Imperial Institute of Higher Education

What Imperial Institute of Higher Education does

Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) is a private tertiary education institution headquartered in Kollupitiya, Colombo, Sri Lanka, operating continuously since October 1996. The institution functions primarily as a pathway provider, brokering access to government-approved and internationally recognized programs delivered in partnership with a network of foreign universities — including IBAS (Switzerland), SEGi and City University (Malaysia), Amrita and JSS Academy (India), BIST (South Korea), Ritsumeikan APU (Japan), Bangor University and UWTSD (UK), and Qualifi (UK), alongside the state-owned Distance Learning Centre (DLC) domestically.

IIHE's portfolio spans six product categories: postgraduate degrees (MBA variants, DBA, PhD in Sustainable Development, Qualifi Level 7 Diploma), undergraduate degrees (BBA in Hospital & Health System Management; B.Sc programs in Audiology, Microbiology, Cardiac Perfusion, Cardiovascular Technology, OT Technology, Optometry; B.Tech programs in Electronics & Communication Engineering and AI/Robotics), foundation programs (Degree Foundation in Business Management, Higher Diploma via DLC), short-duration English and employability certificates (the "2 Succeed" series), IT and emerging-technology training (RESET Microsoft-endorsed platform, Blockchain 101), and customized corporate training (emotional intelligence, stress management, professional grooming, customer handling, mental wellbeing, problem solving).

The business model is predominantly B2C tuition-driven, with revenue generated from one-time or multi-year contracts (often with installment payment plans), priced in LKR with supplemental USD, MYR, and GBP components for international university fees. A secondary B2B revenue stream comes from customized corporate training delivered to enterprise clients including George Steuart Health, Mines Advisory Group, and the Cricket Board of Sri Lanka. Distribution relies on a single physical campus in Colombo, online and distance-learning delivery, a network of channel partners in Korea (DS Partners, C.H. International) and domestically (Sciencom, Private Educators Network), and digital marketing across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Name

Imperial Institute of Higher Education

Legal name

Imperial Institute of Higher Education

Website

https://iihe.lk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) is a private tertiary education institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka, founded in 1996, offering government-approved and internationally recognized undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, foundation, certificate, and corporate training programs through partnerships with universities in Switzerland, Malaysia, India, South Korea, Japan, and the UK.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

International Branch Campus & Offshore Program Partnerships (EDAIABAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional & Executive Short Courses (Non-Degree, International) (EDAIAIAH), Short-Term Certificate & Micro-Credential Programs (International) (EDAIAIAI)

Keywords

• Tertiary education services
• Postgraduate business programs
• Corporate training programs
• Professional certificate courses
• International degree pathways

Headquarters

HQ city

Kollupitiya

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Program Fees: Revenue generated from undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, certificate, foundation, and language programs. Programs include varying fee structures with installment payment options available.
2. Corporate Training Services: Customized corporate training programs delivered to organizations including leadership development, emotional intelligence, stress management, professional grooming, and technology certifications (Microsoft-endorsed RESET platform).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Imperial Institute of Higher Education delivers private tertiary education programs in Sri Lanka, spanning foundation courses, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas, MBAs, and doctoral programs in business management, healthcare administration, engineering, life sciences, and English communication. Programs are delivered via on-campus, online, and blended formats through partnerships with international universities, and supplemented by customized corporate training services in leadership, emotional intelligence, Microsoft IT certifications, and other professional skills.

Product overview

Imperial Institute of Higher Education (IIHE) is a private tertiary education institution in Sri Lanka offering a diverse portfolio of government-approved and internationally recognized programs across multiple disciplines. The portfolio includes: (1) Postgraduate programs — Global MBA (City University Malaysia & IBAS), IBAS MBA Top-Up, SEGi General MBA, MBA in Pharmacy Administration, MBA in Hospital Administration, IBAS Doctor of Business Administration, PhD in Sustainable Development, and QUALIFI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management; (2) Undergraduate programs — BBA in Hospital & Health System Management, Higher Diploma in Business Management (DLC), Qualifi Level 5 Diplomas in Health & Social Care and Hospitality & Tourism Management (UK), and B.Sc programs in Microbiology, Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology, Cardiovascular Technology, Cardiac Perfusion Technology, Operation Theatre Technology, and Optometry; (3) Engineering & Technology programs — B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering and B.Tech in AI, Robotics & Autonomous Systems (Amrita University); (4) Foundation program — Degree Foundation in Business Management; (5) Language certificates — Six 2 Succeed certificate programs in Business English, Employability Skills, English for Teachers, Nursing English, English Grammar, and Managerial Skills; (6) IT & emerging technology training — RESET (Microsoft-endorsed IT learning platform) and Blockchain 101; (7) Corporate training — customized programs in emotional intelligence, stress management, professional grooming, customer handling, mental wellbeing, and problem solving. IIHE acts as a pathway provider bridging students to global university partners including Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, SEGi University, City University Malaysia, IBAS Switzerland, Distance Learning Centre Sri Lanka, Qualifi UK, and University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Global MBA (City University Malaysia & IBAS) An 18-month fully online MBA offered jointly by City University Malaysia and the International Business Academy of Switzerland (IBAS), covering strategic management, finance, marketing, and international business with 180 credits, designed for working professionals seeking internationally accredited business qualifications.
• IBAS MBA Top-Up A six-month accelerated MBA bridge program for professionals holding a Level 7 postgraduate diploma or professional qualifications (CIMA, ACCA, CIM, CA), culminating in a dissertation to earn a full IBAS MBA degree.
• SEGi General MBA A one-year UGC-approved online MBA from SEGi University, designed for busy professionals with pre-recorded lectures and flexible assignment-based learning.
• MBA in Pharmacy Administration A 2-year distance-learning postgraduate program offered by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (Mysore, India), UGC and Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka recognized, focused on pharmaceutical management, healthcare administration, and business development for pharmacists.
• MBA in Hospital Administration A postgraduate program by JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research covering hospital management, healthcare administration, quality assurance, operations, and strategic decision-making across four semesters.
• IBAS Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) A doctoral-level DBA program delivered by IIHE in partnership with the International Business Academy of Switzerland, featuring a blended learning model with Year 1 module delivery by state university professors and Years 2-3 focused on research, with a fast-track option available.
• PhD in Sustainable Development A 3-year on-campus PhD offered by Amrita School for Sustainable Futures integrating the Education for Life framework, with potential for double/joint PhDs, industry engagement, and funded research with UN and global institutions support, including full tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend.
• QUALIFI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Innovation A 7-month online postgraduate diploma covering finance, strategic direction, innovation, global marketing, and supply chain management with 130 credits, designed for business managers seeking strategic expertise.
• BBA in Hospital & Health System Management A UGC-compliant undergraduate degree blending core business principles with specialized healthcare management knowledge, covering medical records, coding, insurance, and quality care administration across six semesters.
• Higher Diploma in Business Management (DLC) A 24-month government-approved higher diploma by Distance Learning Centre Sri Lanka providing direct progression to a BBA locally or internationally, covering management practice, marketing, accounting, digital marketing, and business strategy across four semesters.
• Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care (UK) A UK-accredited Level 5 diploma focused on complex health and social care management, covering principles, partnership working, quality management, and research, delivered online with module-end assignments.
• Qualifi Level 5 Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism Management (UK) A UK-accredited Level 5 diploma addressing complex organizational challenges in tourism and hospitality, covering destination management, entrepreneurship, cultural tourism, and research with action-based learning.
• B.Sc in Microbiology A 4-year undergraduate program (3 years academic + 1 year internship) covering theoretical and practical microbiology, offered by Amrita University which holds THE 2024 ranking of 801-1000 globally and THE Impact Ranking 2024 at 81st globally, UGC approved.
• Degree Foundation in Business Management A DLC-approved foundation program preparing students for undergraduate business studies by bridging academic gaps in management, marketing, HR, ICT, and communication skills across two semesters.
• B.Sc in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology A 4-year undergraduate program preparing students in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of communication disorders and hearing impairments across all age groups, integrating theoretical learning with practical clinical exposure.
• B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering A 4-year professional engineering program by Amrita School of Engineering covering digital systems, VLSI, signal processing, microprocessors, and communication engineering with specialization electives in embedded systems, wireless communication, and biomedical signal processing.
• B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems A 4-year undergraduate program (3 years coursework + 1 year internship) covering machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, robotic perception, SLAM, and human-robot interaction, preparing students to build intelligent autonomous systems.
• B.Sc in Cardiac Perfusion Technology A 4-year program by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences training students to operate cardio-pulmonary support systems during open-heart surgeries and critical care procedures, with THE Impact Ranking 2024 at 81st globally.
• B.Sc in Cardiovascular Technology A 4-year program by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences training students to assist cardiologists in evaluating and treating cardiac and peripheral vascular conditions across all age groups, including Cath lab procedures and life support techniques.
• B.Sc in Operation Theatre Technology A 4-year undergraduate program (3 years study + 1 year internship) at Amrita University preparing students for surgical and perioperative care roles, covering instrument preparation, OT management, sterilization, and anesthesia assistance.
• B.Sc in Optometry A 4-year undergraduate degree (3 years + 1 year mandatory internship) focused on examination, diagnosis, treatment, and management of visual system diseases and disorders, including optical devices and vision correction.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in Nursing English A 12-week online live certificate program taught by British lecturers for healthcare professionals and aspiring nurses to enhance English communication skills in healthcare environments, covering 12 professional modules.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in Business English A certificate program for professionals and non-native English speakers covering workplace communication including meetings, presentations, telephone skills, and business correspondence, taught via online live classes by British lecturers.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in Employability Skills A certificate program covering essential professional skills including business email writing, teamwork, problem-solving, negotiation, networking, listening, speaking, professionalism, and interview preparation.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in English for Teachers A certificate program for educators covering workplace communication, conflict resolution, telephone conversations, parent liaison, lesson planning, and classroom management strategies.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in English Grammar A certificate program strengthening grammar foundations through 12 modules covering nouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositions, sentences, punctuation, and direct/indirect speech with practical vocabulary enhancement.
• 2 Succeed Certificate in Managerial Skills A certificate program for aspiring and current managers covering presentation skills, report writing, change management, team motivation, networking, and demonstrating leadership in interviews and CVs.
• RESET: The Complete Learning IT Platform, Endorsed by Microsoft A Microsoft-endorsed 1-year unlimited-access e-learning platform offered through partnership with Trainocate providing 5000+ task-based training videos covering Microsoft Office 365, Copilot, Power BI, Teams, and other Microsoft technologies with gamification and tracking features, priced at 7,500 LKR per year.
• Blockchain 101 A corporate blockchain training program covering Web3 development, enterprise blockchain, NFTs, metaverse, DeFi, smart contract security, and cryptocurrency fundamentals, with affiliated certifications including CW3BD, CEBP, CNFTP, CBSE, and CMP.
• Emotional Intelligence Training A corporate training program focused on developing self-awareness, emotional management, empathy, and interpersonal skills to improve workplace relationships, productivity, and decision-making for corporate employees.
• Stress Management Training A corporate training workshop equipping participants with tools to understand, manage, and reduce workplace stress, covering legal obligations, company policies, and effective coping strategies for a balanced work environment.
• Professional Grooming and Corporate Etiquette Training A corporate training program covering personal grooming, workplace behavior, dining and meeting etiquette, and cultural sensitivity for professional settings, available on-site, in-house, or online for groups up to 30 participants.
• Customer Handling & Service Excellence Training A corporate training program developing skills in customer-centric service, active listening, empathy, complaint handling, and service culture to drive customer loyalty and business growth.
• Mental Wellbeing at the Workplace Training A corporate training program providing awareness and practical strategies for mental health support in professional environments, covering stress, anxiety, burnout, resilience building, and creating psychologically safe workplace cultures.
• Problem Solving for Managers Training A corporate training program equipping managers with structured problem-solving frameworks, root cause analysis techniques, decision-making models, and collaborative tools to resolve workplace challenges efficiently.
• Customized Corporate Training Programs Tailored corporate training solutions designed in collaboration with organizations to address specific business objectives, available on-campus, online, or on-site, with a 15% discount for corporate partners.

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SEGi University & CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 August 2025Valued partner for joint MBA programs. Visit by Shantanu Sivanantham, Assistant Manager - International Marketing & Globalization, to strengthen collaboration. New joint programs announced. Programs include SEGi MBA General delivered online over 1 year.
• Busan Institute of Science and Technology (BIST), South KoreacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025Strategic MOU signed between IIHE CEO Mr. Chrishan Mendis and BIST President Mr. Kang Ki Sung. Enables direct placement of students for Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD programs. Students access scholarship opportunities and can apply with or without Korean language proficiency. Gateway for Sri Lankan students to pursue higher education in South Korea.
• Amrita University (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham), IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2025World-ranked education for Sri Lankan students. UGC approved university with prestigious global rankings (THE World University Rankings 2024: 801-1000 globally; THE Impact Rankings 2024: 81st globally, 1st in India; QS World University Rankings 2025: 1001-1200 band). Programs from Bachelor's to PhD including healthcare, engineering, and life sciences.
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU), JapancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 March 2025Prestigious Japanese institution partnership. Webinar hosted at IIHE featuring APU representative Ms. Thejanie. Session provided insights into APU scholarship opportunities, program details, and direct placement options. Free session attracted physical and online participants.
• Imperial Berhad Private LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2025Strategic partnership for collaboration with globally recognized universities and introduction of postgraduate programs in Pharmacy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Physiotherapy, and Radiology. Historic moment in Sri Lanka's education sector.
• AIESEC Sri LankaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Groundbreaking partnership offering global internship opportunities for IIHE students. Bridges gap between academic learning and practical multicultural work experiences. Empowers students to thrive as globally competent leaders.
• George Steuart HealthminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2025Multiple corporate training sessions including Steuart Leadership Excellence Program. Sessions covered emotional intelligence, leadership transformation, doing things better, and empowering modern leaders. Trainers included Maya Dissanayake, Dulendra Udukumbure, Rimaz Marzook, and Nanda Dediyagala.
• Sciencom Education Centre, MoratuwaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Partnership opens doors for O/L and A/L students to access exclusive scholarship opportunities. Students benefit from valuable internship placements for brighter future.
• Happy Hearts Elder CareminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024MOU signing for students enrolled in Qualifi Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Social Healthcare Giver Programme. Provides invaluable hands-on practical experience opportunities. MoU signed by Dr. Nuwan De Silva (MD) and Mr. Chrishan Mendis (CEO IIHE).
• DS Partners (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2024Korean representatives for full delivery and transfer programs to Korea. MOU signed by Lee Joo Yong, Director. Collaboration provides unique opportunity for students to achieve academic ambitions while immersing in Korea's culture and education system.
• C.H. International (Korea)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 December 2024Korean representatives for full delivery and transfer programs to Korea. MOU signed by Lee Chang Hun, President. Partnership signed with IIHE CEO Chrishan for student placement in Korean educational institutions.
• Mines Advisory Group (MAG)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 April 2024Corporate training client. Comprehensive workshops on Emotional Intelligence and Stress Management conducted for MAG team. Trainers Ms. Nimali Buthpitiya and Ms. Maya Dissanayake provided practical tools for navigating challenges and enhancing well-being.
• Distance Learning Centre (DLC) Sri LankacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Government-approved Higher National Diploma programs. DLC is a fully state-owned institute under the Ministry of Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils, and Local Government. MOU signed by Mr. Chrishan Mendis (CEO IIHE) and Mr. Rashath Ahamed (CEO DLC). Programs include Higher Diploma in Business Management and Degree Foundation in Business Management.
• TrainocatecoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2024Premier global leader in learning and development services. Delivers cutting-edge career training and certifications from Microsoft Solutions Partner. Programs in Analytics, AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Data Science, DevOps, Machine Learning. Sri Lankanization initiatives to bring world-class training to Sri Lanka. Technology partners include AWS, Cisco, Google Cloud, IBM, Microsoft, NetApp, Trend Micro, UiPath.
• Bangor University, UKcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Visit by Ms. Louise Morgan, Deputy Director of International Recruitment & Mobility at Bangor University's International Education Centre. Discussions on exciting prospects for collaboration. IIHE committed to offering top-tier university programs with exceptional quality.
• Private Educators NetworkminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2024Partnership with esteemed private educators including Mr. Rumesh Vishvanatha, Mr. Pruthuvi Kalansooriya, Mr. Chalika Kumburegedara, Mr. Prasanna Senadreera, Mr. Nimesh Dayananda, Mr. Buddhika Irosha, Mr. Upul Dissanayaka, and Mr. Tharindu Perera. Educators provide support while IIHE offers scholarships and benefits to their students.
• International Business Academy of Switzerland (IBAS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership for DBA, MBA, and other business programs. IBAS offers internationally recognized and accredited qualifications including EduQua (Swiss government), ISASAHE, WES Approved, ACBSP, QS 5-Star, ATHE, IACBE accreditations. Programs delivered in blended learning format.
• City University MalaysiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with City University Malaysia and IBAS for Global MBA program. Two internationally recognized academic institutions within one integrated programme providing global business insight and academic depth.
• JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for MBA in Pharmacy Administration and MBA in Hospital Administration. UGC recognized and Ministry of Higher Education Sri Lanka approved. Ranked 801 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• APIIT Sri Lanka (Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology): Sri Lankan campus of the Asia Pacific University (APU, Malaysia) network, offering IT, business, and engineering programs through international degree pathways. Operates the same pathway-to-international-degree business model as IIHE in the same Sri Lankan market.
• Horizon Campus: Private higher education institute in Sri Lanka offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, IT, and management through international university partnerships. Directly competes with IIHE for O/L and A/L students and working professionals seeking affordable tertiary qualifications.
• International Institute of Health Sciences (IHS) Sri Lanka: Private Sri Lankan institution focused on healthcare and nursing education with international affiliations. Compares to IIHE on the healthcare program vertical (BBA Hospital Management, Pharmacy Administration) and shared pathway-provider business model.
• SLIIT (Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology): One of Sri Lanka's leading private universities offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in IT, business, engineering, and sciences. Directly comparable to IIHE as a domestic private higher education provider competing for the same Sri Lankan student base with similar international university partnerships.
• NSBM Green University: Private university in Sri Lanka offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs with strong international university affiliations (including Plymouth University). Closely mirrors IIHE's model of pathway-driven higher education and corporate training in the same domestic market.
• Informatics International College: Private Sri Lankan higher education institution affiliated with the Informatics Education group, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs in business, IT, and related fields. Targets a similar Sri Lankan student segment as IIHE with comparable fee structures and installment plans.

Broad incumbents

• Coursera: Global online learning platform offering degrees, certificates, and corporate training from leading universities and companies. Represents a broader alternative to IIHE's certificate, IT training (RESET), and corporate upskilling offerings, especially for working professionals.
• upGrad: Leading online higher education and upskilling platform operating across South Asia and globally, with international university partnerships for MBA, data science, and technology programs. Directly competitive with IIHE's online postgraduate and corporate training offerings in the South Asian market.
• Emeritus: Global online education provider offering executive and postgraduate programs in partnership with top international universities (MIT, Kellogg, Wharton). Competes with IIHE's MBA and DBA offerings as a direct-to-consumer alternative that bypasses local pathway providers.

Others

• Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham: Indian private university ranked in THE and QS rankings, currently a key degree partner of IIHE for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. Comparable as an Indian higher education institution whose programs IIHE distributes in Sri Lanka, and could potentially compete as a direct offering in the future.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/share/18XPxS5rYL/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• LinkedInlk.linkedin.com/school/iihe-srilanka
• Instagraminstagram.com/iihesrilanka?igsh=MWt5dTdxamJwZGZubA==
• Xx.com/IIHESriLanka

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Imperial Institute of Higher Education