Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Australian Government · All India
| Scheme Name | Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships |
| Provided By | Australian Government |
| Eligibility Summary | Masters, PhD · No income limit |
Status check
The previous application cycle (2025–26) closed on 19 October 2026. The upcoming 2026–27 cycle is expected to open soon. We will update the links here as soon as the official notification is released.
View active scholarships you can apply for today →About the Program
Comprehensive guide for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships. Get eligibility details, stipend amounts, and registration instructions here.
Benefits & Financial Support
AUD 35,656 to AUD 42,754 (approx. ₹21.2 Lakh+)
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) provides a stipend to assist students with living costs, a fees offset to cover tuition fees, and allowances for ancillary costs. For the academic year 2026, the annual full-time RTP stipend rates typically range from approximately AUD 35,656 to AUD 42,754. This translates to approximately INR 2,406,780 to INR 2,885,895 annually, based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD = 67.5 INR. The exact stipend amount is determined by the individual university and can be within the base and maximum rates set by the Australian Government. Stipends are generally paid fortnightly into a nominated Australian bank account. The RTP Fees Offset covers 100% of the tuition fees for the duration of the research program. Allowances may cover relocation costs, thesis printing, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar-seeded accounts is not applicable as this is an international scholarship to Australia.
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Nationality:Open to both domestic and international students.
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Degree Level:Must be enrolled or seeking to enroll in an accredited Research Doctorate (PhD) or Research Masters degree (Higher Degrees by Research - HDR) at an eligible Australian Higher Education Provider (HEP). Coursework degrees (Bachelor's or Master's coursework) are not eligible.
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Enrollment Status:Can be a prospective or currently enrolled HDR student.
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Previous Scholarships:To be eligible for an RTP Fees Offset, students must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Australian Government designed to offset HDR fees.
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Academic Background:While specific minimum marks are not universally mandated by the government, universities typically require strong academic excellence and research potential. Some universities may look for first-class honors or equivalent academic attainment (e.g., 80% or equivalent in the research component of previous study).
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English Language Proficiency:Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the chosen university.
Eligibility Criteria & Income Limit
| Education Level | Masters, PhD |
| Course / Stream | Masters, PhD |
| Income Limit | No income bar |
| Category / Caste | General, OBC, SC, ST |
| Domicile State | All India |
Mandatory Documents Checklist
- ✓Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates (including official translations if not in English)
- ✓Research Proposal (typically 1-2 pages, outlining research topic, aims, methodology, and significance)
- ✓Curriculum Vitae (CV)/Resume
- ✓Evidence of English Language Proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL scores, or previous medium of instruction certificate)
- ✓Two Referee Reports/Letters of Recommendation
- ✓Copy of Passport (for international applicants)
- ✓Copy of Birth Certificate or Citizenship Certificate (if applicable)
- ✓Evidence of Research Publications (if any)
- ✓Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement (as required by the specific university)
Selection Process
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Selection for the RTP Scholarship is a highly competitive process managed directly by individual Australian universities, not by the Department of Education
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Candidates are assessed based on academic merit and research potential
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Universities consider factors such as an outstanding academic record (often equivalent to a H1 or First Class Honours), previous research experience (e.g., publications, project work), and the alignment of the proposed research with the university's strategy and available supervision/resources
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Meeting English language proficiency requirements of the chosen university is also essential.
Renewal Policy
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RTP scholarships are awarded for the duration of the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program, typically 3 to 4 years for a research doctorate and up to 2 years for a research master's for full-time students
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Renewal is contingent upon the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress throughout their candidature
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Extensions to the stipend scholarship may be granted in specific circumstances, such as delays beyond the student's control, participation in an industry internship, or for Indigenous candidates, usually for a maximum of six months
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Paid leave entitlements (e.g., parental leave, additional personal leave) can also extend the period of support.
How to Apply Online
Applications are submitted online via the official portal. Complete eKYC, upload scanned documents, and submit before the closing date.
- 1Identify Your Research Area and University
Research Australian universities offering Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs (Master's by Research or PhD) in your field of interest.
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Contact University Postgraduate Research Office: Get in touch with the postgraduate research office or the relevant faculty at your preferred university. Inquire about their specific RTP application procedures, deadlines, and required documentation for international students.
- 3Secure a Supervisor (Recommended)
Many universities require or strongly recommend securing a supervisor for your research project before or during the application process.
- 4Prepare Application Documents
Gather all necessary documents, which typically include academic transcripts, proof of university degrees, an updated academic CV, a detailed research proposal, a motivation letter, and letters of recommendation. You will also need to meet English language proficiency requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).
- 5Apply for HDR Admission and Scholarship
Submit an application for admission to your chosen HDR program through the university's official application portal. Many universities automatically consider eligible applicants for RTP scholarships upon admission application, while others might have a specific scholarship application form to complete concurrently.
- 6Submit Supporting Documentation
Ensure all required supporting documents and referee reports are submitted by the university's stipulated deadlines. It is advisable to submit applications well in advance to allow time for referees to provide their reports.
- 7Await Notification
The university's scholarship selection committee will review applications and notify successful candidates via email.
- 8Track Application Status
Most universities provide an online application portal where you can track the status of your admission and scholarship application. Refer to your chosen university's specific instructions for status tracking.
Common Questions (FAQs)
Is there a specific application form for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?
No, there is no single, separate application form directly for the Australian Government RTP Scholarship. The scholarships are administered by individual Australian universities. Prospective students must apply for admission to an eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at their chosen university, and in doing so, they will usually be considered for the RTP scholarship. Some universities may have a specific scholarship section within their HDR admission application or a supplementary form.
What does 'fully funded' mean for the RTP scholarship for international students?
For international students, 'fully funded' typically means that the RTP scholarship covers 100% of the tuition fees for the duration of the research program (RTP Fees Offset). Additionally, it provides a living stipend to assist with general living costs (RTP Stipend) and may include allowances for ancillary costs like relocation expenses, thesis production, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). However, personal expenses such as books, study materials, and accommodation (beyond any relocation allowance) are generally the responsibility of the recipient.
Can I undertake paid employment while receiving an RTP scholarship?
Yes, in general, RTP recipients may undertake some paid employment. However, it is crucial that any employment does not interfere with the student's research progress or ability to meet their study commitments (e.g., 40 hours per week for full-time HDR candidates). Universities typically have policies regarding this, and employment will not be accepted as grounds for scholarship extension. International students must also ensure that any employment complies with the conditions of their Australian student visa.
Plan your study abroad
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IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. Scholarship details, timelines, and eligibility can change without notice as per the provider's discretion. Applying for a scholarship does not guarantee selection. Always verify all information on the official Australian Government website before final submission.