Local Study Global Degree: IIHS Multiversity emerges as Sri Lanka’s global health university

In an increasingly interconnected world, higher education is undergoing a fundamental shift. Rising international study costs, tightening visa regimes, and growing global demand for skilled professionals are reshaping how students choose where, and how, to pursue their education. Against this backdrop, IIHS Multiversity has introduced a timely and strategic concept: “Local Study · Global Degree.” The initiative positions IIHS Multiversity as Sri Lanka’s Global Health University, offering internationally aligned degrees delivered locally, with strong pathways to global recognition, mobility, and employment. Learn more at https://www.iihs.edu.lk/, the official IIHS Multiversity website.

Responding to a Changing Global Education Landscape

Traditional international education models are becoming less accessible for many students due to financial pressures and regulatory uncertainty. At the same time, global health systems, digital economies, and service industries are experiencing acute shortages of qualified professionals. The challenge is clear: how to provide globally relevant education without the barriers associated with overseas study. IIHS Multiversity’s response is grounded in a practical, forward-looking approach, international standards delivered in Sri Lanka, supported by global partnerships, industry alignment, and flexible academic pathways.

From Healthcare Institute to Global Health University

With more than two decades of leadership in healthcare education, IIHS has trained thousands of graduates who now serve across Sri Lanka and international health systems. IIHS Building on this legacy, the institution has evolved into a Multiversity and now stands as a Global Health University, a multidisciplinary academic ecosystem integrating healthcare, life sciences, digital health, business, education, sports sciences, nutrition, psychology, and allied disciplines. As a Global Health University, IIHS Multiversity focuses on producing graduates equipped to meet real-world workforce needs, ensuring all programmes align with international benchmarks, professional and regulatory frameworks, and future skills shaped by digital transformation.

Education without Borders

The Local Study · Global Degree model is built around several key principles: internationally recognised qualifications, local accessibility, global career pathways, flexible transfer and top-up options, and strong collaboration with international universities and industry partners. Together, these elements enable students to begin their academic journey in Sri Lanka while remaining globally competitive.

A Structured Academic Identity

To enhance clarity and global recognition, IIHS Multiversity has adopted a structured sub-brand architecture, with each academic domain operating under a dedicated identity while remaining unified under the Global Health University framework. These include: IIHS Foundation – Academic and English-language pathways for success in global degrees. IIHS Nursing – Globally competent nurses with international pathways. IIHS Physio – Physiotherapy education with global practice opportunities. IIHS BioMed – Biomedical and life sciences aligned with global research needs. IIHS Sports Sciences – Sports performance and wellness sciences. IIHS Nutrition – Nutrition for clinical, public health and lifestyle outcomes. IIHS Psychology – Mental health and behavioural sciences.IIHS Digital Health – Health informatics, AI and digital systems. IIHS Health Administration – Healthcare leadership and policy. IIHS Business – Business education for healthcare and services industries.  IIHS Education – Training future educators and academic leaders.

Shaping the Future from Sri Lanka

By integrating global standards with local delivery, IIHS Multiversity is contributing to Sri Lanka’s emergence as a credible regional education hub. More importantly, it is helping develop professionals who are not only globally employable, but also socially responsible and responsive to the evolving challenges of global health and development. As higher education continues to evolve, the Local Study · Global Degree model represents a compelling blueprint — one that balances accessibility, quality, and global relevance, while positioning Sri Lanka as a meaningful contributor to the global knowledge economy. IIHS Multiversity’s journey from a healthcare institute to a Global Health University reflects a broader vision: educating locally, while impacting the world. Explore programmes and pathways at https://www.iihs.edu.lk/.

CAPTION – IIHS Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kithsiri Edirisinghe