The value of an academic qualification is almost immeasurable in today's vastly competitive world, leading to the introduction of several Higher Education Institutions. However, the Pioneer Institute of Business and Technology (PIBT) -Colombo 04, has managed to stand out amidst the growth of several higher education institutions, due to a very impressive track record that they have maintained.

From the beginning, PIBT recognised the value of instilling higher educational standards of countries such as UK and Australia, and partnered with a prestigious institution such as the University of Greenwich - UK to provide a similar education and accreditation locally.

Kapila Ranasinghe

"Creating broader avenues for students to obtain academic qualification is our aim. Today, even a student without A/Ls can follow a Foundation Course and progress towards a degree," explained Kapila Ranasinghe, Chief Executive Officer of PIBT.

While this option is now being widespread among higher education institutes, PIBT stands out by using unique methods and offering invaluable additions to their study programmes. Classes are limited to a maximum of 25 students in each batch of the degree programme. Students are also trained by industrially experienced lecturers, who pass on additional first hand experience in addition to the course content. Students are also offered industry placements, as lecturers often single out promising students to join prestigious institutions after graduation.

A great emphasis is also placed on being globally competent professionals, and a vast array of information from the University of Greenwich database is at the fingertips of the student for usage.
"University of Greenwich is focused intently on the quality of our work at PIBT, as our work reflects standards of the University, and thus far they have expressed their satisfaction" stated the enthusiastic CEO, Kapila Ranasinghe.

Students are personally interviewed by the Chief Executive Officer, who makes himself available to consult any student every Saturday. He also offers free career guidance counselling - something he feels that this country vastly lacks. "I feel the need to do something for my country, by providing talented young students with appropriate counselling in order to assist them to achieve their aspirations in life" he enthused.

Students can follow a Higher National Diploma (HND) after O/Ls or A/Ls and proceed to the degree programmes at PIBT. To follow a BSc. (Hons) Computing Programme, certain qualifications such as HND, NCC, BCS, ADIT are required. These qualifications can be obtained within 2 years from any institution, after which the BSc. (Hons) Computing degree can be acquired within one year. Additionally, students with work experience and/or academic qualifications will have an added advantage over others who are also eligible for the degree.

It must be noted that the BSc. (Hons) Computing at PIBT, is an internal degree (Equivalent to following the course in UK) offered by the University of Greenwich. Competitive rates for a Degree make studying at PIBT very appealing; especially in contrast to the higher cost incurred if they follow the same degree in UK.

Flexible payment schemes enable students to pay their fees in instalments. Scholarships are also given to selected students after an evaluation of their grades at the examinations and other academic qualifications - it is a beneficial scheme that PIBT tries to offer students who wish to follow the HND course.

The most recent batch of students who graduated from the institute had a 100% success record, and PIBT delightfully acknowledge that all students in their first batch were employed within a month of graduation.