JISC introduces ‘Zero Cost’ degree program with Singapore’s Lithan Academy and HNB

From left: HNB Senior Manager, Business Development Piyakara D. Jayaratne, Lithan EduClaaS Global Managing Director Joel Chow and JISC Campus CEO Wijitha Wijesekera

JISC Campus, the Authorised Training Partner for Lithan Academy Singapore and part of EduCLaaS (Competency Learning as a Service) Alliance formally launched the ‘Earn & Learn’ degree program in partnership with Hatton National Bank recently.

Lithan EduClaaS Global Managing Director Joel Chow, officials from the JISC Campus, HNB and experts from Sri Lanka’s ICT, Education and Banking sectors attended the launch event. 

JISC Campus CEO Wijitha Wijesekera stated that history was being made in Sri Lanka with the unique ‘Zero Cost’ degree programs which are offered through its ‘Earn and Learn’ program. “We offer two globally accredited degree pathways – British B.Sc Hons degrees from the highly prestigious University of Roehampton UK to fulfil a growing need for specialised IT personnel to drive the global economy. Our degrees come with the unique features of guaranteed employment enabling aspiring students to pioneer world class education without borders – and this is yet another first for Sri Lanka.” 

The degrees are funded by HNB which will give guaranteed student loans from the first degree year, enabling students to borrow, earn and pay the loan, while retaining a saving even before graduation. “This makes it a 100% debt-free degree.”

Chow who explained that Lithan Academy Singapore was offering two in-demand degrees – Software Engineering BSc (Hons) in Computer Science and Digital Business & Marketing BSc (Hons) in Business Management and Marketing, stated, “With the advent of the global pandemic, the whole world saw a rapid virtual adaption, which also disrupted the conventional operations of educational institutions. But we realised what was happening, and we stepped in. Today, you can learn anything from the world’s best, from anywhere. Finally, education has gone beyond physical attendance and limitations.”

Sri Lankan youth now have the opportunity to engage in distant learning in a virtual campus that offers world-class knowledge and international industry experience. Joining the program will enter students with foreign batch mates and international academic staff, while also being given attractive internship opportunities in leading international tech firms – with a guaranteed Dollar income by working from home.

Some unique features offered through this program include a mandatory full-time apprenticeship program for three years (Year 2 to 4) and paid apprenticeship placements in international tech companies through JISC and Lithan Academy Singapore. In addition to tailor-made student funding through HNB, students may potentially earn up to $ 16,200, with a guaranteed minimum earning of $ 5,400.

Upon graduation, students may earn a 200-300% higher salary compared to academic graduates from conventional universities, thanks to being global-ready with three years of international exposure, and the international network of students and co-workers for a successful future in international business ventures and employment.