ACU scholarship for three outstanding students from Sri Lanka
The Australian Catholic University (ACU), ranked among the 10 Catholic Universities in the world, has recognised three outstanding academic achievers from Sri Lanka as recipients of the prestigious ACU International Student Scholarship which covers 50 percent of the total course fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. ACU, a multi-campus university, educates a diverse student body that includes over 4000 international students. Every student who meets the eligibility criteria must complete the scholarship application process before the stipulated deadline. Following this, an evaluation of the application will take place. The competition to secure a scholarship is very high with students being evaluated based on their most recent academic achievement, competing with peers around the world. Despite the competition to secure a scholarship, the students were encouraged by their agents to apply leading to positive outcomes for three young women pioneering to pursue their higher education at ACU in Australia.
Mses. Sonali Manawadu, Briony Ranasinghe and Dilayne Perera have been awarded the scholarship for the February 2024 intake. These welldeserved recipients of this scholarship with diverse backgrounds and pursuing different programmes backgrounds, share a common goal of becoming educated graduates who are committed to making a positive impact on society and the community.
Mrs. Sonali Manawadu, a current student at ACU pursuing the Master of Education program, shares a passion for Western Music. Having been a Music teacher for a significant number of years, Sonali decided to pursue her dream of opening her own music institution.
Sonali recognised that in order to pursue her dream, she needed to have both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field of Education. Upon researching suitable universities, Sonali came across ACU’s Master of Education programme. ACU quickly rose to the top of her preferred university list due to its top 50 ranking in Education globally, affordable tuition fees, and convenient location. Sonali completed the application process for ACU with the invaluable assistance and direction provided by her agent, International Scholar Education. Sonali’s hard work paid off when she received an offer from ACU for the Master of Education programme. Throughout the entire process, her agent assisted. Sonali acknowledges her husband, Mr Avishka Jithmal, and her parents for their unwavering support in her academic journey and the pursuit of her once seemingly unattainable dreams. She expresses gratitude towards her agent- International Scholars, specifically, Ms. Deshani
Jayakody for having guided her throughout her process ensuring that she was well ahead in advance each step of the way.
Ms. Briony Ranasinghe, a graduate from the University of Peradeniya had long held fascination for Greek Mythology and Roman Civilization. Having completed her Bachelor’s degree in Arts with a specialisation in Greek and Roman Studies, she knew her passion lies in the field of arts particularly in the exploration of language and literature to introduce fresh concepts to classical thinking. After being advised by a professional colleague to pursue her further education and research abroad due to its maximized opportunities and exposure, Briony set out to do just that. With research, she came across the Australian Catholic University and specifically the Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilization) Programme. Briony succinctly states that the programme met all her criteria. The selection process included a personal statement, an interview and evidence of academic achievements.
Briony gives the utmost thanks and respect to her parents for supporting her academic
journey and for having encouraged her to study a programme that one would call “non-traditional”.
This is the change Briony hopes to invoke in the Arts student community of Sri Lanka – that there may be more interest and priority given to students who still keep this very important field of study alive.
Briony who is now a current student at ACU in her first semester of the Master of Liberal Arts (Western Civilization) program, gives credit to her agent, IDP Education.
Dilayne Perera, the third recipient of the scholarship was the only undergraduate from Sri Lanka to have received this prestigious scholarship for the February 2024 intake. A graduate of St. Bridget’s Convent and upon completing a foundation programme in Sri Lanka, Dilayne set out to find a university which would accommodate her requirements and through thorough research, Dilayne opted to pursue a Bachelor of Nursing to continue working in the health and medical sector. With ACU’s Bachelor of Nursing ranking 4th in Australia and 10th worldwide, the university quickly ranked top on her list; however, with high competition to secure a place at the university, she realised that she would need further assistance and thus contacted her agent – Jeewa Education. Dilayne commends her agent, Ms. Chamindra Fernando, the branch manager, for efficiently and systematically completing her process in a timely manner.
By obtaining this qualification, she aspires to contribute to her community and inspire young girls, like herself, to explore the diverse medical and health programmes accessible for Sri Lankan students. Dilayne is now a student at the ACU Melbourne Campus, following a Bachelor of Nursing programme.
ACU is ranked in the top 2% of universities globally and is ranked 47 among young universities in the world. The scholarship itself is extremely competitive with only 20 scholarship places available annually – 14 in Semester 1 (February) and 6 in Semester 2 (July). The top academic achievers from across the world are selected to be recipients of this scholarship, which is why it is apparent that receiving this scholarship is a prestige to hold. These three students bring immense pride to Sri Lanka and ACU for showcasing their ability to be one of the fourteen scholarship recipients in February this year. ACU extends its best wishes to these three students and commends them for their remarkable achievement.
Further information regarding programmes, scholarship information and all other details can be found through the ACU website: www.acu.edu.au. Scholarship applications are now open for the July 2024 intake and students are advised to contact their agent or email any inquiries to srilanka@acu.edu. au for further information on the application process.