Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships Last Date & Deadlines 2026
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.
Timeline Details & Extensions
Applications must be submitted and finalized before 11:59 PM on the closing date. We advise students to submit applications at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute server bottlenecks.
- Institute-level verification continues for 15-30 days after the student application deadline.
- Incomplete or unfinalized drafts are auto-rejected on the last date.
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.