Higher education is the single most important contributor to success in life. Higher education leads to better careers and higher earnings. Numerous studies have demonstrated again and again that graduates earn several times more than non-graduates and go on to have rewarding careers and fulfilling lives. Not surprisingly, millions of students all over the world pursue higher studies. It has been estimated that there are close to 150 million students in higher education in the world. In Sri Lanka too, a large number of students aspire for university education. Unfortunately, as we all know, the opportunities for higher education in Sri Lanka are very limited.

Identifying the limited capacity for higher education in Sri Lanka, APIIT, a leading higher education institution in the country, provides opportunities for higher education in three attractive fields, namely, Computing/ IT, Business and Law. Globally recognized internal British Degree programmes are offered through the APIIT School of Computing, APIIT Business School, and APIIT Law School. Students have the option of completing the entire degree at APIIT in Sri Lanka or transferring to Staffordshire University in the UK. Further, students have the option to transfer to one of many other affiliated universities in the UK and Australia. Three intakes per year allow students to enter higher education as soon as they complete their O/L and A/L examinations without wasting precious time.

Students who possess two A/L passes could secure direct entry to degree programmes and, on completion of 3 years of study, receive their internal degrees from Staffordshire University, UK. Those who have sat the London A/L examination recently may enrol immediately in the degree programmes pending results.

APIIT also provides a fast-track route to degree programmes for O/L qualified students through a comprehensive pre-university Foundation Programme of 8-month duration. The APIIT Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students specifically for the Business and Computing/IT degree programmes offered at its City Campus in Colombo. At a time when students are required to acquire qualifications at an increasingly younger age, the APIIT Foundation Programme gives O/L students a head start on higher education. Students who have done the London O/L in June this year have the privilege of starting the Foundation Programme pending results.

APIIT degree programmes are internal degree programmes and the degree certificates awarded by Staffordshire University are identical to those awarded to internal students studying in the UK. There is close monitoring of the facilities and the conduct of the programmes by Staffordshire University to assure that the required quality standards are maintained. Further, as a higher education institute offering British degree programmes in Sri Lanka, APIIT - Sri Lanka comes under the purview of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) of the United Kingdom.

Staffordshire University is amongst the leading UK universities which offer their degree programmes in Sri Lanka. Staffordshire University has been awarded "Excellent" and "Commendable" teaching scores 13 consecutive times by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and the Solicitors Regulation Authority in the UK. The University was awarded the Best Teacher Training Award in 2003 and was adjudged as the best new university by computing employees in 2005.

Over 5,000 overseas students study for Staffordshire University programmes in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and many other EU countries. Approximately 1000 students studying at the APIIT City Campus in Colombo form part of this proud international student community.

APIIT has earned a reputation for providing higher education programmes of high standard and learning opportunities of high quality. APIIT teaching and learning facilities are amongst the best in the country. The highly qualified and dedicated lecturers provide guidance and support to the students to perform to their full potential. In addition to its full-time lecturers, industry experts are also drawn in to share their experience to keep students abreast of current trends and advancements in the fields of study.

In view of the outstanding resources available for education and the robust student support services, student attainment is high. Over 80% of APIIT students have obtained first or second class upper degrees in the past. Study programmes at APIIT are constantly revised and reviewed to meet global standards and trends. Consequently, students find employment immediately after graduation with high profile placements in the industry. Further, feedback from the industry attests that APIIT graduates are effective in employment.

APIIT is not only about higher education. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities too. Student Activity Club at APIIT comprises several committees and clubs for students to partake in numerous recreational activities, to contribute to community development and to improve their leadership and team working skills. Further, social and cultural activities are organized to develop socio-cultural harmony.

With its strong international relations, global standards and single-minded focus on quality in higher education, APIIT has emerged as the higher education institute of choice to achieve one's dreams and career goals.

APIIT is pleased to invite prospective students, including those with pending results, to visit the City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 02; APIIT City Campus is open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm. You may also call (2675060) Senani, Erandi, Kanchana or Ruzlie or visit APIIT web site (www.apiit.edu.lk) for more information.