SLIIT and Deakin University unveil groundbreaking Australian AI degree program in Sri Lanka

From left: SLIIT Panel Moderator and Senior Lecturer Kavinga Abeywardena, Chancellor/Chairman Professor Lakshman Ratnayake, Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens, Deakin University, Australia International Research Partnerships Pro Vice Chancellor and Science, Engineering and Built Environment Faculty International and Partnerships Associate Dean Professor Bas Baskaran and SLIIT Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost Professor Nimal Rajapakse 

Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens

The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT) and Deakin University, Australia are strengthening their two-decade partnership to introduce Sri Lanka’s first Australian Bachelor’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The pioneering initiative offers students, Deakin University’s first-ever Australian AI degree an offshore completion in Sri Lanka, creating a historic milestone for higher education in the country.

The official launch ceremony took place recently providing a platform to showcase the innovative program. The comprehensive three-year program delivers Deakin’s world-class education through a dynamic combination of SLIIT’s local expertise and visiting Deakin faculty, ensuring students receive a truly global learning experience, while pursuing studying in Sri Lanka. 

Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens said, “The Australia-Sri Lanka education partnership continues to go from strength to strength, with over 30 bilateral partnerships between our institutions and over 18,000 Sri Lankans studying in Australia currently. Through their two-decade long collaboration, Deakin University and SLIIT have been pioneers in delivering a quality Australian education offering in Sri Lanka. With the inception of the Deakin’s first undergraduate degree completion program in Sri Lanka in the growing and strategically important field of Artificial Intelligence, Deakin and SLIIT are taking their partnership to the next level.”

Deakin University Pro Vice Chancellor of International Research Partnerships, Associate Dean of International and Partnerships, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment Professor Bas Baskaran stated, “Unlock the future with Deakin University’s Bachelor of AI program – the first Australian AI program in Sri Lanka. Join Sri Lanka’s next generation of leaders in Artificial Intelligence and shape tomorrow, today.”

The panellists of the event included, the Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens, Professor Bas Baskaran, representing Deakin University, Australia; and SLIIT representatives, Chancellor/Chairman Professor Lakshman Ratnayake, and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost Professor Nimal Rajapakse.

The program provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical expertise in areas such as AI, data science, machine learning, and robotics. Importantly, the program aligns with Deakin’s curriculum in Australia, ensuring that it meets the same global academic standards. Students have the opportunity to participate in industry-focused projects, gaining valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in the technology sector. Such an approach enhances their learning and equips them with skills necessary for future-ready roles in a rapidly evolving field.

Deakin University Associate Head of School, International and Transnational Education, Professor of Software Engineering School of Information Technology, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment Professor Roopak Sinha added, “Launching the Bachelor of AI course through a globally significant partnership between SLIIT and Deakin will lead to advancing technology and developing world-class AI practitioners within South Asia.” 

Students benefit from regular in-person sessions with Deakin University professors and have the flexibility to transfer and complete their studies in Australia at any time. Additionally, high-achieving students can access merit-based scholarships covering up to 25% of tuition fees, making certain world-class education more accessible to Sri Lankan students.

SLIIT Vice Chancellor/CEO Prof. Lalith Gamage noted, “Building on a successful two-decade partnership with Deakin University, Australia, we are excited to launch Sri Lanka’s first Australian AI degree program at SLIIT. Deakin’s strong global reputation, combined with SLIIT’s position as a leader in higher education here in Sri Lanka, ensures that this program will offer students a high-quality learning experience and valuable skills in Artificial Intelligence. This collaboration opens new doors for our students and helps build a future-ready workforce to support Sri Lanka’s growth in technology and innovation. We are proud to achieve this milestone and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our students and the nation.”