Important Facts to Consider
When selecting a university or higher education institute
University education is an investment for a life time. Many students and parents are highly concerned about making the right choice to achieve more from their investment. This decision will impact future career options, salaries, prestige and subsequently will affect the overall social and living standard.
Why should you start a degree with pending A/Level results?
A good university education leads to excellent career opportunities in leading local and international companies, top salaries, and many other advantages. Immediate higher education will let you save valuable time and money. The following paragraphs will take you through the most important factors to consider in selecting a good university degree after your A/Level examination.
Acceptance and ranking of the degree programme and the university
Degree awarding universities of most private education providers in Sri Lanka are based overseas. Some of these univer- sities are well below the accepted level of ranking in their home countries. In order to make an informed decision Sri Lankan degree seeking students and parents must refer to globally recognized university rankings such as Times Higher Education ranking and US News and World Report. University ranking and recognition can be a decisive factor in gaining access to well paid jobs and ensuring a place in an esteemed postgraduate intuition.
Academic quality assurances
Degrees awarded locally by these foreign universities must be identical to those granted by the partner universities, and they should be accredited through the relevant accreditation bodies. The partner universities should conduct regular audits and assure equal academic and infrastructural standards. All national and regional accredited universities are listed in the UNESCO handbook of universities. This is used as the guideline by all government higher education authorities including UGC (University Grants Commission) in Sri Lanka.
Qualified and experienced faculty
Certain foreign qualifications offered in Sri Lanka are taught by faculty without relevant foreign exposure. This prevents students benefiting from complete international education experience. Furthermore in some institutions it’s common practice to see faculty members with basic professional or academic qualifications teaching areas outside of their sphere of expertise.
Local Campus Resources
As students of foreign university qualifications you are entitled to at minimum certain basic facilities from the local education provider. A good library and student resource center with adequate reading and study material, computer labs with up-todate hardware and software configurations and high-speed internet connections, fully equipped engineering and science labs, class room with proper seating, space and basic facilities such as multimedia, internet, and air-conditioning are considered as the absolute minimum for any international university student. As a result of limited local resources most students are unable to enjoy the full benefits of their degree program.
Quality of the students and their values
It’s quite unfortunate to see that some graduates who are the products of these private institutions are alien to Sri Lankan culture and values. A proper understanding of local values and the ability to understand local, regional and global issues thorough international education is an essential quality in the job marke t . Furthermore it’s very important to know the quality of other students who will be with you in the same class. This is an important aspect of informal education in university student life.
Job prospects for graduates
The true meaning of university education goes beyond examinations and project assignments. Employers today need graduates with multiple skills who can start with minimum training. This is even more valid for regional and global employment where only the very best gets selected for top jobs.
The examination focused approach of most institutions fails to achieve the full potential of modern university education. The resulting graduates are not what the companies want.
Real value for money
It’s sad to see that many parents and students wasting millions of rupees due to the lack of knowledge in their education decision making. As rightful consumers parents and students have a right to question whether they get full value for their education investment.
Next semester begins
The next semester of ANC Degree Completion programs will commence in a few weeks time. For further information about the degree programmes, contact Sashini on 0777 73 0073. You are invited to visit us at ANC Campus, 308- 310, R. A. De Mel Mawatha, Colombo 03.