Southern Cross University of Australia, in partnership with NSBM Green University, has introduced a pioneering four-year double degree programme in Sri Lanka, enabling students to graduate with both a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Information Technology.
The programme will be conducted locally at NSBM Green University, with enrolments opening ahead of its scheduled commencement in 2027.
The launch was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two universities. The occasion was attended by Eranga Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, and Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, highlighting the programme’s importance in supporting Sri Lanka’s digital economy and strengthening educational ties between Australia and Sri Lanka. The event also coincided with NSBM Green University’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Designed to meet the demands of emerging career opportunities, the programme combines business knowledge with advanced technological expertise in areas such as data, artificial intelligence and cyber security, providing graduates with a diverse skill set increasingly sought after by employers.
Students will benefit from Southern Cross University’s distinctive Southern Cross Model, which features fewer subjects at a time and eliminates traditional final examinations. The programme also includes a paid industry internship and an opportunity to participate in an Australian summer school. Graduates will receive an internationally recognised Australian qualification while completing their studies in Sri Lanka.
Professor Tyrone Carlin, Vice-Chancellor of Southern Cross University, said the partnership represents an important milestone for both institutions and Sri Lankan students, bringing a globally recognised Australian qualification to Colombo while equipping young people with the business and technology capabilities needed for future careers.
NSBM Green University stated that the introduction of the double degree during its 10th anniversary year reflects its commitment to delivering internationally recognised, future-focused education and expanding global opportunities for Sri Lankan students.
NDB and IFC Deepen Collaboration to Enhance Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Build Institutional Capacity
NDB Bank has further strengthened its longstanding partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, by introducing two new initiatives aimed at enhancing institutional capabilities and promoting women’s economic empowerment.
Under the expanded collaboration, IFC will provide advisory assistance to strengthen NDB’s institutional practices and operational resilience, leveraging its extensive international expertise.
The partnership also marks the launch of the IFC-NDB Women-Led SME (WSME) Skills Development Programme. Building on NDB’s Banking on Women proposition, the initiative will support women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka through specialised training, mentorship and investment-readiness assistance.
The programme aims to help women-led businesses strengthen their operations, improve access to financing and identify new opportunities for sustainable business growth.
Southern Cross University and NSBM Green University Join Forces to Introduce Double Degree Programme in Sri Lanka
