The deadline for bids to host the 2021 Rugby League World Cup must be submitted by the end of June, with a decision expected before the end of the year.
The timetable was drawn up by Rugby League International Federation chief executive David Collier and ratified by the latest meeting of the RLIF board.
Collier said: "The bid documentation provides the criteria and the requirements upon which submissions will be considered for the 2021 World Cup. The deadline for submissions will be the end of June 2016 and we expect to announce the successful bidder in the fourth quarter of 2016.
"The Rugby League World Cup is the marquee event for our sport and requires world-class facilities and infrastructure to provide the stage for the world's best players to deliver the highest quality of rugby for all our supporters and for the nations participating."
The Rugby Football League has already indicated a desire to host the 2021 World Cup following the success of the 2013 tournament in England and Wales and has received government support.
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The board was told that discussions are well advanced with potential host cities for the 2017 World Cup, which will be held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, and approved the early payment of grants to each of the 18 full RLIF members.
