Australia Offers World-Ranked Higher Education Programmes in Sri Lanka
View(s):A quality Australian education is a natural preference for students in Sri Lanka. Strong ties for over the nearly 75 years of formal bilateral relations, and Australia’s friendly and multicultural society, are factors contributing to the over 15000 Sri Lankans studying in Australia and the over 3,000 students studying Australian programmes in Sri Lanka at any one time.
“It is no surprise that Sri Lankan students fit in easily into our quality education system offerings both in Sri Lanka and Australia” stated HE David Holly, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka.
Australian education presence in Sri Lanka
Establishing campuses and strategic partnerships are just some of the ways that over 25 Australian education providers have invested in a presence in Sri Lanka. Education providers from each Australian state and territory are represented, offering a great balance of opportunity for Sri Lankan students. All education levels are catered for, from vocational education and higher education to post graduate studies.
-
- David Holly
Among the courses offered are complete programmes delivered in Sri Lanka or pathways to programmes concluded in Australia; both providing Sri Lankan students considerable cost benefit.
“We have seen strong growth in Australian education institutions providing pathway programmes, articulations arrangements and even full degree completions in Sri Lanka” HE Holly said.
Quality assurance has always been priority in Australian education, and Australian programmes that are delivered in Sri Lanka are in line with same Australian quality standards as programmes delivered in Australia. Growth in research collaborations between Sri Lankan and Australian universities is an encouraging outcome of quality Australian education partnerships in Sri Lanka.
Scholarships to Australia
The successor to the Colombo Plan scheme, the prestigious Australia Awards scholarships program, supports Sri Lankan students to pursue post-graduate education in Australia (most frequently through two-year Masters courses). Around 1,000 Sri Lankans over 69 years have received these scholarships, building long-term connections between our two countries.
Merit-based scholarships for students in Sri Lanka are provided by around 75 per cent of the 40 Australian education providers active in Sri Lanka. Discounts vary, but as an example, for under-graduate programmes, providers offer 20 per cent off on the total fee for students with at least 3 Bs. For post graduate programmes, 20 per cent off the total fee for students if CGPA is at least 2.75/4 (based on advanced level exam results).
Global ranking and recognition
Australia has a well-established education system with capabilities across secondary, vocational, higher education and post graduate studies. Seven Australian education institutions are amongst the world’s top 100 universities. Australian education institutions work with industries to understand future skills requirements which help institutions to produce work-ready graduates who fit well into the industries.
Sri Lanka as a regional hub for Education
Sri Lanka is well placed to be a regional hub for education. Positive relations with regional countries and its well-centred geographical location in the region will support this government strategy.
“With 25 Australian education providers present in Sri Lanka, Australia is in a good position to participate in the Sri Lankan government’s education hub strategy” HE Holly said.