Australian Migration Consultants launches Dubai-based Mount Institute of Business Development in Sri Lanka

MIBD Education and Training Management Head Dr. Sandra Carter (fourth from left) and Union Bank Colombo Chief Business Officer Asanka Ranhotty exchange the MoU to expand affordable education pathways for Sri Lankan students recently, other officials from left: Ceilao Insurance Brokers Director Market Development Narendra Mendis, Group Chairman Dr. Manjula Kulatunga, Australian Migration Consultants General Manager Annya Gunasekara, Union Bank Colombo Asset Product Management Unit Head Chalith Perera, Retails Assets Mobilisation Head Dilukshan Jayakody and Ceilao Insurance Brokers Sales and Operations Head Saman Jayasena   - Pic by Lasantha Kumara 

• Signs MoU with Union Bank to expand affordable education pathways for Sri Lankan students

  By Divya Thotawatte 

As a trusted partner, Australian Migration Consultants recently announced the launch of Dubai-based Mount Institute of Business Development (MIBD) in Sri Lanka.

The launch opens a more accessible path for Sri Lankan students pursuing UK-accredited diploma and degree-completion programs, said Australian Migration Consultants Managing Director Dr. Manjula Kulatunga.

MIBD’s Level 3 to Level 5 UK Diploma programs offer fast-track routes to the final-year of their undergraduate degree. With programs including tourism and hospitality, health and social care, IT, project management, and education, the Dubai-based MIBD has built its model around work-ready qualifications and international mobility. 

Australian Migration Consultants General Manager Annya Gunasekara said that this initiative presents a valuable opportunity for young executives to gain internationally recognised qualifications along with overseas experience. She further noted that many of the available job opportunities will help participants finance their education while also opening pathways to the thriving Gulf job market.

MIBD Founder and Director David Ebenezer said that the partnership strengthened the institution’s commitment to providing accessible, globally recognised education. “We are known as MIBD Dubai where we do UK Diploma Programs which are for Level 3 to Level 5. Students who complete Levels 4 and 5 have the option of directly moving on to the final year of the graduation program. This helps them complete graduation at a very fast pace.” 

He highlighted the institute’s diverse faculty, which includes experts from Europe and the Middle East, like the MIBD Dean Dr. Rafaela De Angelis Barros who works closely with the Dubai Government on projects from Italy. MIBD Head of Education and Training Management Dr. Sandra Carter also brings decades of expertise in education from across the world. “This gives our students a broader and deeper learning perspective,” Ebenezer said. 

Beyond classroom education, MIBD’s career-focused model also offers students internship opportunities built into the program, helping them gain practical experience, industry exposure, and network opportunities as well. Ebenezer emphasised that this early industry exposure was extremely powerful in high-growth economies like Dubai, where access to industry connections can fast-track a young professional’s career. 

To promote the program in Sri Lanka, the MIBD recently signed a MoU with the Union Bank. 

For Sri Lankan students, this partnership between Union Bank and MIBD is designed to remove the financial barriers that would typically block them out of overseas studying and the career opportunities that come with it. With financing in place, students would be able to enter Dubai’s talent ecosystem and start building the foundations for an international career. 

Through Union Bank, students will be able to access long-tenor education loans with repayment periods of up to 15 years. The package covers course fees, air tickets, insurance, overseas health cover, and other mandatory costs, reducing the logistical burden of preparing to study abroad. 

Union Bank Colombo Product Management Head Chalith Perera said that the bank viewed this partnership as part of its mission to widen access to quality education. “It’s a proud day for us. We believe in providing flexible and convenient education solutions… and MIBD offers a strong, exciting package for students who wish to migrate to Dubai with a unique proposition of finding employment solutions.” 

He added that the partnership aimed to give Sri Lankan families a “hassle-free, easy, one-stop solution” from university admission to relocation. 

The partnership expands MIBD’s footprint in Sri Lanka, which is one of its key student markets. For Union Bank, it marks another strategic step in expanding its education-finance portfolio.