The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National University of Singapore, paving the way for enhanced international educational opportunities for Sri Lankan nationals

Laying of foundation

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Higher Education Collaboration between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka was formally signed by Mr. Nalaka Kaluwewe, Secretary to the Ministry, on behalf of Sri Lanka at the Higher Education premises on 26 May 2025.

Initial discussions on this initiative began in February this year, and both parties reached a final agreement on the MoU in April.

Accordingly, Cabinet approval for the MoU was received on April 28, 2025, and on behalf of the Singaporean side, the MoU was signed in Singapore on May 05, 2025, by Professor Thean Voon Yew, Provost of the National University of Singapore.

The MoU, duly signed by the Singaporean counterpart and transmitted via the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore, was subsequently signed on behalf of the Sri Lankan side.

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has entered into an agreement with the National University of Singapore—an esteemed institution that consistently ranks among the top universities globally—marking a significant step expected to yield substantial benefits for Sri Lankans in the realm of higher education.

Key highlights of the collaboration include capacity development initiatives such as the awarding of doctoral scholarships, faculty visits to the National University of Singapore, undergraduate fellowship programs, joint research in mutually agreed-upon areas, and the implementation of joint academic and scientific activities.

Further deliberations have been scheduled between the two parties to determine the subsequent steps for the effective implementation of this MoU.

The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education is committed for advancing educational partnerships with international universities, in accordance with one of the government’s objectives of transforming the vision of “A Civilized Citizen – An Advanced Human Resource” into reality.