What to Study After O/L in Sri Lanka
Last updated: November 2026 · Written by the StudyWay Editorial Team
Quick answer
After O/L you have four main options:
- Continue to A/Ls for the traditional university route.
- Join a foundation programme that leads to a degree.
- Start a certificate or diploma in a career subject.
- Take a vocational course to learn a practical trade.
The right choice depends on your results, your interests and how soon you want to start working. Many students combine options, for example a short course while studying for A/Ls.
What are my options?
| Option | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| A/Ls | Two more years of school subjects in a stream | The government university route and many professional careers |
| Foundation programme | A pre-university programme that leads into a degree | Reaching a degree through a non-A/L route |
| Certificate or diploma | Career-focused study in a subject like IT, business or hospitality | Building job skills and moving towards higher qualifications |
| Vocational training | Hands-on training in a trade | Starting a skilled job sooner |
Which careers can I start after O/L?
Many career paths have entry points after O/L. Our guides explain each one:
- IT: IT courses guide
- Business and HR: business management and HR courses
- Hospitality and culinary: tourism and hospitality and culinary and F&B
- Beauty: beauty and cosmetology courses
- Technical trades: automobile and AC technician courses
- Caregiving: caregiver courses for jobs abroad
- Languages: English and foreign language courses
Tell us what you want to study, and institutes will contact you with options
Should I do A/Ls or a diploma?
- Choose A/Ls if you want the government university route, or a career that needs specific A/L subjects (such as medicine or engineering).
- Choose a diploma or foundation programme if you want a career-focused path, a different route to a degree, or to start working sooner.
- Do both if you can. Many students take short courses in English, IT or languages during their A/Ls.
Our foundation programmes guide and HND vs degree comparison explain these routes in more detail.
What skills should every student build?
Whatever you choose, these skills help:
- English: see our English courses guide,
- computer and digital skills,
- communication and teamwork,
- and a simple CV for internships and part-time jobs.
Need help with A/L or O/L subjects?
If you're continuing to A/Ls, StudyWay also helps you find tuition classes.
Find your next step on StudyWay
Frequently asked questions
What can I do if my O/L results are weak?
You still have many options, including vocational courses, certificates and foundation programmes. Many lead to diplomas and degrees later.
Can I get a degree without A/Ls?
Yes. Foundation programmes and diploma-to-degree routes can lead to a degree without the traditional A/L route. Check each course's requirements.
Which course after O/L is best for jobs?
It depends on your interests. IT, hospitality, technical trades, caregiving and business all have strong job options.
Can I study abroad after O/L?
Some foundation and diploma programmes abroad accept students after O/L. See our study abroad guide.
Should I learn English after O/L?
Yes. English helps with almost every course and career, in Sri Lanka and abroad.