According to Robert J. Kibbee, former Chancellor of City University of New York "The quality of a university is measured more by the kind of student it turns out than the kind it takes in". This is especially true in a job environment where the university degree will make the difference between success and failure. A reputed university degree can reward you with better employment opportunities and even a five-figure salary from employers. But it is not possible for everyone to get admitted to a good university due to lack of funds or inadequate grades. A poor choice of a university degree programme will result in wasting of time and millions of rupees. A proper choice in university degree gives you global opportunity, while optimizing time and cost. You are recommended to think over the following tips before choosing a university degree.

What is the ranking of degree awarding university in its home country?
Degree awarding universities of most private education providers in Sri Lanka are based overseas. Some of these universities are well below the accepted level of ranking in their home countries. In order to make an informed decision Sri Lankan degree seeking students and parents must refer to globally recognized university rankings such as Times Higher Education ranking and US News and World Report. University ranking and recognition can be a decisive factor in gaining access to well paid jobs and ensuring a place in an esteemed postgraduate institution.

What are the academic quality assurances?
Degrees awarded locally by these foreign universities must be identical to those granted by the partner universities, and they should be accredited through the relevant accreditation bodies. The partner universities should conduct regular audits and assure equal academic and infrastructural standards. All national and regional accredited universities are listed in the UNESCO handbook of universities. This is used as the guideline by all government higher education authorities including the UGC (University Grants Commission) in Sri Lanka.

Who will teach you?
Most of the foreign qualifications offered in Sri Lanka are taught by local lecturers without the relevant foreign exposure. This prevents students benefiting from a complete international education experience. Furthermore in many institutions it's common practice to see a majority of faculty members with basic professional or academic qualifications teaching areas outside of their sphere of expertise.

What are the local campus facilities like?
As students of foreign university qualifications you are entitled to minimum basic facilities from the local education provider. A good library and student resource centre with adequate reading and study material, computer labs with up-to-date hardware and software configurations and high-speed internet connections, fully equipped engineering and science labs, classroom with proper seating, space and basic facilities such as multimedia, internet, and air-conditioning are considered as the absolute minimum for any international university student. As a result of limited local resources most students are unable to enjoy the full benefits of their degree programme.

Quality of the students and their values
It's quite unfortunate that graduates who are the products of these private institutions are alien to Sri Lankan culture and values. A proper understanding of local values and the ability to understand local, regional and global issues through international education is an essential quality in the job market. Furthermore it's very important to know the calibre of other students who will be with you in the same classroom. This is an important aspect of informal education in the student's university life.

What are the job prospects for graduates?
The true meaning of university education goes beyond examinations and project assignments. Employers today need graduates with multiple skills who can start with minimum training. This is even more valid for regional and global employment where only the very best gets selected for top jobs.
The examination focused approach of most Sri Lankan private university education establishments fail to achieve the full potential of modern university education. The resulting graduates are not what the companies want.

Are you getting real value for money?
You want to get the most from your degree, whatever your financial situation. You want to ensure that you get value for your money with a worthwhile and rewarding experience.
You want your investment in your education to be worthwhile and have a positive outcome. It's still so sad to see many parents and students wasting millions of rupees due to the lack of knowledge in their education decision making.

Where can I find more information?
ANC University College offers the No. 1 international degree completion programme in Sri Lanka. The degree awarding universities of ANC University College are globally ranked and are listed in the UNESCO handbook of universities in addition to the respective accreditation bodies of their own countries. ANC students are taught by American, Australian, British and foreign trained local lecturers with PhDs or Masters Qualifications in a most modern university campus environment in Colombo.

tudents at ANC are nurtured in an environment that respects Sri Lankan cultural values and true international education methods. ANC students get maximum value for their investment due to its superior academic quality and outstanding graduate job prospects.

If you would like to know more information about ANC Degree programmes, please contact Natalie on 0777 556556 or visit us at No.308 - 310, R.A.De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03.