If you plan to study in Australia with financial support, the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship is one of the best opportunities for international students. This scholarship provides fully funded programs at Australian universities across a wide range of fields. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a detailed step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship 2026-2027 is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for master’s and PhD studies. The RTP scholarship provides a maximum monthly stipend of $52,352. Offset pays for the tuition fees and allowances to assist students with the ancillary costs of a higher degree by research.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is managed by participating universities on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. On 31 December 2016, the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) ceased and was replaced by the Research Training Program (RTP) from 1 January 2017.
The RTP provides block grants, on a calendar year basis, to higher education providers (HEPs) to support both domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate and research master’s degrees, known as higher degrees by research (HDRs). Applications for RTP Scholarships need to be made directly to participating universities. Each university has its own application and selection process; please contact your chosen university directly to discuss how to apply for the RTP scheme.
The RTP program aims to provide flexible funding to support the training of domestic students and overseas students undertaking postgraduate research degrees at Australian universities and also to equip graduates with the skills required to build careers in academia and other sectors of the labor market.
The program supports collaboration between universities and industry and other research end-users. Information on commencing a postgraduate research degree and university courses can be found on the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website. General information about the support arrangements for students may be obtained from the Study Assist website. Frequently asked questions for students are also available to answer student queries.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Institution(s): Participating Universities
- Study Destination: Australia
- Opportunity Focus Areas: A master’s by research degree or a doctorate offered by participating universities in Australia.
- Program Period: RTP scholarships are available for a maximum period of two years for a research master’s or a minimum of three years, up to a maximum of four years (at the discretion of the HEP) for a research doctorate.
The Australian Government Research Training Program Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Australian Government Research Training Program varies, generally from April to October each year.
HEPs are responsible for the application and selection processes for RTP scholarships. Prospective candidates need to contact their chosen HEP’s postgraduate research office directly to discuss how to apply. The list of eligible HEPs is available in Tables A and B of HESA.
Scholarship Coverage
The Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship provides the recipient with the following benefits:
- The scholarship offers a maximum RTP stipend of $52,352 to help students cover their living expenses while pursuing a higher degree through research.
- An RTP fee offset pays for the tuition fees of a higher-degree research (HDR) student who would otherwise have paid them. This requires that a university fully offset the tuition fee applicable to a student. This type of award is not a stipend.
- RTP allowances assist students with ancillary costs associated with a higher degree by research (HDR). This includes relocation costs to undertake an HDR, HDR thesis printing and academic publication costs, and health coverage. These allowances cover the costs for both the recipients and their dependents.
Eligibility Criteria for the Australian Government Research Training Program
To be eligible to receive an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries.
- Be enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research course.
- The basic eligibility criteria for an RTP are listed in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research).
How to Apply for the Australian Government Research Training Program?
Please follow the instructions below to apply for the Australian Government Research Training Program:
- HEPs are responsible for the application and selection processes for RTP scholarships. Coverage: Prospective candidates need to contact their chosen HEP’s postgraduate research office directly to discuss how to apply. The list of eligible HEPs is available in Tables A and B of HESA.
- The deadline varies per university but is around April to October each year.
- It is important to read the Frequently Asked Questions and visit the website of the university where you intend to apply and the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
Website
To know more about the Australian Government Research Training Program, please visit the official scholarship website: