Cambodia Investment Review
RMIT University has announced the opening of the IEIF ASEAN Research Collaboration Project, a new initiative aimed at supporting high-achieving post-doctoral early career researchers (ECRs) from Cambodia and other ASEAN nations to undertake commercially focused research internships in Australia.
The program offers successful applicants the opportunity to spend one to three months hosted by an Australian institution, with the goal of strengthening institutional linkages, creating professional networks, and exchanging expertise with Australian researchers. Candidates from Cambodia will be among those eligible to apply, reflecting growing research cooperation between the two countries.
Strengthening Cambodia-Australia Research Links
The project is designed to contribute to ASEAN’s broader goals of fostering economic and technical cooperation across the region. By offering Cambodian researchers access to Australian research facilities, the program aims to support the development of scientific, technological, and linguistic communities that can drive innovation and address shared challenges.
RMIT University, which is administering the program, has a long-standing presence in the ASEAN region and is expected to play a leading role in facilitating Cambodian participation. Through this initiative, Cambodian post-doctoral researchers can deepen their engagement with priority sectors critical to both Cambodia’s development and Australia’s commercial interests.
Eligible research focus areas include agriculture and food, resources and energy, infrastructure, the green economy, and other sectors that enhance Australia’s competitiveness and drive commercialization outcomes.
Generous Financial Support for Selected Researchers
The program offers significant financial support, with up to AUD 20,000 available per internship. Each Cambodian recipient will receive:
- A one-time establishment allowance of AUD 3,500 to cover travel and visa costs;
- A monthly stipend of AUD 4,000;
- An additional monthly family allowance of AUD 1,500 if applicable.
Host organizations in Australia will also receive a AUD 1,000 subsidy per intern to help cover research consumables and fieldwork expenses.
Applications are open to Cambodian citizens or permanent residents who have completed their PhD within the past eight years and are not Australian citizens or permanent residents. Eligible candidates must secure placement with an approved Australian research organization and present a research proposal aligned with the program’s priority sectors.
Key Dates and Application Process
The application period for the 2025 round opens on 3 March 2025 and closes on 10 April 2025. Successful candidates will be notified by 2 May 2025 and must complete their internships between 2 June and 29 August 2025.
Applicants must submit a completed application form, a sponsor nomination form from their host organization, and all required supporting documents in English. All applications must be sent via email to ieif.asean@rmit.edu.au.
Selection will be based on academic achievement, the quality and impact of the proposed research, alignment with priority sectors, and the potential for ongoing collaboration between Australia and ASEAN, including Cambodia.
For enquiries or require assistance with your application, please contact us at ieif.asean@rmit.edu.au
A second round of the program is expected to open in July 2025. For Cambodian researchers, this initiative represents a valuable opportunity to gain international research experience, build professional networks, and contribute to Cambodia’s economic development through enhanced scientific and technical cooperation with Australia.
