language from a National College of Education.
- Any other qualification the OUSL Senate accepts as equivalent or higher.
What the Programme Covers
- Solid grounding in Tamil language, Tamil literature, and related fields of study.
- Classroom teaching skills and practical training for real teaching environments.
- Methods for teaching Tamil up to post-secondary level, plus teaching Tamil as a Second Language.
- ICT integration for modern teaching and learning.
- Translation and interpretation skills between Tamil and other languages.
- An introduction to action research in Tamil language and Tamil language teaching.
How the Programme Is Delivered
Study Format
OUSL teaches this degree through Open and Distance Learning. You'll receive self-study course material — printed, digital, or audio-visual — and attend interactive sessions, mostly on weekends, along with compulsory Continuous Assessment tests.
Grading
Every course requires Continuous Assessment. Final grades combine 40% Continuous Assessment marks with 60% final examination marks — but if you score under 35% in the final exam, your Continuous Assessment marks won't be added in.
Level 03 Fee Breakdown
| Registration Fee | Rs. 500 |
| Facility Fee | Rs. 2,500 |
| Library Facility Fee | Rs. 100 |
| Elementary English Programme | Rs. 3,000 |
| ICT Programme | Rs. 5,500 |
| 30 Credits (Course Fee) | Rs. 62,400 |
| Total — Level 03 | Rs. 74,000 |
This covers Level 03 only — fees for Levels 04, 05, and 06 may differ when you register for them.
Where You Can Study
Regional Centres
- Colombo
- Kandy
- Matara
- Anuradhapura
- Badulla
- Kurunegala
- Ratnapura
- Jaffna
- Batticaloa
Selected Study Centres
- Mannar
- Vavuniya
- Kilinochchi
- Trincomalee
- Puttalam
- Hatton
A study centre needs at least 15 registered students before OUSL runs interactive sessions and day schools there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the closing date for the OUSL Tamil BA Honours 2026/2027 application?
Online applications close on 15.07.2026.
Can a working teacher apply for this degree?
Yes. The programme is specifically designed for teachers already working in primary, secondary, or higher education who want to upgrade their qualifications, alongside anyone entering the field for the first time.
How long does the degree take to complete?
It's a minimum of four years, delivered through OUSL's Open and Distance Learning method with weekend interactive sessions.
What does the Level 03 fee of Rs. 74,000 include?
It covers registration, facility and library fees, the Elementary English Programme, the ICT Programme, and the 30-credit course fee for Level 03. Fees for later levels are charged separately.
Apply & Get in Touch
Information above is summarised from the official OUSL circular for the 2026/2027 intake. Always confirm dates, fees, and entry requirements on ou.ac.lk before applying.