Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
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
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, including a full tuition fee offset, a living stipend, and allowances. The annual living stipend for 2026 generally ranges from AUD $36,500 to AUD $42,754, with an approximate average of AUD $38,500. This converts to approximately INR 2,117,500 annually (based on an estimated 1 AUD = 55 INR). The fees offset fully covers the tuition fees for the duration of the degree. Allowances may cover relocation costs (e.g., AUD $2,000 to $3,000 for international students at some universities), thesis printing and academic publication costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students and their dependents.
Inclusions
Nationality:Open to both domestic and international students.
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.
Enrollment Status:Can be a prospective or currently enrolled HDR student.
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.
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).
English Language Proficiency:Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the chosen university.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Masters, PhD
Must be enrolled in Masters, PhD.
Financial & Category
Selection Process
Selection for RTP Scholarships is highly competitive and is administered directly by individual universities (Higher Education Providers - HEPs), each having its own specific application and selection process
Generally, candidates are ranked based on academic merit, research experience and/or potential, and the quality of their research proposal
Factors such as relevant work experience, research publications, referee reports, and alignment of the research area with the university's strategy may also be considered
Some universities may give preference to applicants who have not previously completed an HDR at the same level.
Renewal Policy
Continuation of the RTP scholarship is contingent upon maintaining satisfactory academic progress in the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program
Scholarship recipients are expected to maintain full-time enrollment (typically 40 hours per week) and make continuous progress
Approved leave, such as recreation, personal, parental, or family/domestic violence leave, may be accommodated, and some types of leave or internships may extend the scholarship duration, subject to university approval
The maximum duration for a doctoral degree is generally 4 years, and 2 years for a research master's degree.
Application Process
- 1Identify Eligible Universities
Research Australian Higher Education Providers (HEPs) that offer your desired Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program (Research Masters or PhD) and participate in the RTP scheme. A list of participating universities can often be found on the Department of Education's RTP page or by searching individual university scholarship pages.
- 2Find a Supervisor
For most HDR programs, it is highly recommended, and often a requirement, to identify and contact a potential supervisor in your research area before applying. Obtain their agreement to supervise your project. Some universities require an 'Invitation to Apply' from a supervisor.
- 3Prepare Required Documents
Gather all necessary supporting documents, including academic transcripts, degree certificates, a research proposal, CV, English proficiency proof, and contact details for referees. Ensure any non-English documents are officially translated.
- 4
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) / Admission Application: Many universities require you to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) first, or directly apply for admission to your chosen HDR program. Indicate your interest in being considered for an RTP scholarship within your admission application.
- 5
Complete Scholarship Application (if separate): While some universities automatically consider eligible admission applicants for RTP scholarships, others may have a separate scholarship application form. Complete all sections and submit by the university's specific scholarship deadlines, which typically vary between April-October annually for international students and slightly later for domestic students. Ensure referee reports are submitted by the deadline.
- 6Await Outcome
Scholarship outcomes are usually announced several weeks or months after the application deadline, depending on the university's timeline.
Documents Required
Important Dates
Application Deadline
10 November 2026
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are administered by individual Australian universities, each with its own specific application deadlines and processes. For international students, some universities have deadlines in late 2026 for 2027 academic year commencement. For example, the University of Sydney has an application deadline of November 10, 2026, for Research Periods 1 and 2, 2027. Other universities, such as the University of Queensland, have international application closing dates around October 19, 2026, for early 2027 commencement, while Deakin University's 2027 international round closes on August 23, 2026, for February 2027 intake. The Australian National University (ANU) sets a Round 1 International closing date of August 31 each year for commencement the following year. Therefore, prospective applicants must consult the specific deadlines of their chosen university.
Dates are subject to change as per the provider's official notification. Applicants are encouraged to apply well before the closing date.
Scholarship Quick Facts
Common Questions (FAQs)
Q.Can I apply for the RTP scholarship if I want to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's coursework degree?
No, the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are specifically designed to support students undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDRs), which include Research Doctorate (PhD) and Research Masters degrees. Coursework degrees are not eligible for RTP funding.
Q.How do I apply for the RTP Scholarship, and what are the deadlines for 2026/2027?
You must apply directly to your chosen Australian university. The Department of Education does not process direct applications. Each university has its own application procedures, eligibility criteria, and deadlines for RTP scholarships. Deadlines vary significantly by institution and intake period, typically falling between April and October annually for international students, and slightly later for domestic students. It is crucial to check the specific university's website for their 2026/2027 application dates.
Q.Is it possible to receive an RTP Scholarship if I have already completed a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?
The Australian Government guidelines do not explicitly restrict students who have previously completed an HDR from applying for an RTP scholarship. However, universities award these scholarships competitively, and their selection processes may consider previous study, research publications, and whether an applicant has previously completed an HDR at the same level, often giving preference to those undertaking an HDR for the first time.
Q.What does the RTP Scholarship typically cover for international students?
For international students, the RTP Scholarship typically provides a full tuition fee offset, a living stipend to assist with general living costs (e.g., AUD $36,500 - $42,754 per annum for 2026), and various allowances. These allowances can include relocation costs, thesis printing expenses, academic publication costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the scholarship recipient and their dependents.
Help & Contact Support
Official Support
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Legal Disclaimer
IndiaScholarships.in attempts to provide accurate information manually curated from official sources. However, 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.
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