Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

Starting an Australian university adventure in Colombo

Students with pending A-Level results can enrol now.

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When we consider the unique challenges of the last two years, it’s reassuring to see students with determinat­ion reaching their education goals. Young Sri Lankans with talent and ambition deserve every opportunit­y to succeed, and since its opening in 2019, UTS college Sri Lanka has establishe­d a solid track record in providing such opportunit­ies.

Despite the challenges, Sri Lankan students who keep their options open for future overseas study can still look forward to an exciting and formative life experience. The good news is students can begin an Australian university experience right now, here in Sri Lanka, knowing they’re on a pathway to complete their studies at the University of Technology Sydney ( UTS). UTS is Australia’s top- ranking young university, located in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant and welcoming cities.

While it's no small thing to leave your home to face the challenges of a completely new environmen­t, there is much to gain. Studying in Australia gives more than the contents of a degree. The experience leaves students with tangible skills like fluent English, and the ability to negotiate the challenges of a different culture. Students also come away with an expanded world view, a fresh perspectiv­e on life, and a network of friends from all over the world.

The pathway to UTS

UTS college Sri Lanka, based in the heart of Colombo, offers degree pathways ( diplomas) in Engineerin­g, Business, and Informatio­n Technology. The courses are designed in collaborat­ion with UTS, which means the educationa­l outcomes are the same as for first-year students in a UTS undergradu­ate degree. Students at UTS college Sri Lanka enjoy the same world-class university standards from day oneand are guaranteed* entry to the correspond­ing UTS degree on successful completion of their diploma studies. Students can move straight into the second year of their UTS degree. This means that delayed travel plans are no reason to put your dreams of studying in Australia on hold.

Enrol based on pending results

Students who have completed their A-levels are eligible to apply for the Diploma of Engineerin­g, Diploma of Business, or Diploma of Informatio­n Technology. Pending results are sufficient for enrolment, so there’s no need to wait for official results. Students who have completed their O-levels canenrol in UTS Foundation Studies. As well as progressin­g into Diploma studies at UTS college Sri Lanka, students who successful­ly complete UTS Foundation Studies can gain entrance to many UTS undergradu­ate degrees, including Health Sciences, Nursing, Business, IT and Engineerin­g subject to meeting GPA, and in some cases, IELTS requiremen­ts.

Sri Lankan students thrive in Sydney

As Australia’s largest and most cosmopolit­an city, Sydney is a welcoming place for internatio­nal students. The student body at UTS is made up of around 30 percent internatio­nal students – both undergradu­ate and postgradua­te – creating a stimulat i n g multicultu­ral environmen­t. In fact, the city’s Western suburbs are home to a large and lively Sri Lankan community. Sydney has also earned a reputation as a very safe destinatio­n, having been named Australia’s safest city, and the fifth safest in the world by The Economist’s2019 Safe Cities Index.

A diverse and amazing place

Vihan Wakista, originally from Colombo, transferre­d to second year of Bachelor of Mechanical Engineerin­g at UTS after completing his Diploma of Engineerin­g. Vihan says of Sydney, “It’s a diverse and amasing place to study and live. Friendly locals, beautiful locations and a multitude of amazing cuisines. Sydney is also wellknown for its higher education opportunit­ies. All these reasons made me want to study there.”He also has advice for Sri Lankan students who plan to continue their studies at UTS. “You might miss home at first,” he says, “but you will adapt to this beautiful city. Concentrat­e on your studies and don’t worry too much about socialisin­g. You’ll make new friends when you settle in. Sydney is a safe, friendly place and you will enjoy your time there.”

Scholarshi­ps to UTS Sydney

UTS college Sri Lanka has a deep commitment to educating future leaders and providing opportunit­ies for talented students. A wide range of scholarshi­ps is available for new students, as well as those continuing to UTS. Diploma graduates are eligible for the UTS Sri Lanka Pathway Fee Scholarshi­p, which entitles them to a guaranteed­20% fee waiver per year for the remainder of their degree at UTS. This is solely based on them having completed their Diploma, rather than needing to have attained a specific GPA. For a business student with four semesters remaining in their degree, this is a saving of AU$14,000 , and for an Engineerin­g student with six semesters remaining in their degree, it’s a saving of AU$ 21,000 . Diploma students can also apply for the Sri Lanka to UTS Pathway Scholarshi­p. Awarded to the top performing student going to UTS in Semester One and Semester Two of each year, this provides 25% off fees for the remainder of the student’s first degree at UTS.

An enriching experience

Ms Alison Hiscox, Principal of UTScollege Sri Lanka, says, “Studying abroad is an enriching educationa­l, cultural and personal experience for our students and we are proud to see so many graduates from UTS college Sri Lanka succeed at UTS. The skills, knowledge and confidence they acquire will enable them to build exciting careers, and as highly qualified profession­als, we’re confident that they will make a significan­t contributi­on to their country when they return.”

To find out more about courses ava i l able at UTS colle ge Sri Lanka, along with the scholarshi­p opportunit­ies, visit https:// utscollege. edu. lk/ experience­or call 0774 775 774.

About UTS

UTS is a dynamic and innovat ive university, ranked as Australia’s top young university, and 133rd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2021, reflecting its strength in employabil­ity, research, teaching, and internatio­nalisation.

UTS college Sri Lanka prepares students for entry to all UTS undergradu­ate courses though the UTS Foundat i o n S t u d i e s Programme and offers a Diploma of Business, a Diploma of Engineerin­g and a Diploma of IT. When students complete their first year at UTS college Sri Lanka, they are ready to complete their UTS degree in Sydney.

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Ms Alison Hiscox, Principal of UTScollege Sri Lanka

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