Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships Documents Required 2026
Required 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)
DBT Bank Seeding Warning
Your primary bank account must be active, seeded with your Aadhaar card, and mapped on the NPCI mapper. The government disbursements are made exclusively via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
FAQs for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
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.