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India beckons as Asia’s Hub of Higher Education for Lankan students
View(s):Securing a job in India, fast becoming a land of opportunities, could be a hard row to hoe, but the country is by far a better place to pursue higher education, as it offers a wide range of courses that Sri Lanka fails to match. From better equipped laboratories, updated lecturers and low cost of living, a large number of Sri Lankan students opt to study in India than in other countries.
Christarine George
India is rich in culture and tradition, providing students with an unforgettable unique experience. If a student fails to gain admission to a State-run university in Sri Lanka, one of the best options that will suit their pocket is to apply to universities in India.
A. Piyara, 28, who did his Masters in Bio Technology at the Garden City College in Bangalore, and currently doing his Masters at the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo University, said, “India offers better higher education opportunities than what is available in Sri Lanka.
“The Colleges in India provide good basic amenities for students, such as affordably priced books and other equipment,” he said, adding that, foreign students’tuition fees are high, but study material, laboratories and other conditions make up for all that is available in an A grade college anywhere in the world.
He said that the lecturers are updated on new methods of teaching and are distancing from the traditional way of teaching. “Lab facilities available in most colleges are better than those available in our universities,” he added. Another student in Kerala, said that most minor staff are very helpful, while students refrain from ragging or hazing newcomers. “It also provides the opportunity to meet students with similar interest from all over the world, which is not available in Sri Lanka. Cost of living in India is also low compared with Sri Lanka.
Christarine George, 23, who is doing a Masters in Clinical Psychology at St Agnes College, Mangalore, said that studying in India is a whole new experience. She said that, when it comes to Psychology it is a great opportunity, as Sri Lanka does not have many colleges that offer Psychology
Hashini Silva
courses. She added that, as her university offers Clinical internship, she is able to get a good training in the field before starting a career. She further said that, the way lecturers take classes and with six days of school, they are able to learn in depth. “It is also interesting to meet people from other parts of the country and get to know many cultures. Of course language is a challenge, but we still manage to interact. Students coming to India may face adjustment issues which is quite common and easy to adjust to. You shouldn’t quit when things get bad. Stay positive and make the best of the challenge. Also there are many nice places to visit. So enjoy your stay here,”Christarine added.
Hashini Silva, 25, who is doing her Masters in Social Work at Sardar Patel University in Gujarat, said the best way to study in India is via a scholarship. She is on a scholarship from the Indian Council for Cultural Relationship, and said this works well with most local students. If you wish to vie for a scholarship for a Bachelors or Masters Degree through the Education High Commission, the Mawlana Azad Fellowship and Nehru Fellowship is now available. Eligibility for a Masters Degree requires a 1st or 2nd Class Upper along with a two-year work experience. And, a good Z-score at the GCE Advanced Level makes one eligible for a Bachelors Degree programme. “If you are self financed, I recommend Delhi, Bangalore, Mangalore or any South Indian University,” Hashini said.
The following is a mini advisory from students following Degree programmes at Indian Universities, to prospective Lankan students desirous of enrolling into same. Shafrina Suvaib, 24, a BA undergrad in Travel & Tourism at Jyoti Nivas College, Bangalore, says, “As a student studying in Bangalore and as advice to prospective students who wish to study in Bangalore, you have chosen the best city to study, as it is the most happening city. It is also called ‘Little America’. You are going to have awesome college years. Meanwhile, I would like to warn students who to come Bangalore regarding the FRRO or police registration procedure. This is a little tough, complex and time-consuming. This one-day waiting at the FRRO would make you hate India, but the best part comes after the registration, when you will come to love India.”
Mithun Balakrishman
Mithun Balakrishman, BSc in Chemistry, Botany and Zoology at St. Joseph’s College.” Find out more about the place you are going to study in before you come. This will help you to avoid any trouble. Also find out all the information about your course like its duration, structure, what you need to have and the fees. Also, before coming, try to contact a friend living there, and if you do not have a friend, try the student associations. If it is Bangalore, contact Federation of International Students Association, Bangalore (FISAB) and Sri Lanka Student’s Association in Bangalore (SSAB).” R. Fahadh, BA in Economics, Political Science & Sociology at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore “When in India eat what has been cooked and drink bottled water. If you are a fish lover, bring along some sprats or maldive fish, because in most parts of the country, especially Bangalore, there is no fish.”
Dharshani Maheshwaran, 24, BSc in Visual Communication at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore. “When you intend coming to India, always know the climate of the place you are going to. Some places are extremely hot, while others are cold. Bring clothes accordingly. Always have copies of your passport and other important documents kept in a safe place.”
- Aanya Wipulasena in Bangalore