Sri Lanka - QUT Joint PhD Program
The Joint PhD agreement requires that PhD candidates must spend a minimum of one year at QUT. This can be 6 months at the beginning and end or 12 months in the middle of the 3 year PhD program depending on the discipline and the nature of the study being undertaken. In a situation where field experimentations are required to be conducted in Sri Lanka the time frame can be amended on case by case basis.
QUT supports a cohort model whereby 10-12 candidates from different disciplines and Sri Lankan universities come to QUT as a group. This approach is adopted to minimise administrative costs and to facilitate timely completions at both Universities. This approach will enhance the quality of learning and research outcomes anticipated from this Joint PhD study model.
Joint PhD candidates will be co-supervised by two QUT academics and one academic from either University of Colombo or Peradeniya and another academic from the candidate's home university (if home university is not either University of Colombo or Peradeniya). This collaborative research effort will support junior scientists and academics to progress their research and academic careers in a timely fashion.
Funding and Financial Support:
The PhD candidates' Universities will release them for 3 years and continue to fund their salary whilst studying as a full time PhD candidate. UGC will fund one year's living stipend while in Brisbane at QUT (estimated cost is AUS $ 25,000) and one or two return trips (estimated cost AUS $2000 or $4000) and Health Insurance (AUS$ 2000). QUT will fund the tuition costs (AUS $20000-29000 per year depending on discipline) for the duration of the 3 year PhD study.
Strengths of the Program:
All Co-supervisors learn from supervising and collaborating with others. The research will focus on national and international interests in particular focusing on strategic and innovative research relevant to the Sri Lankan context. The dominant focus of the PhD including data collection and/or field work experimentation will be in Sri Lanka. Research collaborations between all Universities involved are enhanced. Candidates receive collegial support from the cohort model. Participating in positive learning experiences and conducting research in a collaborative environment are also seen as advantages of this program.