Diplomas,
HND & HNDE

paths.lk lists 189+ diploma and HND programmes from 34+ institutes across Sri Lanka, including 40+ free (government-funded) programmes. Each entry includes entry requirements, duration, fees in LKR, awarding body, and career outcomes. Browse the full list and filter by institute type, field, and entry level at paths.lk/educational-paths/diplomas.

HND (Higher National Diploma) is a 2-year qualification offered by private institutes like NIBM, ICBT, ESOFT, SLIIT, and NSBM, usually awarded by UK bodies like Pearson or Edexcel. HNDE (Higher National Diploma in Engineering) is a 3-year Sri Lankan government qualification offered by SLIATE colleges (Colleges of Technology), focusing specifically on engineering disciplines like Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, and Electronic Technology. HNDE is government-accredited and often leads to entry into the 3rd year of engineering degree programmes at state universities.

Yes. HNDE holders can apply for year 3 entry at some government universities for engineering degrees. HND holders from UK-affiliated programmes (Pearson/Edexcel) can top up to a full bachelor's degree at private universities like SLIIT, NSBM, APIIT, IIT, or ICBT in 1–2 additional years. Some UK universities also accept Sri Lankan HND holders for year 2 or year 3 entry. NIBM's BBA and IT degrees also accept HNDE/HND holders for credit transfers.

After A/L in Sri Lanka, there are 189+ diploma and HND options. Popular choices include: HNDE in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical) at SLIATE — 3 years, government; HND in IT or Business at NIBM, ICBT, or ESOFT — 2 years, UK-affiliated; Diploma in Hospitality at SLITHM — 1–2 years; HNDE in Agricultural Technology at agricultural colleges; and Aviation/Maritime courses at CINEC. 40+ programmes are government-funded (free or near-free). Fees at private institutes range from LKR 80,000–400,000/year.

SLIATE (Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education) is the main government body overseeing Colleges of Technology across Sri Lanka. The main SLIATE colleges include: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Kurunegala, Matara, Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Badulla, Anuradhapura, Ratnapura, and Kalutara Technology Campuses. They offer government HNDE programmes in Engineering Technology at very low fees (LKR 5,000–15,000/year) for qualified A/L students.