Royal Institute of Colombo
Q What is Royal Institute of Colombo (RIC)?
RIC is the higher education arm of Royal Institute group of companies. It has been in the field of tertiary education for over three decades serving the nation. RIC has contributed immensely, especially the younger generation, in making them versatile characters. All who have studied at RIC and their parents duly acknowledge the yeoman service it has rendered in shaping the future of the country.
Q Why students select RIC?
There are numerous reasons to consider RIC first as the one and only option rather than wasting time and money on the rest.
First, the parents and students are happy with the homely environment it offers and many parents wish to be with their children and vice versa at this stage of their lives instead of studying abroad.Second, the goodwill it has earned and the trust that has been built throughout the years has been a prominent aspect in choosing RIC by many and finally,RIC hasa highly disciplined academic environment the students cherish the most.
The undergraduates learn and train not only the art of learning but the strategies to survive in the world of work through highly disciplined academic environment. According to University of London officials, RIC is in the top 5% of the institutions around the world that conducts University of London International programmes.
Q What are the academic achievements of RIC over the years?
RIC is extremely proud that it enjoys an unparalleled track record of results even at the global level. The Diplomates at RIC secure many distinctions, merit and credit passes each year. Further, the graduates also secure a large number of Second Class (Hons.) and above in the final year. One distinctive academic achievement is that RIC has surpassed the global pass rate in 69 modules out of the 80 modules it offered last year.
RIC produces numerous world prizes every year and maintains a 97% success rate in the final year. According to Prof. Jonathan Kydd, former Dean of University of London “…the chemistry between the lecturers and the students works well at RIC and their academic performances speaks their success…”
Q What are the facilities available at RIC?
RIC library is one of the best, state-of-the art libraries a private institution could imagine. It has all the essential and further reading materials recommended by the University of London and past papers with examiners’ reports of all the subjects. Air conditioned lecture rooms, study rooms and well-equipped computer laboratories enhance the learning environment.
Free access to internet to utilise the virtual learning environment [VLE] that facilitates the studies is another important aspect. Apart from that, the facilities available for co-curricular activities such as debating, seminars, guest lectures and extra-curricular activities likes wimming, basketball, cricket and social welfare activities provide a rich environment for inculcating values and morals in developing the personality traits.
Q Does RIC offer scholarships at the entrance?
At RIC, we only offer scholarships to high achievers at A/Ls. Student who have 3 A*s at London A/Ls or 4 A’s at Local A/Ls are awarded 50% scholarships for their 1st Year of studies and those who perform well above the standard scholarship criteria are awarded up to 100% scholarships.Simultaneously, the students who obtain Distinctions in the First Year examination (Diploma in Law/ Economics/ Social Sciences) receive a ‘High Achievers Scholarship’ of 50% for their 2nd and 3rd Year of studies. Our aim in giving these scholarships to motivate the students to achieve Distinctions in the 1st Year examination and to obtain First Classes Honours but not to increase the number of student registrations in a programme.
Q How much does a student save by joining RIC on top of selecting an institution which offers scholarships?
Those scholarships give only a monetary value and such scholarships offered provide a mere short term satisfaction.
Through experience, we understand that lack of facilities make learners underperform; thus leading them to repeat the examination by paying extra and wasting more years. However, at RIC the students complete their degree within the stipulated time and that itself is a life-time scholarship. For an example, a student receiving a scholarship of 50% would save approximately Rs. 75,000 a year.
However, failure in the first year due to lack of facilities will cost them the continuing registration £330 (for UoL) and the examinations £800 to the side of the extra tuition fees during the year of re-sit.
Q What alternatives are available for a student after O/L?
A student who has passed O/L can begin his/her tertiary education by directly enrolling in the International Foundation programme (IFP) of the University of London offered exclusively at RIC. After successfully passing the IFP, the student can enter the intended degreeprogramme. By choosing this path, a student will be able to graduate by the time they reach 20.
Q What are the degrees on offer through University of London (UoL)?
Currently, RIC offers 15 different degrees and 3 diplomas from UoL in the fields of Economics, Mathematics, Management, Finance, International Relations and Sociology. All UoL degrees can be completed in Sri Lanka in a period of 3 years.
Q What degrees are offered through the pathway programme with Deakin University?
RIC has entered a unique collaboration with Deakin University, Australia offering 4 different pathway programmes in Engineering, Bio-medical Science, Science and Information Technology
Bachelor of Engineering – 2 years at RIC, 2 years at Deakin University
Bachelor of Science – 1 year at RIC, 2 years at Deakin University
Bachelor of Biomedical Science – 1 year at RIC, 2 years at Deakin University
Bachelor of Information Technology – 2 years at RIC, 1 year at Deakin University