The unfolding economic crisis in the country continues to negatively impact the hopes of many Sri Lankan youth who were aspiring for quality higher education overseas. Consequently, the number of students leaving for overseas education has significantly increased in recent times and the demand for local non-state higher education has come to experience new challenges. “The adverse effects of the economic situation are manifest across all levels of society, affecting the future of thousands of youths’’ says Ranjith Rubasinghe, Founder President /CEO of SLTC Research University (SLTC).
‘This is a critical hour that tests the role of non-state educators in Sri Lanka as this situation requires them to step up in support of the youth. In this context, we are humbly proud to announce that SLTC is not only fully equipped to meet the current challenge but also prepared to go beyond and make a real difference in their lives’ said Mr Rubasinghe.
Elaborating how SLTC offers students equivalent routes to achieve their dreams Mr. Rubasinghe said ‘‘SLTC is in academic partnerships with leading universities in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Austria and Singapore. These universities consider the first 2 years at the SLTC Research University as equivalent to the first 2 years taught at their respective universities. This enables SLTC undergraduates to receive an education of international standards from day one and transfer to their desired university once the first two years are complete’’. This reduces the tuition cost of the student by a great margin. Thus the students benefit from having to spend less than half the original cost for following a foreign degree thanks to the first 2-year advantage at SLTC and they get to realise their dream of studying abroad as well. It’s a sure pathway for migration that combines the highest educational qualifications and financial benefits. On the other hand, considering the volume of foreign currency drain prevented, this is a win-win for both students and the country, ‘’ Mr Rubasinghe further added.
Transfer options are available across almost all 20 study pathways offered by SLTC in the disciplines of Engineering, Computing & IT, Business, Technology and Music. In addition to the undergraduate programmes, SLTC has introduced a unique foundation programme tailored for post-O/L students who wish to fast-track their higher education. Referred to as the SLTC -Deakin foundation, this programme allows post-O/L students to qualify for an undergraduate transfer study programme at Deakin University, Australia. A truly unique programme, the foundation requires its participants to attend real-time undergraduate lectures conducted at SLTC during which they will acquire the foundation knowledge required to qualify to be admitted to an undergraduate degree of their choosing. A dedicated faculty will guide these prospective undergraduates throughout the programme and will help them succeed in qualifying for undergraduate education.
For students directly enrolling for undergraduate studies after successfully completing their A/Ls, SLTC offers the ‘ENTECH Merit-based Youth Scholarship Scheme’. ENTECH is a one-of-a-kind revolutionary scholarship programme that recognizes the academic excellence of prospective undergraduates. According to the programme (GCE or London A/L), students with ‘A’ passes are eligible for a maximum fee reduction of 60% of their tuition fee, with a 20% reduction offered for each ‘A’ pass. The ENTECH programme was launched at the inception of the SLTC and has benefited a great number of students over the years.
SLTC Research University’s list of elite academic partners includes renowned universities of Deakin, James Cook and RMIT in Australia, Auckland and Lincoln Universities in New Zealand, University of Lancaster in the UK, IITM in India, and Modul University in Austria. Their acknowledgement of SLTC’s standards as on par with theirs is a grand testament to SLTC’s excellence.
SLTC Research University currently offers 25 UGC-approved, degree awarding programmes through 6 schools – the largest portfolio amongst all non-state universities in the island. The university has been recognised as the fastest-growing university in Sri Lanka and the most innovative university in South Asia.
What really sets SLTC apart from the competition is its collaborative, innovative and dynamic research culture which focuses on producing high-quality, high-impact work. The University’s research partnerships enable students and faculty to engage in cutting-edge research with leading foreign universities leading to greater discoverability.
In line with this vision, SLTC Research University has established a strong academic infrastructure through twin physical locations – a tech city hub at TRACE Expert City and a fully residential campus set on a lush 35-acre suburban property in Padukka with state-of-the-art facilities including accommodation and recreational avenues. Set in the midst of a number of leading IT & Tech companies at TRACE Expert City, SLTC’s City Campus serves the goal of exposing students to high-level working environments whilst still being undergraduates. A concept that embodies SLTC’s vision to produce top-of-class, work-ready graduates.
Prospective students can inquire for further information about SLTC degree programmes and discover the many opportunities available at the university, via 011 2100500, www.sltc.ac.lk or info@sltc.ac.lk.
