With the first classes commencing in October, there is still time to enrol at UTS Insearch Sri Lanka – the new pathway college to the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia’s top ranking young university.
At the recent launch event, attended by the Prime Minister Ranil Shriyan Wickremesinghe, it was noted the institute will provide students with a pathway to one of Australia’s most innovative and technology focused universities, located in Sydney.
Two young Sri Lankans who have already enjoyed the UTS Insearch advantage are Erandhi Lyanage and Vihan Wakista, both from Colombo. Erandhi completed a Diploma of Science at UTS Insearch before earning her Bachelor of Medical Science degree at UTS. She now works at Sydney’s renowned Kolling Institute of Medical Research, investigating neurogenetic diseases such as Parkinson’s Disease.
Vihan is currently studying at UTS for his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) degree, after completing a Diploma of Engineering at UTS Insearch. Both speak highly of the UTS Insearch pathway to UTS.
Erandhi says, “I really liked the transition from diploma to degree because I was able to go straight into second year, and I was doing the same work as first-year students who went directly to UTS.” Vihan, who has already done an internship, appreciates the practical, real-world approach to learning. “I feel like UTS and UTS Insearch are both so focused on real life applications that I gained hands-on learning opportunities, rather than just theory and studying books,” says Vihan.
As a diverse and cosmopolitan city, Sydney is a welcoming place for international students, who will be made to feel at home at UTS and UTS Insearch. Erandhi says of her time as a student, “Everyone was really friendly. I would often run into my lecturers from first-year at the library when I went to UTS. There is very good teacher and student interaction. You can easily build friendships with other students. It’s a good stepping stone to how the work environment will be.” Vihan is also enthusiastic. “The academic staff and students at UTS and UTS Insearch are very friendly and supportive too, so you don’t need to worry about making new friends.”
Both students are very pleased with the quality of their education. Erandhi appreciated the very modern approach. “Even the small details make the greatest difference”, she says. “I really liked the online lectures. At the end of the day, the role of the university is not just to teach knowledge for its own sake. It is to produce well-rounded people who can apply their learnings to the workplace.” Vihan agrees, saying, “UTS is very student-oriented. They have spent a lot of money of infrastructure, have carefully planned the structure of their degrees, and the university is surging ahead in global research rankings.”
Students in Sri Lanka can now enjoy the benefits of a UTS Insearch pathway without the need to travel to Australia for their first year. The new, state-of-the-art campus on Thurstan Road, Colombo, will offer UTS Foundation Studies, and first-year university equivalent programs in Business, Engineering, and Information Technology, and is taking enrolments now. These programs will help students develop the academic skills and knowledge for success at university, using teaching and learning styles typical of international universities.
Scholarships available
The new institute is offering a range of scholarships totalling US$60,000 for the October intake, including 10 full-fee scholarships for the top students who commence their studies in October 2019.
In addition, UTS will offer scholarships to students who complete their diploma program with UTS Insearch Sri Lanka, and continue to pursue their Bachelor’s degree in Sydney.