Science and IT degree programmes get ADB, WB boost
View(s):- UGC gets billions to promote job-oriented course; minimum requirement 3 AL passes
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is planning to use Rs 1.6 billion in Asian Development Bank (ADB) funds for science- and IT-based educational programmes in state-run universities.
Among the projects would be software degree programmes, science-related degree programmes and Information Technology educational activities. UGC Chairman Sampath Amaratunga told the Education Times that allocations were to be used to promote job-oriented science-related programmes.
The funding will be used to improve infrastructure facilities, set up more labs, recruit more staff, and construct new buildings.
As part of this project, a software engineering degree programme has already been launched at the Open University. The objective of the programme is to ensure that those following it will have a job guaranteed at the end of the course, Prof. Amaratunga said.
The main criterion to join the course is three passes in any GCE Advanced Level subjects. The course fee for a three-year degree programme would be Rs 270,000.
Prof. Amaratunga said some of the students were still not aware of the availability of such
courses.
He said already there had been demand from EU countries for students who are graduating with a science background from recognised universities.
Meanwhile, the UGC has also received a World Bank loan of Rs 2.5 billion to improve science-based education in Sri Lanka.
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!