IIHS launches executive MBA programmes to meet global demand for healthcare leaders

The International Institute of Health Sciences (IIHS), Sri Lanka’s leading healthcare education provider, has launched three new Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes in response to the growing need for skilled leadership across global healthcare systems. The new offerings, EMBA in Health Administration, EMBA in Digital Health, and EMBA in Aged Care Management are designed for professionals looking to advance their careers in these fast-growing sectors, both locally and internationally.

Over the past two decades, IIHS has built a reputation for producing healthcare professionals who are recognised and employed across the world. The new EMBA programmes, offered through the IIHS Multiversity, aim to strengthen this legacy by preparing professionals for high-impact leadership roles in healthcare delivery, policy, and innovation.

“These programmes are tailored not just for Sri Lanka, but for the world. We’re focused on developing professionals who can lead healthcare systems in any part of the world, equipped with real-world knowledge, practical skills, and a deep understanding of current and emerging challenges in the sector.” said Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe, CEO and Founder of IIHS.

The EMBA in Health Administration targets roles such as hospital managers, project leaders, and public health executives. It’s estimated that over 1.5 million positions in health administration will be available worldwide by 2030, particularly in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand. These countries also offer attractive migration pathways for professionals in this field. For example, Canada includes health administrators in its National Occupation Classification (NOC) list, and Australia lists the role on its Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

The EMBA in Digital Health caters to those entering the growing intersection of healthcare and technology. With over 500,000 jobs expected globally by 2027 in digital health fields including telehealth management and clinical informatics, graduates will be well-positioned for careers in places like the USA, Australia, the UK, Singapore, and the UAE. Countries like Germany and the UK offer supportive immigration pathways for qualified digital health professionals.

Aged Care Management, the focus of the third EMBA, is quickly becoming a top priority worldwide. More than 2.3 million jobs are projected in this sector by 2030, as countries look to strengthen elder care services. Career options include roles such as aged care facility directors, dementia care planners, and policy specialists. Key destinations like Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany, and New Zealand are all actively recruiting professionals in aged care, and both Australia and Canada offer migration routes specifically for this workforce segment.

The programmes follow a hybrid learning model that combines online coursework with in-person sessions on weekends, along with a capstone research project. The curriculum is designed to meet international academic and industry standards and includes modules on policy, informatics, aged care strategy, and healthcare entrepreneurship. Each programme also offers a pathway into doctoral-level study (PhD or DBA).

The programmes are open to a wide range of professionals: medical doctors and nurses transitioning into management, allied health workers looking to specialise, IT professionals moving into health tech, and social entrepreneurs or NGO leaders focused on wellness and elder care. According to Dr. Edirisinghe, many past students of IIHS have successfully migrated to countries such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and the UK. These new EMBA offerings aim to further improve their eligibility for permanent residency by building relevant leadership and sector-specific skills.

Admissions for the first intake are now open, with classes set to begin in July. IIHS is offering scholarships and flexible payment plans to support interested candidates. Early applications are encouraged, as seats are limited. For more information, visit www.iihs.edu.lk or contact [email protected].