The University of Aberdeen has officially signed an institutional partnership with Sri Lanka-based International Institute of Health Sciences.
The agreement between both parties envisages to improve accessibility to quality medical education for Sri Lankan and international students through the Sri Lankan Medical Pathway – an initiative where the students spend three years studying in Scotland and the final clinical years working in hospitals in Sri Lanka.
Years 1-3 are delivered in Aberdeen, on one of the largest health campuses in Europe, by experienced clinicians at the forefront of modern clinical practice and research. There are opportunities to apply for a summer research scholarship and to spend eight weeks studying abroad.
Years 4-5 will be spent in Sri Lanka, facilitated by International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS) where students will be supported by Sri Lankan-based University of Aberdeen staff.
The students will have the opportunity to participate in research projects and medical conferences during their time in Sri Lanka.
Graduates will receive a University of Aberdeen MBChB degree, which is a UK primary medical qualification (PMQ) and as with all UK primary medical qualifications, entitles the graduate to provisional registration with the UK General Medical Council.
Principal & Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, Professor George Boyne, said: “I am delighted to sign this partnership with International Institute of Health Sciences. Working with them will initially see us deliver an innovative new way for Sri Lankan and and international students to study medicine at one of the UK’s top medical schools and we look forward to developing this partnership."
CEO/Founder/Director Academics of International Institute of Health Sciences, Dr Kithsiri Edirisinghe says: “We strongly believe that the new Sri Lankan Medical Pathway will be the beginning of a successful partnership between International Institute of Health Sciences and the University of Aberdeen as we explore areas where we can work together in the future.
“We are fortunate to be part of this significant partnership which would allow students to experience two health care systems under the guidance of world class healthcare professionals in both Scotland and Sri Lanka. Facilitating the introduction of a highly ranked medical program to South Asia, aligns with our vision of opening doors to quality international higher education leading to global opportunities.”