Acumen University Immersive Programme: Sri Lanka
September 26-27, 2024
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka: A Prime Opportunity for International Higher Education
South Asia has long been a fertile recruiting ground for universities in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Sri Lanka in particular, presents significant potential, with a rapidly growing collegeaged population outstripping the capacity of its own higher education system.
Currently there are only 20 state universities in Sri Lanka, able to accommodate just 42,000 students annually. While over 166,000 students pass the crucial GCE A/L exam each year, strict quotas mean less than a quarter typically gain admission. Understandably, competition is intense.
Forecasts from the British Council predict Sri Lankan outbound student mobility would surpass 32,000 by 2027. However, with expansion in some destinations, this figure may have already been surpassed. For example, over 5,000 Sri Lankans now study in Canada, a 94% year-on-year increase.
Enrolment is also substantial in Australia and New Zealand, with Sri Lanka ranking in the top ten overseas student nations to both countries.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the UK remains an especially attractive proposition. In 2022 Sri Lanka was one of the fastest growing international student markets, with a 41% increase in study visas issued. Recent policy changes aim to capitalise on this, including the Graduate Route and IELTS flexibility, strengthening the UK’s appeal.
The opportunities are not limited to Europe and Australasia. In the US too, over 3,000 international students hail from Sri Lanka each year. With limited capacity at home and a generation of ambitious young people, Sri Lankan demand for international higher education shows no signs of abating. Forward-thinking universities worldwide would do well to court this promising market.
Why Consider Sri Lanka for Higher Education Recruitment?
• Rising Outbound Student Numbers: The British Council predicts a significant increase in Sri Lankan students seeking higher education abroad.
• Economic Context: Due to a severe financial crisis, affordability is crucial for Sri Lankan students. Many destination countries are offering financial aid and scholarships.
• Student Preparedness: Annually, around 160,000 students apply for university, with 29,000 studying abroad and 60,000 enrolling in various programmes, many through Transnational Education (TNE) by private institutions.
• Decision Influencers: Major factors include job placements, permanent residency prospects, and scholarships. The UK and Canada are particularly attractive due to post-graduation work programmes.
• Popular Destinations: Top countries for Sri Lankan students include Australia, Japan, Malaysia, the USA, and UK, known for excellent education systems and attractive study environments.
• Government Initiatives:
• New National Higher Education Policy (2019) as part of the Education 2030 framework.
• Port City Colombo (PCC) was established as a special economic zone, inviting foreign universities to set up international campuses, focussing on business, finance, IT, engineering, and medicine.
• Private Sector Opportunities: International qualifications, especially from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, are highly valued by Sri Lankan employers.
Rising Affordability: Increasing household prosperity enables more students to study abroad. Awareness of the benefits of international education is growing.
• STEM Education Expansion: New technology streams in GCE A/L exams to meet global and local STEM demands. Limited public university spots drive 80% of students towards private higher education, creating opportunities for private providers in science and technology courses.
Programme Agenda: Who
you’ll
meet and what
you’ll be doing
The Acumen Sri Lanka Mission is strategically scheduled between the two major agent events on September 26th and 27th in Sri Lanka to minimise logistical costs for our university partners, enhancing ROI.
Day 1 - Wednesday, 25 September, 2024
MEET AND GREET
Lobby Taj Samudra
5:00 PM Onwards
Kick off the evening with a breezy beach stroll, soaking up golden sunset vibes. Feel the sand between your toes, and channel your inner child with a fun Sand Castle Building Competition – let’s see who’s got the skills to create a masterpiece.
As night falls, we’ll wrap up with drinks and dinner, where casual networking meets lively conversation. It’s the ultimate mix of fun, relaxation, and connection.
*Please note that all timings are mentioned in Sri Lankan Standard Time (SLST).
Day 2 - Thursday, 26 September 2024
ORIENTATION AND WELCOME
Ballroom, Taj Samudra
7:00 AM -8:00 AM
The team begins the day with a hearty breakfast, followed by a formal meet and greet and comprehensive briefing that establishes the day’s objectives and aligns everyone with the goals ahead.
MARKET OVERVIEW BY INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Boardroom, Taj Samudra
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Join David Samuel, an award-winning education strategist with over 20 years of global expertise, currently CEO of Business Advisory Group, Dr. Patrick McNamara, Executive Director of the United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission, offering insights on academic exchanges, and Prof. Lalith Gamage, Vice Chancellor and CEO of SLIIT, who will discuss the rise of non-state higher education in Sri Lanka and offering valuable insights into emerging trends and opportunities.
UNIVERSITY VISIT: HORIZON CAMPUS
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
At Horizon Campus, you will experience a leading institution in Sri Lanka known for its innovative academic programmes and strong industry connections. Approved by the Non-State Sector of the Ministry of Higher Education, the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the Asia Pacific Quality Network, and the University of London, Horizon Campus holds a triple accredited status. This recognition ensures that qualifications from Horizon Campus are both nationally and internationally recognised. During the visit, you will tour the campus, engage with faculty to explore transnational education (TNE) and partnership opportunities, and participate in a student engagement showcase to build recruitment channels with Horizon Campus.
UNIVERSITY VISIT: SRI LANKA INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SLIIT)
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Visit SLIIT, Sri Lanka’s premier non-state degree-awarding institution, to explore its esteemed academic programmes and research facilities. Engage with faculty members about transnational education and partnership opportunities, and participate in a student engagement event to enhance recruitment efforts.
DINNER AND NETWORKING WITH SCHOOL COUNSELLORS
Indian Ocean Pavilion, ITC Ratnadipa
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
End the day with a networking dinner featuring a breathtaking view of the city and ocean. This gathering includes school counsellors, the New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and representatives from the British Council Sri Lanka, providing a unique opportunity to build relationships and discuss collaborative initiatives.
*Please note that all timings are mentioned in Sri Lankan Standard Time (SLST).
Programme Agenda
Day 3 - Friday, 27 September 2024
SCHOOL SHOWCASE: LADIES COLLEGE
9:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Assemble at 9:15 in the hotel lobby for the day’s briefing and depart for the first school showcase.
Explore Ladies College to understand student trends, preferences for international study, and discover new opportunities for university recruitment through interactions with faculty and students.
SCHOOL SHOWCASE: GATEWAY COLLEGE SCHOOLS
12:30 AM - 1:45 PM
Visit Gateway College Schools to observe their achievements, engage with faculty and students, and discuss student trends and international study preferences, while identifying potential opportunities for university recruitment.
MEET THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (UGC)
3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
The meeting with UGC Sri Lanka aims to explore potential research and development collaborations with State Universities, focusing on UGCSL’s expectations and shared interests such as joint research initiatives and academic exchanges. The discussion will provide an opportunity for universities to engage in a mutual dialogue, leveraging their combined expertise to foster impactful partnerships.
RETURN TO TAJ SAMUDRA
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Together you will return to the hotel to relax and prepare for the evening’s exciting festivities.
DINNER AND NETWORKING WITH AGENTS
Cruise Boat, Port City Colombo
6:15 PM - 10:00 PM
Assemble early in the hotel lobby to depart for the evening’s activity.
A unique networking dinner on a cruise boat with scenic views of Colombo’s coastline, perfect for engaging with education agents and industry leaders. This setting offers an ideal opportunity to strengthen relationships, create awareness about partner universities, and discuss market expansion strategies—all while enjoying the relaxed ambiance and stunning backdrop of an evening at sea.
Why Join the Acumen Global University Mission | Sri Lanka?
Explore Colombo: The Heart of Sri Lanka’s Education
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, hosts the nation’s top schools and universities. Here’s why your university delegation from the UK, US, Canada, or ANZ should visit:
1. Campus Tours: Experience Sri Lanka's education hubs firsthand by visiting leading schools and universities.
2. Curated Student Fairs: Engage with prospective students at specialised fairs promoting education in the UK, US, Canada, and ANZ.
3. Student Insights: Gain valuable insights into what motivates Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education, their preferences, concerns, and interest in vocational training and professional qualifications.
4. Promote Diversity: Support and enhance subject and domicile diversity across South Asia.
5. Quality Assurance Dialogues: Participate in discussions with key education stakeholders (schools, universities, agents, UGC, and BC) to address quality assurance in student recruitment.
6. Networking Opportunities: Connect with International Directors of Sri Lankan universities, school representatives, and education agents.
Join us to broaden vour horizons and strengthen educational ties with Sri Lanka
About Acumen
Acumen is committed to helping globally-ambitious university and education partners enter, explore and expand in India, South Asia, South East Asia, and beyond.
We offer a dedicated range of services to drive recruitment, student enrolment, develop strategic partnerships, and research collaboration. As a result, we act as an extension of your brand, by connecting you with the world’s best students, utilising strategic international education opportunities, understanding your ideal market through research and insights, and help mitigate any risks along the way.
We operate in over 20 countries, with more than 250 industry practitioners with deep local knowledge and global expertise. We help navigate a competitive education landscape from end to end, while always prioritising your success.
For any queries, please contact:
Ritu Sharma Director - Partner Success (UK/Ireland and ANZ)
ritu.sharma@sannams4.com
