Seven academically deserving Sri Lankan students became the lucky recipients of Staffordshire University International Scholarships awarded through its Sri Lanka office at the APIIT City Campus. Three scholars will pursue undergraduate studies while four will enrol in postgraduate programmes. The selection interviews were held at APIIT City Campus by a joint panel comprising Staffordshire University and APIIT representatives. The selection panel was headed by Dr. Hamish Main, Staffordshire University Director of South Asian Partnerships.

APIIT- Sri Lanka, the local partner of Staffordshire University, initiated these unique international scholarships to help Sri Lankan students to pursue a British degree on campus in the UK. Each scholarship is worth of £3000. This is yet another endeavour by APIIT-Sri Lanka to accomplish its mission of providing quality educational opportunities to Sri Lankan youth.

Staffordshire University, one of the leading universities in UK, attracts a large number of students from around the globe. Approximately 16,000 students, including more than 1500 international students from 75 countries, make up the university's vibrant student community. With 800 courses which are up-to- date and highly job oriented, students are provided with ample choice in the selection of an appropriate study programme in line with their career aspirations.

Dr Hamish Main, the representative from the University, congratulated the scholarship winners and commented on the quality of the applications received for the scholarship programme. "This was a good set of candidates and the competition for the scholarships was strong" commented Dr Hamish. Although the best set of candidates was selected for the award of £3000 scholarships, the other applicants who satisfied the selection criteria were not turned back empty handed. They too were offered a scholarship worth £1000 for studies on campus in UK.

Staffordshire University Sri Lanka Office facilitates direct entry to an extensive range of study programmes at foundation, certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate levels in the areas of Arts, Media and Design; Business and Law; Computing, Engineering and Technology; and Health and Sciences. In addition, the Staffordshire University Sri Lanka Office at the APIIT City Campus provides career guidance and counselling service to help students select appropriate study programmes, manage finances and obtain necessary entry visas. All these services are provided free of charge.

Students interested in studying in UK may obtain more information on these services and opportunities for financial assistance to study in UK from Staffordshire University Sri Lanka Office at the APIIT City Campus, No 388, Union Place, Colombo 02. Information may also be obtained over the phone (0112675244), by email (info.su@apiit.lk) or from the University website (www.staffs.ac.uk).