If you plan to join universities in Australia, the UK, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, you can get double the experience and impact of studying abroad by first joining the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT). Spending the first few years of your degree at SLIIT lets you maximise the benefits of studying at the no. 1 non-state higher education institution in Sri Lanka.
“SLIIT places a strong emphasis on academic quality, student experience, and societal contribution. With a legacy of maintaining high standards for 25 years, I can confidently assure you of the superior education and student experience at SLIIT,” says Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & International) Professor Samantha Thelijjagoda.
And as you prepare to transfer to some of the world’s best universities, you’ll enjoy everything this tropical paradise offers. SLIIT’s campus is located in Malabe, a suburb in this sunny haven that neighbours India and the Maldives. The community is warm and spiritual, often found in temples or on streets lined with food and drink stalls, especially during Poya and Wesak day celebrations.
The nation has over 2,500 years of heritage, and you can trace those footsteps in history through eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. There are the ancient ruins of Anuradhapura, a sacred city dotted with intricate Buddhist temples. It’s also the home to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest living man-planted tree in the world. The Sigiriya, or the Lion Rock fortress, is a royal residency turned Buddhist monastery with a staircase at the gateway framed by giant rock lion paws. There are seemingly countless more monuments, cave temples, pilgrimage sites, and cultural festivals.
“Living and studying in Sri Lanka can be a transformative experience for international students,” says Professor Pradeep Abeygunawardhana. “Students learn to navigate new environments, adapt to different cultures, and build lasting friendships with peers from around the world.”
Students at SLIIT never have to spend a day bored. There’s plenty of culture and heritage to live and learn through. Source: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
With rich heritage comes rich cuisine. Rice and curry are everyday staples, cooked in pungent spices. It’s impossible to resist street foods when vendors are smoking up the sidewalks with aromatic flavours. The most popular among locals and tourists is the “kottu roti” — chopped flat bread mixed with vegetables, egg, and meat. When you live here, there will always be new flavours and textures on your platter, so your tastebuds will never get bored.
The country is as practical as it is sensory-evoking and beautiful. It’s much more affordable in terms of cost of living, especially compared to countries like the US, UK, and Australia. It’s a safe place too, and you won’t have to go far from campus to access grocery stores, laundry services, and so forth.
For students flying in for the first time, SLIIT supports you through the big leap. You can reach out to the university for assistance through visa applications, airport pick-up, or shuttle services. The university offers on-campus accommodation and private housing facilities close to the main campus. Being near to each other has another perk: it’s so much easier to make new friends.
“International students often find a welcoming and supportive environment, both on and off campus,” says Professor Abeygunawardhana. “SLIIT offers various support services…to help students adjust to their new surroundings and succeed academically.”
And succeed, they have. Despite having over 25,000 students, and more than 40,000 alumni across the world, SLIIT retains a 96% employment rate — a testament to the quality of learning across undergraduate, and postgraduate levels. SLIIT has over 50 industry partnerships that students can benefit from when looking for job and internship opportunities. Think names like Virtusa, Pearson, Fortude, and more, which are global companies with a presence in Sri Lanka.
Students begin their degrees at SLIIT as a transit destination to advance their education to the next stop. Source: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
If you do find yourself eager to take your degree just one step further — perhaps to a university you’ve always dreamed of studying at in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand — the door to that opportunity is wide open for you at SLIIT. The Global Transfer Pathways allows you to study at SLIIT in Sri Lanka for one or two years as a transit destination to your next educational stop. With many partner universities across the countries listed above, you’ve got a generous pool of options to realise your learning and career aspirations. SLIT has established partnerships and affiliations with renowned international institutions, including Liverpool John Moores University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Western Australia, and the University of Queensland. These collaborations offer students an exceptional global educational experience.
One of those institutions is the University of Queensland in Australia, which is ranked 40th worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025, and they’re offering a 25% scholarship to SLIIT transfers. Another partner is the University of Edinburgh in the UK, ranked 27th in the world according to QS, known for pioneering research and development. There are the University of Western Australia, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, and more. Next February, they’re set to launch the Bachelor of Artificial Intelligence with Deakin University.
It’s a global gateway that begins in the paradisiacal magic of Sri Lanka. If you find yourself at home in SLIIT, the school welcomes you to complete your full degree right where you are.
Apply to the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology today for a life-changing education.
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