Seek the “Light of New Knowledge” at the University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide is one of Australia’s leading Gro u p of Eight, research- intensive universities and is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. I had the opportunity to interview Tom Gifford The Regional Coordinator ( Middle East, South Asia and Africa), International Office of the University during his recent visit to Colombo. What are the key strengths that make UniADL a leading university?
The University of Adelaide is one of Australia’s leading Group of Eight, research-intensive universities and is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities in the world. The University has produced 106 Rhodes Scholars, 116 Fulbright Scholars and five Nobel Laureates among its alumni community. More than 86% of the University’s discipline areas were rated at or above world standard in the inaugural Excellence in Research for Australia. What are the disciplines at the university with high demand from international students?
The University of Adelaide is a comprehensive university, offering a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs underpinned by world-class research and placing high priority on the student learning experience. There are more than 25,000 students with 30 per cent of them being international students from more than 90 countries. The courses that are particularly popular with Sri Lankan students include Engineering, Business, Psychology and Law. Why is UniADL continuing to focus to get students from Sri Lanka to enrol in undergraduate and postgraduate courses? Is the university happy with the past and present students from Sri Lanka?
The University of Adelaide is proving to be an increasingly popular study choice for Sri Lankan students. In the last 12 months, the number of Sri Lankan students choosing to study in Adelaide has increased by 30%. This increase can be attributed to the high quality of education on offer in this vibrant and multi- cultural Australian city. Is Adelaide an ideal city for students to study and live? Known as the ‘ International Education City’, Adelaide is the most affordable and liveable of all Australian cities. In the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2012 Liveability survey, Adelaide was ranked the fifth most liveable city in the world. Ms. Thamara Senarathne who recently completed her Master of Applied Economics at the university is not surprised that more and more Sri Lankan students are choosing to study with us. She tells us “Adelaide’s calm and relaxed environment is perfect for study, while the relatively low cost of living means your money goes further.” How are your courses geared for students to get related work experience during the 2 years period they are entitled to stay with a post study work visa?
The University of Adelaide offers an industry linked education program that brings together industry, commerce, University departments and students. The program enables postgraduate students to undertake paid industry sponsored based projects using their knowledge and skills gained through their studies. How do you select students to enrol to the university identifying them as genuine students as per student visa regulations?
The University of Adelaide participates in “Streamlined Visa Processing” which enables students to obtain a visa within a relatively short period of time, providing all conditions are met. The University must be satisfied that you are a genuine student and that your reason for entering Australia is genuinely for the purposes of studying, that you are able to support yourself and your family (if you have dependents) while studying. In this exercise we highly depend on our agents in Sri Lanka and Edlocate has been doing an excellent job right throughout. Are options available for bright and high achieving students to be recognised by UniADL to graduate in an accelerated manner and/or get scholarships?
The University of Adelaide is currently offering accommodation scholarships for Sri Lankan students who are commencing an undergraduate bachelor degree at the University in addition to a number of scholarships. Are you providing any pathway programs available for students who do not have direct entry results at A/L to enter the university?
The University of Adelaide has a one year Foundation Studies program, giving successful direct entry into the first- year of pre selected Bachelor Degree programs at the University of Adelaide. This university’s own program is specifically designed to meet the special needs of very young students after GCE As level or who need extra assistance having done GCE A/ L not too well. How are your facilities for students keen to do post graduate courses? The University of Adelaide is a world- class institution providing high- quality education. We offer several levels of postgraduate qualifications from professional certificates through to Masters degrees in a range of disciplines and specialisations. Many of our programs are unique nationally and globally and are taught by leaders in their fields.
- Nilanthi Jayasinghe.