The study system adopted by the Open University of Sri Lanka and the Faculty of Engineering Technology is based on multimedia instructional materials with strong emphasis on Distance Education techniques using printed material and audio-visual aids. 

The central element of the self-study is the printed material that offers the student the equivalent of lectures in a conventional university. They also provide a series of carefully designed activities and self-assessment questions, which help the student to develop analytical skills and independent thought. Printed material are supported by, audio-visual material, day schools (face to face discussions), tutor clinics, laboratory work, fieldwork, on-line component and seminars.

Laboratory work and field work form an integral part of most courses in technology and are compulsory.

Pre-scheduled day schools and tutor clinics are conducted by the academics of the Faculty for groups of students at Regional and Study Centres of the University. In these day schools, students can discuss difficulties that they have encountered in the self-study materials of a particular course.

The OUSL is meant primarily for working students. Therefore, it should be possible for a student to study while working, without much difficulty. While the University is making every effort to schedule as many activities as possible during weekends and public holidays, certain activities such as laboratory classes and examinations may have to be scheduled during weekdays. Since the activity schedule for the whole year is given to the students at the beginning of the academic year, it is hoped that they can plan their work well in advance.