UK announces measures to boost international study opportunities with Sri Lanka

The UK said yesterday it has launched new measures aimed at boosting access to global student exchanges for thousands of people, and supporting international education partnerships.  

The UK has introduced a new international educational mobility scheme that has a global reach, The Turing Scheme. It will enable UK students from schools, vocational and education training providers and higher education institutions the opportunity to study across the world, including in Sri Lanka. 

As well as the financial benefit of incoming UK students spending and contributing to the Sri Lankan economy, it allows the opportunity for Sri Lanka to set up reciprocal exchanges and send students to the UK.  

British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton said: “The Turing Scheme is a great opportunity to boost educational partnerships between the UK and Sri Lanka. I hope we can work together to support reciprocal arrangements so that students from Sri Lanka can also study in the UK.”

The new measures include promoting UK teaching methods for supporting those with special educational needs and disabilities internationally. There are also plans for a new international teaching qualification, International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS), to enable teachers around the world to train to world-leading standards, and support growing international demand for high quality teaching. 

The UK is a world-leading destination for study and research, with four universities in the world’s top 10, and 18 in the top 100.  

Students have long been able to access UK qualifications here in Sri Lanka.  Besides a range of university qualifications, Sri Lankan students have access to popular chartered professional qualifications like CIMA, CIM, etc. UK universities and professional awarding bodies, have adapted to digital delivery to enable Sri Lankan students to continue their education during the pandemic. 

Many Sri Lankans have also benefited through the UK’s flagship international awards program, Chevening. 

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals who can demonstrate that they have the commitment and skills to create positive change. The scholarship offers full financial support for future leaders to study for any eligible master’s degree at any UK university.  This includes access to a wide range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences. 

In addition, Chevening Fellowships are awarded for mid-career professionals in the science, innovation, technology and journalism fields in Sri Lanka. Chevening Scholarships aim to support inspiring future leaders with knowledge, networks and confidence to be an asset to their home country’s growth and development. 

The British Council has been on the ground in Sri Lanka since 1949, representing the UK in all aspects of cultural relations, building relationships and opportunities, and connecting people.  The British Council is currently offering opportunities to Sri Lankan post graduate students through the GREAT scholarship scheme.  

Recent changes to UK visa services will allow students to be able to stay on and work in the UK. From summer 2021, the Graduate Route will be available to international students who successfully complete their degree at undergraduate level or above at a UK Higher Education Provider. The UK has also announced concessions for students who have, or will be applying for, Tier 4 visas, in light of COVID-19.