Special needs course in Colombo
Yes. You can study special needs (SEN) teacher training online from Colombo with London College of Teachers and start any day. The 120-hour SEN Certificate costs US$325, and higher levels run up to the 550-hour Master Level. Colombo's international schools run learning support.
Colombo: the local picture
Sri Lanka's disability rights legislation supports inclusion, and Colombo's international schools run learning support departments.
Teacher roles usually need a degree; support roles welcome SEN training and experience.
Colombo at a glance
| Region | Western Province, Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| Languages | Sinhala, Tamil, English |
| Schools and curricula | National, private and international schools |
| Education authorities | Sri Lanka Ministry of Education |
| Usual school year | Check the current Ministry of Education calendar; international schools vary |
| Nearest LCT office | Kolkata, India (call or WhatsApp +91 96747 42489) |
General guidance, checked October 2026. Calendars and rules change, so confirm with the school or authority.
Special needs education in Colombo
Colombo teachers use SEN training for learning support roles.
Where special needs graduates in Colombo work
- International school learning support
- Private centres
- Shadow teacher roles
- Tutoring
- Family-employed support
Practical tips for Colombo
- International schools value a degree plus SEN training.
- Bring IEP examples.
- Network with schools and therapists.
Which special needs course should you choose in Colombo?
- Teachers and parents new to special needs: the 120-hour Certificate
- Shadow teachers and learning support staff: the 200-hour Diploma
- International school learning support roles: the PG Diploma or Master Level
Compare every level on the special needs courses page.
What employers in Sri Lanka look for
Private schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers or learning support staff set their own requirements and often value special needs training plus experience.
Requirements change. Treat this as general guidance (October 2026) and confirm with your employer or the relevant authority.
Course fees for learners in Colombo
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency.
| Course | Hours | Study time | USD | GBP | INR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Special Education Needs | 120 | up to 6 months | US$325 | £275 | ₹23,600 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Special Education Needs | 200 | up to 10 months | US$399 | £340 | ₹29,500 incl. GST |
| PG Diploma in Special Education Needs | 240 | up to 12 months | US$475 | £390 | ₹35,400 incl. GST |
| Certificate in Child Psychology | 120 | up to 6 months | US$170 | £140 | ₹11,800 incl. GST |
| Diploma in Child Psychology | 200 | up to 10 months | US$250 | £210 | ₹17,700 incl. GST |
What you will study
Special needs teacher training covers how to spot children who need extra support and how to teach them well: learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, emotional regulation, behaviour support, classroom management and inclusive teaching methods. The Diploma adds cerebral palsy, sensory issues and visual and hearing impairment, and the Master Level is built on a PG Diploma in SEN with IEP, Autism and ADHD plus certificates in learning disability, child psychology and 21st century teaching skills. See the course details.
Why learners in Colombo choose London College of Teachers
- UK-registered provider: London College of Teachers Limited, UKPRN 10096558
- Fully online and self-paced: start any day from Colombo
- Clear pathway from a 120-hour Certificate to a 550-hour Master Level
- Certificate verifiable online that employers can check
- Support by WhatsApp, phone and email
How studying online from Colombo works
- Apply online or send a quick enquiry.
- An adviser confirms your level and sends payment details.
- Get your login and study each module at your own pace.
- Complete quizzes and assignments, then receive your verifiable certificate.
Support is by email, phone and WhatsApp; your local time is SLST (UTC+5:30).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a special needs teacher training course in Colombo?
Yes. You can take London College of Teachers' special needs courses fully online from Colombo, from the 120-hour Certificate to the 550-hour Master Level. There is no need to travel to a centre.
How much does a special needs course cost in Colombo?
You pay in US dollars (or pounds): the 120-hour SEN Certificate is US$325, and your bank converts from your local currency. The 200-hour Diploma is US$399 and the PG Diploma US$475.
Can I work as a shadow teacher or SEN teacher in Colombo with this certificate?
Colombo teachers use SEN training for learning support roles. Private schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers or learning support staff set their own requirements and often value special needs training plus experience.
How long does the special needs course take from Colombo?
The 120-hour SEN Certificate is designed for up to 6 months of self-paced study, and many learners in Colombo finish sooner. The Diploma takes up to 10 months, the PG Diploma 12 months and the Master Level 18 months.
Is the London College of Teachers certificate accepted in Sri Lanka?
The certificate is issued by London College of Teachers Limited, a UK-registered learning provider (UKPRN 10096558), and can be verified online. Private schools, inclusive schools, therapy centres and families hiring shadow teachers set their own rules, while government special educator posts usually need a national qualification and registration, so confirm with your target employer.
Is SEN training useful in Colombo?
Yes, for learning support roles.
Do Colombo schools need a degree?
Usually for teacher roles.