Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), in partnership with the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka offers a range of well-recognized joint PhD programs that are now open for applications. These programs are designed to train young academics from Sri Lankan Universities to internationally enhance their career paths with doctoral qualifications.

Deadline – 23 June 2025

Successful applicants can co-enroll at RMIT University and one of the following Sri Lankan universities:

• University of Peradeniya (UoP),

• University of Moratuwa (UoM),

• University of Ruhuna (UoR), and

• University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJP).

Academics from RMIT University and the four (04) Sri Lankan universities mentioned above will co-supervise the successful applicants.

Important – It is not permitted for applicants to enroll in a PhD program at their associated university.

The chosen candidates will be stationed in Sri Lanka for two to three years and will spend a maximum of 12 months at RMIT in Melbourne, Australia.

Minimum Entry Requirements :

• Applicants must be a permanent member of the academic staff of a Higher Educational Institution or Higher Educational Institute under the jurisdiction of the University Grants Commission who is willing to begin postgraduate studies (PhD).

• Applicants must meet one of the following academic criteria :

1. Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field and a Master’s degree in the same field at SLQF level 10 or higher,

or

2. Hold a Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of full-time study in a relevant field and first or second class upper division honours.

• Proof of English proficiency equal to an overall band score of at least 6.5 on the IELTS.

Research Alignment :

• Applicants are encouraged to review a list of available projects on the RMIT website and align their applications to these areas.

• However, applicants can propose their own research topics and RMIT coordinators will make every effort to find academic supervisors who share those interests.

Application Process :

• Follow the Guidelines for UGC Postgraduate Grant Schemes :

https://www.ugc.ac.lk/downloads/dric/PG%20research%20grants/GUIDELINES.pdf

• Submit the duly filled application along with a Research Proposal through the proper channel to:

Vice Chairman,
University Grants Commission,
No 20, and Ward Place,
Colombo 07

• Additionally, applicants are requested to email the same documents to dric@ugc.ac.lk in advance.

Contact UGC via dric@ugc.ac.lk for any clarification and for more information, visit the official UGC website.