Masters by research degree or Doctorate DegreeFully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Heads up — this listing may be outdated. The dates and details below reference a year that has already passed and our editorial team has not re-verified this scholarship is still open. Always confirm the current intake on the sponsor's official website via the button below before you invest time in an application.

The Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are Australian Government scholarships for domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees. The scholarships provide tuition fee offsets, living stipends, and allowances for ancillary costs. Applications are made directly to participating Australian universities. The deadline varies but is typically between April and October each year. Eligibility requires enrolment in an accredited HDR course at an Australian HEP. Consult the official website and individual university sites for full details.

Provider: Scholars4Dev (Africa)
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.

Official source

Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships is open to African students applying to study in Multiple at the Masters by research degree or Doctorate Degree level, with fully funded (tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover). funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Masters by research degree or Doctorate Degree · applicants for Multiple
Funding: Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).
Study level: Masters by research degree or Doctorate Degree
Deadline: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.

Key eligibility criteria

Domestic and international students enrolled in an accredited Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course of study at an Australian Higher Education Provider (HEP). Specific criteria are detailed in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

What the fully funded (tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover). award covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Health insurance

About the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (2026)

# Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships Brief ## Overview The Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are a prestigious initiative by the Australian Government designed to support both domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDRs), specifically Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees. This program replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) on January 1, 2017. The RTP provides block grants to eligible higher education providers (HEPs) in Australia, enabling them to offer financial support to students. The scholarships aim to foster research excellence and assist students with various costs associated with their studies and living expenses while pursuing their research degrees. Each participating university manages its own application and selection process. ## Benefits The RTP Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, which can include one or more of the following components as determined by the administering university: * **RTP Fees Offset:** This component covers the full tuition fees for HDR students, which would otherwise be payable by the student. It is important to note that this is not a stipend but directly offsets tuition costs. * **RTP Stipend:** This provides financial assistance to students to help with their living costs during their enrolment in a higher degree by research. * **RTP Allowances:** These allowances are designed to assist students with ancillary expenses related to their HDR. This can include relocation costs incurred when moving to undertake the HDR, costs associated with thesis printing and academic publication, and health cover costs for the scholarship recipient and their dependents. The duration of the scholarship varies depending on the degree level: * **Research Masters:** A maximum period of two years. * **Research Doctorate:** A minimum of three years, up to a maximum of four years, at the discretion of the Higher Education Provider (HEP). ## Eligibility To be eligible for an RTP Stipend, RTP Fees Offset, or RTP Allowance, prospective applicants must meet the following criteria: * Be a domestic student or an overseas student. * Be enrolled in an accredited Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course of study at an Australian Higher Education Provider (HEP). Further fundamental eligibility criteria for the RTP are outlined in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017. Applicants are strongly advised to consult this detailed document for a complete understanding of all eligibility requirements before applying. ## Required Documents The specific documents required for an RTP Scholarship application are determined by each individual participating university. Since applications are made directly to the universities, prospective applicants should contact their chosen Australian university to obtain a comprehensive list of necessary documents. Generally, expect to prepare documents such as academic transcripts, proof of enrolment or admission to an accredited HDR program, research proposals, and potentially other supporting materials relevant to their academic and research background. ## How to Apply Applications for RTP Scholarships are made directly to the participating Australian universities. The process is not centralized, and each university has its own distinct application and selection procedures. To apply, prospective students should follow these steps: 1. **Identify Participating Universities:** Consult the list of Higher Education Providers eligible for research block grants on the Australian Government's Department of Education website to find universities offering HDR programs. 2. **Contact Chosen University:** Directly contact the admissions or research scholarships office of your preferred university (or universities) to inquire about their specific RTP application process, requirements, and internal deadlines. 3. **Prepare Application:** Gather all necessary documents—academic transcripts, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and any other materials requested by the university. 4. **Submit Application:** Complete and submit your application directly to the chosen university according to their instructions. It is crucial to read the Frequently Asked Questions on the official Australian Department of Education website and thoroughly review the website of the university where you intend to apply for detailed application information. ## Key Dates The deadline for RTP Scholarship applications varies significantly by university. However, in general, application periods typically fall **around April to October each year**. Since each university manages its own intake and selection timelines, applicants must verify the specific deadlines with their chosen institution. It is highly recommended to plan well in advance to ensure all application materials are prepared and submitted within the university's timeframe. ## Selection Criteria The selection criteria for RTP Scholarships are determined and applied by the individual participating universities. While not explicitly detailed in the general program overview, universities typically assess applicants based on several factors, including: * **Academic Merit:** Strong undergraduate and postgraduate academic records are commonly a key consideration. * **Research Potential:** The quality and originality of the applicant's research proposal, their prior research experience, and their alignment with the university's research strengths. * **Referee Reports:** Strong endorsements from academic referees who can attest to the applicant's research capabilities and potential. * **Interviews:** Some universities may conduct interviews as part of their selection process. As the selection processes differ per institution, applicants should consult their chosen university's scholarship guidelines for precise information on how candidates are evaluated. ## Tips * **Early Planning is Crucial:** Start researching participating universities and their specific application requirements well in advance of the general April-October application window. * **Tailor Your Application:** Customize your research proposal and application materials to align with the research strengths and academic focus of the university and potential supervisors. * **Contact Potential Supervisors:** Reaching out to academic staff whose research aligns with your interests before applying can significantly strengthen your application. Some universities may require you to have a supervisor secured before applying for the scholarship. * **Read Official Guidelines:** Always refer to the official Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017 and the specific university's scholarship information for the most accurate and up-to-date details. * **Proofread Thoroughly:** Ensure all application documents are free of errors and presented professionally. ## Official Source For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships, please refer to the official Australian Government's Department of Education website: Official Scholarship Website: [https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program](https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program) Additionally, consult the website of the specific Australian university where you intend to apply, as they will have detailed information about their application procedures and internal deadlines for RTP Scholarships.

What the Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover). Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Health insurance

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships eligibility for Multiple applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

Domestic and international students enrolled in an accredited Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course of study at an Australian Higher Education Provider (HEP). Specific criteria are detailed in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

Documents required for the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Financial-need declaration or family-income statement (sponsor-specific template)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://www.scholars4dev.com/3023/international-postgraduate-scholarships-at-australian-universities/ and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "Domestic and international students enrolled in an accredited Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course of study at an Australian Higher Education Provider (HEP). Specific criteria are detailed in Section 1.5 of the Commonw…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Apply to the host university or programme first where required, and obtain a conditional admission letter. A growing number of sponsors only fund applicants who already hold an offer.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a 500–1,000-word personal statement and any additional essays the sponsor specifies. Anchor each essay in concrete examples and tie your goals back to the sponsor's mission.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://www.scholars4dev.com/3023/international-postgraduate-scholarships-at-australian-universities/, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by Varies by university, generally April-October annually. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, Scholars4Dev (Africa) will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Masters by research degree or Doctorate Degree level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by Scholars4Dev (Africa), and be able to relocate to the host country for the duration of the programme.

Is the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships fully funded?+

Funding model: Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

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