The University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University), Australia, is inviting applications for the 2024 Research Training Collaboration Joint PhD Programme. This initiative allows Lankan junior academics to enhance their research skills through doctoral studies, contributing to the academic growth of their institutions. RMIT, ranked 123rd in the QS World University Rankings 2024, has partnered with UGC since 2018, supporting 60 candidates, with 6 PhD completions.

The programme is conducted in partnership with four Lankan universities: the University of Peradeniya, the University of Moratuwa, the University of Ruhuna, and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Selected candidates will be co-enrolled at RMIT and one of these universities, spending 2 to 2.5 years in Sri Lanka and up to 12 months at RMIT in Melbourne. Up to 14 PhD scholarships are available, covering tuition fees (AUD 80,000) for up to 3.5 years and a living allowance (AUD 35,000) for 12 months in Melbourne. Applicants must be permanent academic staff of UGC-affiliated institutions, hold a relevant Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and meet English proficiency requirements. Applications and project proposals should be submitted to the Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission, No. 20, Ward Place, Colombo 7 by September 27, with documents also emailed to [email protected]. (NA)