Sharp rise in Sri Lankan students studying 'Down Under'

The number of Sri Lankan students studying at Australia's top universities has risen sharply in recent years. Since 2008, the University of Sydney has experienced a 73% increase in its Sri Lankan international student numbers. Strong economic growth, a conspicuous lack of domestic undergraduate places and an overarching parental emphasis on quality education, have all contributed to a significant rise in the number of Sri Lankan students heading down-under.

Despite the global economic downturn, demand for quality, internationally recognised and ranked education remains high. In a global economic climate plagued by uncertainty and weakness, the Sri Lankan economy continues to show remarkable resilience. GDP is hovering around 8% and per capita incomes, on a purchasing power basis, are amongst the highest in the region. And while there still remains a stubborn disparity in Sri Lanka's wealth distribution, growing incomes are enabling more and more parents to consider an overseas - and increasingly an Australian - education for their children.

But why Australia? In a recent survey of Sri Lankan students at the University of Sydney, respondents identified reputation, facilities, course selection and family and friends as the main influences behind their decision to study in Australia.

Chirath Karunanayake, is a current student of the University of Sydney who has recently arrived in Australia to begin a Bachelor of Commerce. "I can say that the reputation of the University and the standards it is known for, prompted me to apply to the university in the first place." Pirathangy Rajkumar is another of the University's recently arrived Sri Lankan students. Pirathangy explains that her decision to come to Australia had been a long time coming, "I always wanted to study in Australia and my father preferred Sydney, as I have relatives living here." Pirathangy is also completing a Bachelor of Commerce and is studying to become an accountant.

The University of Sydney is one of Australia's largest and most prestigious universities. Established in 1850, it is Australia's first university and a member of the 'Group of Eight', Australia's premier research intensive universities.

It is ranked in the top 50 universities in the world and amongst the top four in Australia.

Since its inception, the University of Sydney has built an enviable reputation for quality, credibility and integrity and is held in high esteem by its students, staff, alumni, industry and government.