What are the minimum requirements for university admission in Sri Lanka?

Section 1.2 of the UGC handbook sets three conditions: at least an 'S' grade in all three approved subjects, taken in one sitting, within a maximum of 3 attempts, and at least 30% for the Common General Paper. Meeting them makes you eligible for admission; each course of study then adds its own subject and grade requirement on top.

Can I apply for Medicine with three 'S' passes in the Biological Science stream?

No. Course Code 001 requires at least two 'C' grades and one 'S' grade in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Three 'S' passes satisfy the national minimum for university admission but not Medicine's own requirement, so Medicine cannot be listed on your application. Biological Science (006), Dental Surgery (002) and Nursing (037) remain open.

Which A/L subjects do I need for Engineering in Sri Lanka?

Engineering (Course Code 008) requires at least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Combined Mathematics and Physics. The same three subjects cover Earth Resources Engineering (009), Textile & Apparel Engineering (010) and Transport Management & Logistics Engineering (057). Higher Mathematics does not substitute for Combined Mathematics in this rule.

Is 30% for the Common General Paper compulsory?

Yes. The handbook states that candidates below 30% are not eligible for registration for the courses they were selected for on Z-score. A mark of 30% or more from a previous attempt inside the three permitted attempts counts, and a re-sit of the Common General Paper alone is allowed within those attempts.

How many attempts at the A/L exam count for university admission?

Three. The three approved subjects must be passed in one sitting, and that sitting must fall within a maximum of 3 attempts. A fourth sitting can still be taken for other purposes, but it no longer counts for state-university admission.

Does this checker tell me whether I will get selected?

No, and that distinction matters. Eligibility is whether you may list a course code on the UGC application. Selection is whether your Z-score clears that course's cut-off for your district. This tool answers the first question only; use the Z-score cut-off finder linked below for the second.

What does “missed by one grade” mean?

It means the subject requirement is already met and the course fails only on grades, and that raising exactly one of your three grades by one step (S to C, C to B, B to A) would satisfy the rule. A missing subject is never shown as a near-miss, because no re-sit of the subjects you already hold can create one.

Which courses does this checker cover?

All 118 course codes in sections 2.2.1 to 2.2.8 of the 2025/2026 handbook, spanning 42,025 proposed places. 110 of them have a rule that can be evaluated exactly. The remainder — aesthetic courses scored by aptitude test, and two courses whose wording turns on faculty discretion — are listed separately with a link to the handbook section rather than guessed at.

My result sheet shows different subject names. Which should I choose?

Subject names in the dropdowns follow the handbook's own wording, which matches the Department of Examinations subject list. History of Sri Lanka, History of India and History of Europe appear as one History entry because the handbook's requirement lists treat them as one subject. Accountancy and Accounting are the same subject.

Does a course's O/L requirement affect eligibility here?

It does in real life, and the checker shows it without scoring it. Courses such as Nursing, Pharmacy, Law and Quantity Surveying add O/L grade conditions, aptitude tests or physical requirements. Those are printed on each eligible course as “also required” so you can check them against your own O/L certificate before you apply.

Sri Lanka · Education

Sri Lanka University Course Eligibility Checker — A/L Subject Requirements

Pick your three A/L subjects, their grades and your Common General Paper mark. This checker returns every UGC state-university course code whose published subject-and-grade requirement you meet, the ones you miss by a single grade, and the handbook sentence behind each verdict. Eligibility only — not Z-score selection.

By Induwara Ashinsana— Executive Director, Ryzera TechnologiesUpdated Sep 22, 2026

Check your course eligibilityAcademic year 2025/2026

UGC handbook · 118 course codes

Enter your three A/L subjects with grades and your Common General Paper mark. The checker returns every UGC course code whose published subject-and-grade requirement you satisfy — and the ones you miss by a single grade. It does not predict Z-score selection.

Subject 1

Grade

Subject 2

Grade

Subject 3

Grade

Common General Paper (%)

30% or more is compulsory for registration.

Which attempt

Up to 3 attempts count for university admission.

Sitting

Handbook 1.2 (a) requires one sitting.

Try a profile

You meet the national minimum for university admission

Handbook section 1.2. Failing any clause below blocks registration for every course of study, whatever the Z-score.

At least an 'S' grade in all three subjectsLowest grade held: S.
All three subjects in one sittingThree subjects offered at the same sitting.
Within a maximum of 3 attemptsAttempt 1 of 3.
Common General Paper at 30% or above42% is at or above the 30% bar.

Course codes you can apply for

65 / 118

55.08% of the course codes in this checker

Proposed intake in those courses

13,176

Seats the UGC proposes across your eligible courses

Missed by one grade

A single grade improvement would open these

Streams covered

Biological Science: 36 · Open to several streams: 27 · Commerce: 1 · Arts: 1

Course-by-course verdict

Field

001Medicine2,095 seats
At least two 'C' grades and a 'S' grade in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo, Peradeniya, Jaffna, Ruhuna, Kelaniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Rajarata, Eastern, Wayamba, Sabaragamuwa, Moratuwa, Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.3.1 — read the requirement
“At least two 'C' grades and a 'S' grade in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
006Biological Science1,683 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern
Handbook section 2.2.3.14 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
004Agriculture820 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.
Sabaragamuwa, Eastern, Jaffna, Rajarata, Wayamba
Handbook section 2.2.3.5 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.”
037Nursing573 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Ruhuna, Jaffna, Eastern, Colombo
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. Minimum height of 4 ft 10 in and no deformity (Nursing Council Nursing Minute).
Handbook section 2.2.3.17 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
025Law495 seats
At least two 'C' grades and one 'S' grade in three subjects selected as follows: (a) three subjects from the handbook's first list (Accounting, Agricultural Science, Biology, Business Statistics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Communication & Media Studies, Political Science, Geography, Higher Mathematics, History, Logic & Scientific Method, Economics, Mathematics/Combined Mathematics, ICT) — or (b) one or two subjects from the above list and the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list of religions, civilizations and languages.
Colombo, Peradeniya, Jaffna
Also required: At least a Credit Pass (C) in English and a Credit Pass (C) in Sinhala or Tamil at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.8.10 — read the requirement
“At least two 'C' grades and one 'S' grade in three subjects selected as follows: (a) three subjects from the handbook's first list (Accounting, Agricultural Science, Biology, Business Statistics, Business Studies, Chemistry, Physics, Communication & Media Studies, Political Science, Geography, Higher Mathematics, History, Logic & Scientific Method, Economics, Mathematics/Combined Mathematics, ICT) — or (b) one or two subjects from the above list and the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list of religions, civilizations and languages.”
022Management Studies (TV)462 seats
Candidates who have satisfied the minimum requirements for admission having offered any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination are eligible to seek admission.
Vavuniya, Trincomalee Campus, Eastern
Handbook section 2.2.2.5 — read the requirement
“Candidates who have satisfied the minimum requirements for admission having offered any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination are eligible to seek admission.”
007Applied Sciences (Biological Science)425 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Sabaragamuwa, Rajarata, Vavuniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.15 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
032Ayurveda Medicine and Surgery383 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo, Gampaha Wickramarachchi
Handbook section 2.2.3.11 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
036Siddha Medicine and Surgery247 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Jaffna, Trincomalee Campus, Eastern
Handbook section 2.2.3.13 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
051Pharmacy239 seats
At least a 'C' grade in Chemistry and 'S' grades in Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Jaffna, Ruhuna
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.18 — read the requirement
“At least a 'C' grade in Chemistry and 'S' grades in Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
052Medical Laboratory Sciences226 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Ruhuna, Jaffna
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.19 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
039Agricultural Technology & Management221 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.
Peradeniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.4 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.”
035Food Science & Technology220 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya, Sabaragamuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.3.10 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
135Plantation Management and Technology216 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Agricultural Science (2) Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.40 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Agricultural Science (2) Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.”
093Agricultural Resource Management and Technology181 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.
Ruhuna
Handbook section 2.2.3.6 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.”
092Tourism & Hospitality Management181 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following: (i) any three subjects in the Commerce, Biological Science and Physical Science Streams (ii) at least one of Economics, Geography, Business Statistics and any other two subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1.
Sabaragamuwa, Rajarata
Handbook section 2.2.8.23 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following: (i) any three subjects in the Commerce, Biological Science and Physical Science Streams (ii) at least one of Economics, Geography, Business Statistics and any other two subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
082Sports Science & Management178 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sabaragamuwa, Sri Jayewardenepura
Also required: Passed the Practical Test conducted in common for Physical Education, Sports Science & Management and Sports Science.
Handbook section 2.2.8.20 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
079Management and Information Technology (SEUSL)170 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
South Eastern
Handbook section 2.2.8.12 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
005Food Science & Nutrition165 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.
Wayamba
Handbook section 2.2.3.9 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.”
062Fisheries & Marine Sciences150 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Ruhuna
Handbook section 2.2.3.23 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
081Physical Education150 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sabaragamuwa, Jaffna
Also required: Passed the Practical Test conducted in common for Physical Education, Sports Science & Management and Sports Science.
Handbook section 2.2.8.19 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
087Food Production & Technology Management140 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.
Wayamba
Handbook section 2.2.3.26 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry; Physics; and Biology (ii) Chemistry; Physics or Mathematics; Biology or Agricultural Science (iii) Chemistry; Biology; Agricultural Science or Mathematics.”
107Food Business Management135 seats
Category (A): sat from the Biological Science or Physical Science Stream and obtained at least 'S' grades for any three subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Combined Mathematics or Agriculture. Category (B): sat from the Commerce Stream and obtained at least 'S' grades for Business Studies, Economics and Accounting.
Sabaragamuwa
Also required: At least Credit Passes (C) in English, Mathematics and Science at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.8.30 — read the requirement
“Category (A): sat from the Biological Science or Physical Science Stream and obtained at least 'S' grades for any three subjects from Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Combined Mathematics or Agriculture. Category (B): sat from the Commerce Stream and obtained at least 'S' grades for Business Studies, Economics and Accounting.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
002Dental Surgery130 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.3.2 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
137Primary Education125 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo
Also required: At least Credit Passes (C) in Sinhala Language & Lit., Mathematics and Science, and an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.8.41 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
088Aquatic Resources Technology114 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.3.29 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
054Physiotherapy111 seats
At least 'S' grades in Physics, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Biology, Mathematics, Higher Mathematics, Combined Mathematics.
Colombo, Peradeniya
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.21 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Physics, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Biology, Mathematics, Higher Mathematics, Combined Mathematics.”
003Veterinary Science110 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.3 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
055Environmental Conservation & Management109 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Combined Mathematics, Mathematics, Agricultural Science.
Kelaniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.24 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Combined Mathematics, Mathematics, Agricultural Science.”
067Animal Production and Food Technology108 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.3.27 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
064Science and Technology107 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics. Or At least 'S' grades in following three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination and the three subjects must include; 1. Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics and 2. Chemistry or Physics and 3. The third subject from the list given below: Agricultural Science, Combined Mathematics, Biology, Higher Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.13 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics. Or At least 'S' grades in following three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination and the three subjects must include; 1. Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics and 2. Chemistry or Physics and 3. The third subject from the list given below: Agricultural Science, Combined Mathematics, Biology, Higher Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.”
090Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management107 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Commerce Stream or Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.18 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Commerce Stream or Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
076Mineral Resources and Technology106 seats
At least 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Chemistry, Physics (2) Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.17 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Chemistry, Physics (2) Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics.”
073Export Agriculture105 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.3.28 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
050Health Promotion103 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.
Rajarata
Handbook section 2.2.3.16 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Agricultural Science, Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics.”
065Computer Science & Technology101 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from: Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics — or at least 'S' grades in three subjects including 1. Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics and 2. Chemistry or Physics and 3. the third subject from: Combined Mathematics, Biology, Higher Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Information & Communication Technology.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.14 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from: Higher Mathematics, Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Physics — or at least 'S' grades in three subjects including 1. Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics and 2. Chemistry or Physics and 3. the third subject from: Combined Mathematics, Biology, Higher Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Information & Communication Technology.”
066Entrepreneurship and Management101 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Commerce Stream or Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.15 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Commerce Stream or Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
023Architecture100 seats
At least 'S' passes in (i) at least one of: Art, Higher Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics — and (ii) the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list (languages, civilizations, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, ICT and others).
Moratuwa
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. At least a Credit Pass (C) in Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination, or an Ordinary Pass (S) in Mathematics at A/L. Passed the Aptitude Test held by the University of Moratuwa.
Handbook section 2.2.8.6 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' passes in (i) at least one of: Art, Higher Mathematics, Combined Mathematics, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics — and (ii) the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list (languages, civilizations, Accounting, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, ICT and others).”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
106Marine and Freshwater Sciences100 seats
At least 'S' grades for the three subjects in one of the following combinations: (i) Chemistry, Physics and Biology (ii) Chemistry, Physics and Combined Mathematics.
Ruhuna
Handbook section 2.2.8.31 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades for the three subjects in one of the following combinations: (i) Chemistry, Physics and Biology (ii) Chemistry, Physics and Combined Mathematics.”
033Unani Medicine and Surgery89 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo
Handbook section 2.2.3.12 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
030Urban Informatics and Planning88 seats
I. At least Ordinary Passes (S) in three subjects from: Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology — or II. One or two subject/s from the above and the other subject/subjects from: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Business Statistics, Information & Communication Technology, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Higher Mathematics, Logic & Scientific Methods, Mathematics, Biosystems Technology, Science for Technology, Engineering Technology.
Moratuwa
Also required: At least a Very Good Pass (B) in English and a Credit Pass (C) in Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.8.5 — read the requirement
“I. At least Ordinary Passes (S) in three subjects from: Combined Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology — or II. One or two subject/s from the above and the other subject/subjects from: Accounting, Agricultural Science, Business Studies, Business Statistics, Information & Communication Technology, Economics, Political Science, Geography, Higher Mathematics, Logic & Scientific Methods, Mathematics, Biosystems Technology, Science for Technology, Engineering Technology.”
024Design87 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Moratuwa
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. At least a Credit Pass (C) in Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination, or an Ordinary Pass (S) in Mathematics at A/L. At least a Credit Pass (C) in Science at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. Passed the Aptitude Test conducted by the University of Moratuwa.
Handbook section 2.2.8.9 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
114Human Resource Development85 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Uva Wellassa
Handbook section 2.2.8.36 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
097Landscape Architecture81 seats
At least 'S' passes in (i) at least one of: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Combined Mathematics, Geography, Higher Mathematics, Physics, Agricultural Science — and (ii) the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list.
Moratuwa
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. At least a Credit Pass (C) in Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination, or an Ordinary Pass (S) in Mathematics at A/L. Passed the Aptitude Test conducted by the University of Moratuwa.
Handbook section 2.2.8.8 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' passes in (i) at least one of: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Combined Mathematics, Geography, Higher Mathematics, Physics, Agricultural Science — and (ii) the other subject/subjects from the handbook's second list.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
058Biochemistry & Molecular Biology80 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo
Handbook section 2.2.3.22 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
034Fashion Design & Product Development79 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Moratuwa
Also required: At least a Credit Pass (C) in English, Mathematics and Science at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination. Passed the Aptitude Test conducted by the University of Moratuwa.
Handbook section 2.2.8.7 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
094Agribusiness Management78 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Agricultural Science, Food Technology / Bio-Resource Technology / Agro Technology.
Ruhuna
Handbook section 2.2.3.7 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Agricultural Science, Food Technology / Bio-Resource Technology / Agro Technology.”
083Speech and Hearing Sciences75 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Biology, Physics and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Kelaniya
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.36 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Biology, Physics and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
111Geographical Information Science75 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1, Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream.
Peradeniya
Handbook section 2.2.8.34 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1, Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
086Animal Science & Fisheries74 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry, Biology and Physics (ii) Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.
Peradeniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.25 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: (i) Chemistry, Biology and Physics (ii) Chemistry, Biology and Agricultural Science.”
095Green Technology72 seats
At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Agricultural Science, Food Technology / Bio-Resource Technology / Agro Technology.
Ruhuna
Also required: At least a Credit Pass (C) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.8 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in Biology, Chemistry and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Physics, Agricultural Science, Food Technology / Bio-Resource Technology / Agro Technology.”
053Radiography68 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Peradeniya
Also required: At least an Ordinary Pass (S) in English at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.3.20 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
116Optometry60 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.3.31 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and Biology at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
118Applied Chemistry60 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Biology, Combined Mathematics, Mathematics, Higher Mathematics, Agricultural Science.
Kelaniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.32 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Chemistry, Physics and the third subject from the following subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination: Biology, Combined Mathematics, Mathematics, Higher Mathematics, Agricultural Science.”
115Occupational Therapy50 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Physics, Biology and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Kelaniya
Handbook section 2.2.3.30 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Physics, Biology and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
129Aquatic Bioresources50 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Biological Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.3.33 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Biological Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
130Urban Bioresources50 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Biological Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.3.34 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Biological Science Stream at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
138Medical Imaging Technology50 seats
At least three 'S' grades in Physics, Biology and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Colombo
Handbook section 2.2.3.35 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades in Physics, Biology and Chemistry at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
141Sports Science50 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Kelaniya
Also required: Passed the Practical Test conducted in common for Physical Education, Sports Science & Management and Sports Science.
Handbook section 2.2.8.21 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
100Film & Television Studies50 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Kelaniya
Also required: Passed the Aptitude Test conducted by the University of Kelaniya.
Handbook section 2.2.8.26 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
132English Language & Applied Linguistics50 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Uva Wellassa
Also required: At least Credit Passes (C) in English and Mathematics at the G.C.E. (O/L) Examination.
Handbook section 2.2.8.38 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
134Creative Music Technology and Production50 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.
Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.8.39 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination.”
139Polymer Science and Industrial Management50 seats
At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Physics, Chemistry (2) Combined Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.
Sri Jayewardenepura
Handbook section 2.2.8.42 — read the requirement
“At least three 'S' grades for one of the following combinations of subjects: (1) Biology, Physics, Chemistry (2) Combined Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry.”
142Geographical Information Systems50 seats
At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1, Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream.
Ruhuna
Handbook section 2.2.8.43 — read the requirement
“At least 'S' grades in any three subjects in the Arts Stream selected according to the conditions specified in Section 2.2.1.1, Biological Science Stream or Physical Science Stream.”This sentence names a subject stream rather than a subject list, so it is evaluated using that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook. Confirm against the PDF before you rely on it.
031Peace and Conflict Resolution33 seats
Candidates who have satisfied the minimum requirements for university admission [minimum of Ordinary Passes (S) in three subjects and 30% or more for the Common General Paper] having offered any three subjects available at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination are eligible.
Kelaniya
Handbook section 2.2.1.1 (4) — read the requirement
“Candidates who have satisfied the minimum requirements for university admission [minimum of Ordinary Passes (S) in three subjects and 30% or more for the Common General Paper] having offered any three subjects available at the G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Examination are eligible.”

Sources cited: every rule above is transcribed from the UGC Student Handbook for academic year 2025/2026, sections 1.2 and 2.2.x. Open the official handbook (PDF). Eligibility is not selection — Z-score cut-offs decide the second gate.

How it works

Every verdict on this page comes from one document: the University Grants Commission's Student Handbook for academic year 2025/2026. Nothing is predicted, averaged or inferred from last year's numbers. The checker evaluates published rules, in two stages.

Stage one is the national minimumin section 1.2 of the handbook. A candidate must hold at least an ‘S’ grade in all three approved subjects, taken in one sitting, within a maximum of 3 attempts, and must score at least 30% for the Common General Paper. The handbook is blunt about the last one: a candidate below 30% “is not eligible for registration for the courses of study of the universities for which they have been selected based on the Z Score”. So the checker treats it as a gate, not a warning. Fail any clause and no course code is offered at all, with the failing clause named.

Stage two is the per-course rulefrom section 2.2.x. Grades are ranked A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, S = 1, W = 0, so “at least a ‘C’” means rank 2 or above. Each course's requirement sentence is stored as three slots, one per subject you hold. A slot accepts a named subject (Engineering, 008: Chemistry, Combined Mathematics, Physics), a choice of subjects (Physical Science, 013: Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics), or any subject at all (Management Studies (TV), 022). Your three subjects are matched to the three slots one-to-one, so a single subject can never be counted twice — which is exactly what trips students up when a rule lists Combined Mathematics in two different places.

Some rules constrain the grades as a set rather than per subject. Medicine (001) needs “two ‘C’ grades and a ‘S’ grade in Biology, Chemistry and Physics”, and Law (025) needs “at least two ‘C’ grades and one ‘S’ grade”. Those are checked by sorting your three grades highest-first and comparing them against the required pattern, so it does not matter which subject carries which grade. The Arts stream (019) is different again: section 2.2.1.1 sorts Arts subjects into four baskets and adds counting rules — at least one subject from Basket 01 unless one of three language exceptions applies, at most two Religions and Civilizations subjects, never a religion together with its own civilization, at most two Aesthetic subjects and never two from one aesthetic area, and never three Classical or three Foreign Languages. All of that is implemented, which is why three ‘A’ grades in French, German and Japanese still fail Arts.

Near-miss detectionruns only when a course fails on grades alone. The checker re-evaluates the rule with each of your grades raised one step at a time; if a single raise flips the rule to pass, the course moves to the “one grade off” list naming that exact raise. A missing subject is never reported as a near-miss, because re-sitting the subjects you already hold cannot produce one.

Coverage is 118 course codes across all six admission streams, of which 110 carry a rule that can be evaluated exactly. Where a requirement names a subject streamrather than a subject list, the stream is expanded into that stream's own pre-requisite block from the same handbook, and the course is flagged as interpreted so you can confirm it against the PDF. Where a rule turns on an aptitude test score or faculty discretion, the course is listed under “check by hand” with its section number. No rule is guessed.

Worked examples

Biology C · Chemistry C · Physics S — Common General Paper 42%, 1st attempt

Section 1.2: three grades at S or better ✓, one sitting ✓, attempt 1 of 3 ✓, 42% ≥ 30% ✓ → minimum met.
Medicine (001): slots Biology, Chemistry, Physics all filled at S or better ✓.
Grade pattern needed: C, C, S. Grades held, sorted: C, C, S → 2 ≥ 2, 2 ≥ 2, 1 ≥ 1 ✓ → ELIGIBLE.
Biological Science (006): Biology ≥ S ✓, Chemistry ≥ S ✓, third subject Physics is in the permitted list ✓ → ELIGIBLE.
Physical Science (013): slot 1 needs Combined Mathematics or Higher Mathematics — neither held → NOT ELIGIBLE (missing subject).
Result: 65 of 118 course codes open, 13,176 proposed places.

Biology S · Chemistry S · Physics S — Common General Paper 35%, 1st attempt

Section 1.2: 35% ≥ 30% ✓, three S grades ✓ → minimum met. The national minimum is satisfied.
Medicine (001): subjects match ✓, but the pattern C, C, S against grades S, S, S gives 1 ≥ 2 ✗.
Raise one grade: S, S, C → sorted C, S, S → still 1 ≥ 2 ✗ at the second position.
Two raises are needed, so this is NOT a near-miss → NOT ELIGIBLE, two grade improvements short.
Pharmacy (051): needs Chemistry ≥ C, Physics ≥ S, Biology ≥ S. Chemistry S → C is a single raise that passes → NEAR-MISS, named exactly.
Biological Science (006) and Dental Surgery (002) → ELIGIBLE. 62 course codes open.

Edge case — French A · German A · Japanese A, Common General Paper 80%

Section 1.2: three A grades ✓, 80% ≥ 30% ✓ → minimum met. The candidate is eligible for university admission.
Arts (019): all three subjects are in Basket 04 (Languages), all three in the Foreign Languages area.
Section 2.2.1.1: 'No candidate is allowed to offer three Classical Languages or three Foreign Languages' → NOT ELIGIBLE.
Perfect grades do not rescue an invalid basket combination — the failure is structural, not a grade shortfall.
Management Studies (TV) (022), Design (024), Physical Education (081): 'any three subjects' → ELIGIBLE.
Result: 13 course codes open, 1,569 proposed places — the correct answer, and the one most re-sit candidates get wrong.

Eligibility is not selection

Two separate gates stand between a result sheet and a university place, and conflating them is the most expensive mistake on the UGC application form.

Eligibility — the subject and grade rule on this page. It decides which course codes you are allowed to write on the application, and it is fixed and published in advance.
Selection— your Z-score against that course's cut-off for your district, under the 40% all-island-merit, 55% district-quota and 5% educationally disadvantaged district split. Cut-offs move every year with the candidate distribution.

The handbook's own advice on the second gate is worth repeating: students are “strongly advised to apply for a maximum number of eligible courses of study with their preferences irrespective of their Z score and the previous years' cut-off marks”. Work out the full eligible list here first, then check the Z-score side with the university cut-off finder and the district quota calculator. If you are still choosing subjects in Grade 12, the A/L subject combination validator checks whether a combination forms a valid stream in the first place.

Frequently asked questions

Sources & references

Section 1.2 and every section 2.2.x requirement sentence used here was transcribed directly from the handbook PDF on 2026-09-22 — 118 course codes, 42,025proposed places. The page is reviewed when the UGC publishes the next cycle's handbook, usually a few weeks after A/L results are released.

Related tools

LiveEducation

University Cutoff

Enter your A/L Z-score, stream and district to see which Sri Lankan state-university courses you would have cleared. Official 2025/2026 UGC cut-offs, district + EDD quotas, sources cited.

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LiveEducation

A/L Combination Validator

Pick any three A/L subjects and see which UGC stream the combination unlocks for state-university admission — Bio, Maths, Eng Tech, Bio-systems Tech, Commerce or Arts. Sources cited.

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LiveEducation

University District Quota

See how any Sri Lankan state-university course intake is split under the UGC 40% merit / 55% district-basis / 5% educationally-disadvantaged-district rule — with an exact seat count for every one of the 25 districts. Cites the UGC handbook, no signup.

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Comments & feedback

Spotted a bug or want an improvement? Tell us — our team reviews every comment, and good ideas get built. Comments are public and anonymous.

Spotted a course code whose requirement I have read wrong?

Email me at [email protected] with the section number — most fixes ship within 24 hours.