Inauguration ceremony of Villa College Maldives in Sri Lanka

Villa College Maldives Vice Rector/Chief Operating Officer Associate Prof. (Dr.) Ali Najeeb (left) and BIBM Chief Operating Officer Dilshad Jiffry signing documents at the ceremony

Villa College Maldives Vice Rector/Chief Operating Officer Associate Prof. (Dr.) Ali Najeeb and BIBM Chief Operating Officer Dilshad Jiffry (centre left and right) with Villa College and BIBM senior staff 

• Committed to deliver a wide range of internationally recognised academic programs in Sri Lanka

In a landmark collaboration that marks a new chapter in South Asian higher education, the Bristol Institute of Business Management (BIBM), Sri Lanka, has announced its partnership with Villa College, Maldives, to deliver a wide range of internationally recognised academic programs in Sri Lanka.

This strategic alliance brings together two leading institutions committed to academic excellence, innovation, and student empowerment. The launch event, held recently in Colombo, celebrates the beginning of a transformative journey for students seeking globally benchmarked education within the region. 

It was held under the patronage of Bristol Institute Chief Operating Officer Dilshad Jiffry.

High Commission of the Republic of Maldives Counsellor Ali Shareef was present as Chief Guest and Partner ¬¬– Head of Management Consulting and Technology, KPMG Deputy Head of Advisory and PPC Kamaya Perera was present as Keynote Speaker. Deputy Vice Rector – Administration and Finance Maldives Abdul Munnim, Villa College Director Marketing and Communications Nizna Ali and Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing President Prof. Dewasiri N. Jayantha were also present. Bristol Institute Head of Academics Mary Lanshiya proposed vote of thanks.

Partnership rooted in excellence 

Established in 2019, BIBM has rapidly grown into one of Sri Lanka’s premier private higher education institutions. With affiliations to the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), UK, and the Distance Learning Centre (DLC), Sri Lanka, BIBM offers a diverse portfolio of undergraduate, postgraduate, higher diploma, and foundation programs across disciplines such as Business, Accounting, Law, Psychology, IT, and Education.

Villa College, founded in 2007, is the Maldives’ largest and most prestigious private higher education provider. With over 22,000 graduates, 190+ programs, and five campuses and eight learning centres, Villa College is recognised for its academic rigor, sustainability initiatives, and international partnerships. It is the only institution in the Maldives rated 5-stars for employability, online learning, and environmental impact by the prestigious QS Star Ratings, a global benchmark that recognises world-class performance and institutional excellence across key areas of higher education.

Further underscoring its global reputation, Villa College is also ranked among the world’s top higher education institutions in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, which assess universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This recognition highlights Villa College’s strong commitment to social responsibility, sustainability, quality education, and community development affirming its role as a regional leader in shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.

The College is also ranked in the Times Higher Education (THE) Online Rankings, further strengthening its reputation for academic excellence and innovation. In addition, the Villa College MBA has been featured in the QS World University Rankings, placing it among the top 150 Online MBA programs worldwide, a testament to the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality, globally relevant postgraduate education.

Expanding academic horizons 

Through this partnership, BIBM will now offer Villa College’s extensive program portfolio, which includes: Postgraduate degrees in Business Administration, Education, IT, Engineering, Counselling, and Research Studies, Undergraduate degrees in disciplines such as Law, Architecture, Engineering, Psychology, Nursing, and Early Childhood Education, Higher Diplomas and Professional Qualifications tailored to industry needs and developmental priorities.

Villa College’s faculties span across: Qasim Ibrahim School of Business, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Educational Studies, School of Psychology and Counselling, School of Computer Science, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Institute for Research and Innovation.

Governance and quality assurance

Both institutions uphold robust governance structures. BIBM is guided by its Council and Academic Senate, ensuring strategic direction and academic integrity. Villa College operates under a comprehensive hierarchy led by its College Council, Academic Senate, and Rectorate, with dedicated Vice Rectors overseeing Academics, Administration, and Research.

Villa College is internationally affiliated with top-ranked universities such as UWE Bristol, Taylor’s University, University of Portsmouth, and University of Cyberjaya. It is also a member of prestigious bodies including the Association of Commonwealth Universities, INQAAHE, AACSB Business Education Alliance, and the Asia-Pacific Quality Network. The Qasim Ibrahim School of Business (QISB) of Villa College is currently undergoing SAQS accreditation.

Empowering students for global success

This partnership is designed to empower Sri Lankan students with access to Villa College’s globally recognised programs, delivered through BIBM’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty. Students will benefit from: 

nInternationally benchmarked curricula

nAccess to Villa College’s ISO-certified library and digital resources

nOpportunities for research, innovation, and industry engagement

nSeamless progression pathways from diplomas to degrees

Shared vision for regional transformation

This partnership signifies a bold step toward regional academic integration, offering Sri Lankan students access to a world-class education that is both affordable and globally recognised. By combining Villa College’s expansive academic portfolio with BIBM’s strong infrastructure and commitment to quality, the initiative aims to foster innovation, enhance employability, and contribute meaningfully to the development of human capital in South Asia.

As the two institutions unite under a shared vision, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for transnational education empowering students to transform their lives, careers, and communities through knowledge, leadership, and global engagement.