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For many Sri Lanka parents, providing their children opportunities to gain an Australian senior secondary education has hitherto remained a pipe dream.

Sri Lanka’s premier international university learning centre, the International Institute of Health and Science (IIHS) has come forward to pioneer a new educational era and fulfill this need by initiating an exclusive partnership agreement with the Ministry of Education, Australia, to deliver the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) curriculum in Sri Lanka for the first time.

Dr.Nihal De Silva (centre), Chairman/ Co-Founder , IIHS signing the agreement. Also pictured, Eng. Lionel Pinto (left), Chairman, Skills Development Fund Ltd and Dr.KithsiriEdirisinghe (right), CEO/Co-Founder IIHS, together with board of directors from the IIHS with some members of higher management, IIHS

With the ability to obtain WACE credentials, IIHS is setting a new benchmark in Sri Lankan education by upgrading its overall quality and also providing an exceptional opportunity for students by broadening the scope of the Advanced Level curriculum especially for those hoping to migrate to Australia.

It is estimated that nearly 15,000 Sri Lankan students are enrolled in universities and education institutes in Australia with the number expected to grow further. As a renowned regional hub for education, IIHS is ideally placed to introduce this certificate of education, much sought after by students who want to migrate to Australia, parents of students willing to migrate to Australia, and also parents who seek to ensure their childrens’ higher education future is secure.

WACE is awarded to senior secondary school students who complete two years of senior secondary study in preparation for future studying and employment. Thissenior secondary certificate is recognized nationally in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and by universities, industry and other training providers.

Achieving WACE certification signifies that a student has successfully met requirements for breadth and depth of study, the achievement standard and the literacy and numeracy standard in their senior secondary schooling.

IIHS provides the finest learning experience for its students and has over the last two decades built a strong brand recognised internationally by global educators. Catering to growing demand for Australian education and helping parents and students allay fears in ensuring a stress-free pathway to Australian higher education, IIHS will ensure the delivery of the Year 11 and 12 Western Australian Certificate of Education curriculum as a foundation programme. This programme has also been approved by the Vocational Training Authority, Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the certification, His Excellency David Holly, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldivessaid, “We aim to buildon the strong education links that exists between Australia and Sri Lankain promoting senior secondary education opportunities for our students. Providing this certificate to Sri Lanka students is a significant milestone and marks an importantpathway to enable them to begin their Australian educational journey and build a solid foundation for later stages of higher education. We are appreciative of the VTA for their cooperation in helping to launch this certification for the betterment of our students.”

Throughout its 19-year rich history, IIHS has ensured local and regional students gain an opportunity to access the global health and education workforce. The institute currently conducts programs from the Certificate Level to the PhD level in the areas of Nursing, Physiotherapy, Bio-medical Sciences, Health Administration and Education.

IIHS aligns with the values of inclusivity, accessibility, transformation, affordability and providing opportunity. Today, IIHS is currently affiliated with an excess of 20 global universities from Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Finland and the United States of America.

For further information on enrolling students in the Year 11 and 12 Western Australian Certificate of Education certificate, contact 076 6566761or visit the IIHS website www.iihsciences.edu.lk