After A/L: Next Steps for Courses, Careers, & Employment (Sri Lanka)
Congratulations on finishing your GCE Advanced Level examinations! This is a significant milestone, but it’s also the start of a new chapter where you’ll decide your future path. Whether you crave a university degree or are eager to jump into the workforce, exciting opportunities are waiting for you.
If you believe there may be a marking discrepancy in your exams, you can also apply for a re-correction of your answer script. Applications for re-correction are typically announced shortly after the results are released.
Higher Education vs. Employment:
The first step is to figure out your main goal. Do you dream of a specialized degree or postgraduate qualification, or are you ready to start earning? Don’t forget, you can always pursue additional courses alongside a job for continuous learning. However, in today’s job market, a strong academic foundation can significantly increase your chances of landing a good position.
Second Chances at A/L
Didn’t get the results you were hoping for? Don’t despair! You can retake the A/L exams, especially if you didn’t put in your best effort or need a higher Z-score for competitive programs like Medicine or Engineering. Consider enrolling in revision classes to solidify your understanding and ace the exams next time. you can choose arts subjects for easy University entrance
Building Your Foundation
Solid English, IT skills, and soft skills are essential for career success. Explore courses to strengthen your English proficiency and become comfortable with computers. Additionally, develop soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving – these are highly sought after by employers.
Charting Your Course:
Now, let’s delve into the various options available after your A/Ls:
- National Universities: Sri Lanka’s public universities offer excellent, affordable degrees. If your results are strong, consider applying to these institutions.
- Open University/ Specialized Universities: The Open University provides flexible degree programs in diverse fields, while specialized universities like KDU or Ocean University cater to specific areas.
- Professional Qualifications: Enhance your career prospects with professional qualifications in Management, Accounting, Marketing, or IT. Popular options include CIMA, ACCA, AAT, and various programs offered by NIBM, PIM, and private institutes.
- IT Degrees and Diplomas: SLIIT, APIIT, Informatics, and many others offer IT degrees and diplomas, along with professional qualifications like BCS/ACS/NCC.
- Engineering Degrees: Numerous private institutes provide engineering degrees in various specializations.
- Science and Medicine: Explore Open University degrees in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics. Additionally, consider Graduate-ship programs offered by the Institute of Chemistry. For a medical career, you can pursue Nursing, MLT, Physiotherapy, or Pharmacology courses. Options for foreign medical degrees are also available.
- Study Abroad: If finances permit, explore universities in countries like the USA, UK, or Australia for a wider range of programs.
- Private Degrees: Sri Lanka offers private degrees recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education, allowing you to specialize in Management, IT, Engineering, and various other fields.
Beyond Traditional Education:
- External/Online Degrees: Consider external degrees or online programs offered by universities for flexibility in your studies.
- Technical and Other Courses: Explore free higher education options like KDU, Technical Colleges, National Colleges of Education, and Agriculture Diplomas.
- Specialized Fields: Pursue careers in Law (after the entrance exam), Travel & Tourism, Aviation, Architecture, or Media through specialized institutes.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Research thoroughly, talk to professionals in your field of interest, and choose a path that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Good luck on your journey!
