It is the Australian University application week at in Colombo & Kandy from February 7 -14
ideas and ideals, religious beliefs and cultures. It is a country with many opportunities to explore and learn. Therefore, my journey here in Australia and UOW has taught me to be independent and confident, manage my time well, balance my studies and entertainment, make friends and get involved and most importantly enjoy the university experience as a whole because as quoted by Einstein, in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity!”
Vaishnavi Mahendran who did her secondary education at CIS Colombo recently graduated with a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from Deakin University is now planning to do Master of Science in Australia. She says “I could simply summarise my experience as an undergraduate as hectic but very interesting in our third year we were encouraged to gain volunteer work placements to obtain realworld experience as part of a unit in the third year of the course. I used university on-campus accommodation as it was very convenient. My advice to future students is - work hard and play hard. Concentrate on your studies and try to do your best in every assignment and exam, because every single mark counts. However do take some time off to let off a little steam. Don’t stop doing the things you love because you think you may not have time. Not many people get the opportunity like this. Make the best of it”
Shavendra Gunathilake is a postgraduate student reading for a Master degree in Architecture in the University of Melbourne. He graduated with a ‘ First Class’ in Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the City School of Architecture, Colombo. He says “I will be very happy to share my experience to students who struggle to decide on what they want to do as I was is a similar situation in search of advice. I believe that the orientation program of the university was very helpful as there were several workshops and seminars on student accommodation, managing time, understanding culture and future part- time job opportunities etc. International students are provided an opportunity to meet a senior student mentor to clarify doubts and ask questions. The first semester is the most challenging and I decided not to do any part time job during the first semester but hope to do one, during the next vacation, preferably within the University as it will be very much convenient being an international student”.
Australia with a well defined system to attract international students provides opportunities to meet colleagues from different countries and establish valuable networks. There are part-time jobs whilst studying and if one does well during a course there is always good possibility to get openings for post study work. With these reasons, he says that he is glad that he made the correct choice to complete his tertiary studies in Australia.
Senal Siriwardena graduated from the Murdoch University in Perth with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in both Marine Science and Conservation and Wildlife Biology. He had decided to study at Murdoch because the university has a reputation for environment related courses. He adds “As one who loves a bit of peace and quiet, its location away from the busier city centre of Perth was an added bonus. As a person who always hated working within four walls, a 9 to 5 office job was never on the cards for me. Even as a kid I loved animal and the environment.
The seas held particular intrigue for me as they cover more than three quarters of our planet but are among the least understood or studied of all habitats. Unravelling the hidden mysteries of the oceans was what prompted me to choose marine science as a course to study. Australia has taught me not to take things too seriously and to be a little laid back and enjoy life. It has taught me to be more open minded and accepting of others and their way of life and also to interact and get along with people of many different ethnicities and backgrounds and be kind and respectful to all’
He is contemplating of doing the honours year and dreams someday to work one day for the prestigious Discovery Channel.
What are the advantages of visiting the interview sessions?
Students can lodge applications for placements without the need to pay the processing fee for the July 2017 intake SStudents with excellent A/ L results can apply for scholarships ranging from AUD 10%- 100% of tuition fee SStudents can expedite the enrolment process by applying during the application week SPostgraduate students could seek assistance in selecting the courses which would have supervisors SStudents with excellent O/ L results could seek to graduate in an accelerated manner through university Foundation programs Students with less than sufficient direct entry requirements can get advice on pathway options Students can seek credit for modules in degree programs based on Re c o g n i s e d Prior Learning of courses done earlier thus graduate in an expedient manner Representatives from many of the 24 Australian universities Edlocate represents in Sri Lanka including 7 of the Group of 8 universities will be on hand between 7th to 14th February in Colombo and Kandy offices of Edlocate. If you already have Sri Lanka or London A/L results, a diploma or a professional qualification seeking to follow a Bachelor degree or one with a first degree and seeking to do a post graduate course, do make a firm appointment to meet university representatives of your choice by calling 0771- 770361 ( Colombo) or 081- 5631583 (Kandy) .Come with your academic qualification support documents, ( Applications could be lodged pending results) IELTS/ PTE results (If available) and the passport. Parents of students are welcome to accompany students.