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

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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: Australian Government Department of Education
Host country: Multiple
Deadline: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Review the recorded eligibility, funding and deadline information below. Confirm the current award conditions on the provider's official source.

Who can apply: 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.
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.

Recorded funding information

Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).

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.

Funding information

The funding information below is recorded in this listing; it does not establish additional covered components. Check amounts, caps, exclusions and conditions on the official source.

Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships eligibility

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.

Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships document information

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the materials the provider requests.

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

Follow the provider's stated process. The checks below are guidance, not additional application requirements. Any original editorial instructions remain in the description above.

1
Check the provider's process
Consult https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there.
2
Check eligibility and any requested materials
Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist.
3
Check dates and next steps
Listed deadline information: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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

Provider deadline information: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. This text cannot be safely converted to a countdown; check the official source for its meaning. The earlier milestones are optional planning suggestions only.

Planning suggestion: 12 months out
Check the current call and decide whether this opportunity fits your plans.
Planning suggestion: 6 months out
If the provider requires tests or documents that take time, plan for them using its published instructions.
Planning suggestion: 3 months out
If an application is required, review the provider's process and prepare only the materials it requests.
Planning suggestion: 1 month out
If submission is required, allow time to check your materials and any stated cutoff.
Provider deadline
Varies by university, generally April-October annually.
Provider deadline information: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. Confirm the current instructions and any cutoff or time zone on the official source; no additional time is assumed here.

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Frequently asked questions

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

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 funding does the Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships offer?+

Listed funding: Fully Funded (Tuition fees, living costs stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis, publication, and health cover).. Confirm amounts, exclusions and conditions on the official source. This label does not establish any additional benefit components.

When is the application deadline?+

Provider deadline information: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. Confirm the current cutoff and any time zone on the official source; no additional cutoff or late-submission policy is assumed here.

What documents do I need to apply?+

No explicit document checklist is recorded here. If an application is required, prepare only the documents requested by the provider; requirements may differ from admission requirements.

How do I check the application process?+

Consult https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program to confirm whether consideration is automatic or requires an application, and follow only the process stated there. Listed eligibility: 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.. Confirm the current criteria and, if submission is required, use the provider's own checklist. Listed deadline information: Varies by university, generally April-October annually.. Confirm any cutoff, time zone and follow-up process with the provider.

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