University of Technology Sydney to open college in Sri Lanka to attract students from the region
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is reportedly planning on opening a college in Sri Lanka with an investment of US$ 2 million with the aim of attracting students from regional countries.
Accordingly, UTS Insearch Sri Lanka is to open in October as a pathway college offering diplomas in business, engineering and IT for students that will lead to undergraduate programs in University of technology Sydney in Australia.
Peter Haris, Chief Business Developer of UTS Insearch Sri Lanka has reportedly said they have chosen to launch the college in Sri Lanka to make it available for not only Sri Lankans but also for students from neighboring countries as well.
“Most students especially students from, South India and Pakistan will be happy to know about this institute in Sri Lanka,” he has been quoted as saying.
“Depending on how successful the diploma is we are hoping to start the undergraduate program here as well. It will be more attractive for the neighboring countries because it will be less expensive for them to come and study here in Sri Lanka than going to Sydney.”
According to report, the college will also offer a specially designed academic English course for students who want to enhance their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills for academic studies.
The college is to also offer Rs. 8 million worth of scholarships for the top students who commence studies with the inaugural academic session this year.
“In addition we offer scholarships to academically outstanding students who complete their diplomas in Sri Lanka and continue to pursue their Bachelor’s degree at UTS Sydney. These include full and 25 percent fee-waiver scholarships,” Haris has further stated.
Meanwhile, Chair of UTS Insearch Sri Lanka, John Wood has been quoted as saying that at least 75 percent of the staff will be Sri Lankans.
OSL take:
The opening of a UTS pathway college in Sri Lanka as a base to attract regional students is indicative of the opportunities in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector as well as the business potential in setting up base in the island. Also, the fact that 75 percent of the college staff will be sourced from Sri Lanka is indicative of the knowledge and skills available in the country to set up a foreign education institution in the country. Therefore, foreign education institutions could explore business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s higher education sector. Also, the many free trade agreements Sri Lanka is party too would enable for better cooperation between businesses in Sri Lanka and the region.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/03072019/Z_6 |