The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), a pioneer in healthcare training for over 23 years, has partnered with the University of Surrey, UK, to revolutionise healthcare education in Sri Lanka and the broader South Asian region. This will create a world-class academic pathway for aspiring nursing and healthcare professionals, as well as young individuals seeking careers in the field. Under this agreement, IIHS and the University of Surrey will introduce a series of academic initiatives to enhance healthcare training and accessibility. These include delivering internationally recognised nursing programmes that allow Sri Lankan and regional students to earn globally competitive qualifications in Sri Lanka.
A transition pathway will also be established, enabling students to complete part of their education at IIHS before transferring to the University of Surrey for their final year. The collaboration will develop integrated programmes combining Sri Lankan and UK curricula, ensuring that graduates are equipped to meet global healthcare challenges. IIHS has already contributed to training over 3,500 government nurses and facilitated academic progression for 2,000 students. This partnership further strengthens its role as a leader in healthcare education.
Commenting on the move, Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO & Dean of Undergraduate Studies at IIHS, said: “This MOU marks a significant step in our mission to deliver world-class healthcare education to Sri Lanka and the region. IIHS remains dedicated to shaping the future of healthcare professionals and fostering global healthcare leadership.” Dr. Shelini Surendran, Associate Dean (International) at the University of Surrey, emphasised: “Sri Lanka is establishing itself as a regional education hub, and this partnership ensures students across Asia can access top-tier UK healthcare education at IIHS. By bridging academic excellence with accessibility, we provide students with a clear pathway to their professional goals.” This initiative will strengthen Sri Lanka’s role as a centre of excellence in healthcare education by; attracting international students, enhancing the education sector and economy; addressing the global nursing shortage through highly skilled graduates, and elevating Sri Lanka’s academic standing through research and international collaborations.
