Connecting research, education and industry to deliver real-world impact across Sri Lanka and Australia.
The RMIT-Sri Lanka Research and Development Centre is a strategic partnership between RMIT University and the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka, established to strengthen research, innovation, and higher education collaboration between Australia and Sri Lanka. The Centre brings together five leading Sri Lankan universities: the University of Peradeniya, University of Moratuwa, the University of Colombo, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, and University of Ruhuna to deliver internationally recognised Cotutelle Joint PhD programmes. It also partners with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board of Sri Lanka to support industry-focused postgraduate research. It collaborates with the Open University of Sri Lanka to deliver education programmes.
The centre brings together academia and industry to work on real-world challenges, develop skilled researchers and drive innovation, while providing access to world-class facilities and global research opportunities through RMIT University.
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The centre delivers a range of flagship programmes focused on research and higher education, while actively collaborating with industry and government stakeholders to drive innovation, knowledge exchange and real-world impact.
To foster impactful research and innovation through collaborative partnerships that address national development priorities.
To translate RMIT-supported research into sustainable solutions through collaboration with academia, industry and government.
Candidates are jointly enrolled at RMIT University and a partner university in Sri Lanka, with joint supervision across both institutions. Candidates typically spend around 2.5 years based at their home institution in Sri Lanka and up to 12 months in Melbourne. Open to all disciplines across RMIT's academic portfolio, including STEM, Design and Social Context, and Business and Law.
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Delivered with the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB), this programme upskills NWSDB professionals through a Masters by Research at RMIT University. Participants spend around 18 months in Sri Lanka and up to 6 months in Melbourne, supervised jointly by RMIT, NWSDB and a Sri Lankan partner university.
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A collaborative undergraduate pathway between RMIT University and Sri Lankan higher education institutions, enabling students to complete the initial stage of their studies in Sri Lanka before continuing their degree at RMIT University in Australia.
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An overview of the Centre: its vision and strategic objectives, leadership and governance, research facilities, research highlights and partners.
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