In a bid to promote higher education opportunities for Sri Lankan students, five Malaysian universities have set foot in the island nation to showcase their courses and attract potential candidates. This move comes as Sri Lanka aims to position itself as a regional hub for education, in light of the recent economic and foreign exchange crisis that has prompted the government to explore avenues to reduce foreign exchange outflows.
According to data from Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), Sri Lanka ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of applications to study in Malaysia. This trend highlights the growing interest among Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in Malaysia, known for its quality education offerings.
The decision to ban dollar payments in mid-2022 was a strategic move by the Sri Lankan government to curb the outflow of foreign exchange, which had been exacerbated by a severe shortage of forex following the floating of the rupee earlier that year. With an estimated expenditure of around $3 billion on education expenses for students studying abroad, Sri Lanka is now looking to bolster its own higher education sector to retain local talent and reduce dependency on foreign institutions.
In a bid to revamp the higher education system, Sri Lanka has been actively working towards opening new universities in various districts, including Kurunegala and Batticaloa. Additionally, private institutions such as NIBM and SLIIT have been granted national status to accelerate reforms in the education sector. The government’s focus on advancing STEM subjects, including Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, underscores its commitment to aligning education with the evolving needs of the job market.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government has introduced scholarships for Sri Lankan students to study in foreign university branches, with a goal to ensure access to quality education for those in need. The government has also been facilitating the establishment of foreign branch universities in collaboration with local institutions, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and globally connected education system.
Representatives from Asia Pacific University, Nilai University, Raffles University, Segi University, and University of CyberJaya are currently in Sri Lanka to engage with potential students and showcase a diverse range of courses in medicine, engineering, information technology, and science. The exclusive ‚Study in Malaysia Education Fair‘ organized by EMGS, in partnership with Mway Pvt Ltd, aims to provide Sri Lankan students with firsthand information about studying abroad in Malaysia and the opportunities available at these esteemed institutions.
The education fairs scheduled in Negombo, Colombo, and Kandy from August 12-15 offer a platform for students to explore study abroad options, interact with university representatives, and make informed decisions about their academic future. As Sri Lanka continues to position itself as a hub for education, collaborations with international institutions like those from Malaysia will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s higher education landscape and empowering the next generation of students.