The La Trobe University Scholarships 2027 support international students undertaking undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programmes in Australia. The university’s main Research Training Program and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarships provide a stipend currently valued at AUD 36,000 per year, full tuition-fee coverage, and thesis and relocation allowances, while project-based PhD scholarships offer the same funding for research on an advertised topic. International students applying for eligible undergraduate or coursework master’s degrees may instead receive the La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship, which reduces tuition fees by 20% or 25% for the duration of the course. Unlike coursework applicants, who are assessed automatically for the High Achiever Scholarship, research candidates must secure support from a potential supervisor and select the correct scholarship option in their research-degree application. In this article, we have explained everything you need to know about the La Trobe University Scholarships, including their benefits, eligibility criteria, required documents, and a step-by-step application process to help you apply successfully.
The main La Trobe University Scholarships covered in this guide are:
- Research Training Program Scholarship and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship
- Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarships
- La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship
The first two options provide complete research tuition funding and a living stipend. The High Achiever Scholarship is a tuition-fee discount rather than a fully funded award.
Related Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Masters, PhD
- Institution: La Trobe University
- Study Destination: Australia
- Opportunity Focus Areas: See the list below.
- Program Period: Four years for undergraduate, three years for a master’s, three and a half years for a PhD
Course Offered
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Archaeology
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
- Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Biological Sciences
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours
- Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
- Bachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance)
- Bachelor of Business (Agribusiness)
- Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Business (Event Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Event Management/Marketing)
- Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
- Bachelor of Business (Sports Development and Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Tourism and Hospitality)
- Bachelor of Business Analytics
- Bachelor of Business Information Systems
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of International Relations
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Computer Science
- Bachelor of Creative Arts
- Bachelor of Creative Arts with Honours
- Bachelor of Criminology
- Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws
- Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Criminology (Honours)
- Bachelor of Cybersecurity
- Bachelor of Digital Business
- Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education
- Bachelor of Education (Primary)
- Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
- Bachelor of Educational Studies
- Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours)
- Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Industrial)
- Bachelor of Finance
- Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours)
- Bachelor of International Business
- Bachelor of International Relations
- Bachelor of International Relations with Honours
- Bachelor of Health Sciences
- Bachelor of Human Nutrition
- Bachelor of Humanities, Innovation and Technology
- Bachelor of Information Technology
- Bachelor of International Relations with Honours
- Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics
- Bachelor of Laws (Undergraduate Entry)
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Biomedicine
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Relations
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Bachelor of Laws with Honours
- Bachelor of Media and Communication
- Bachelor of Outdoor Education
- Bachelor of Outdoor Recreation Education
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)
- Bachelor of Physical, Health and Outdoor Education
- Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Science (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology)
- Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science
- Bachelor of Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning
- Diploma of Arts
- Diploma of Business
Masters Courses
- Graduate Certificate of Archaeology
- Graduate Certificate in Community Planning and Development
- Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Management
- Graduate Certificate in International Development
- Graduate Certificate in International Relations
- Graduate Certificate of Professional Archaeology
- Graduate Certificate of Strategic Communication
- Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
- Graduate Diploma in Business Analytics
- Graduate Diploma in Communication (Journalism Innovation)
- Graduate Diploma in Community Planning and Development
- Graduate Diploma in Information Systems Management
- Graduate Diploma in International Development
- Graduate Diploma in International Relations
- Graduate Diploma of Professional Archaeology
- Graduate Diploma of Strategic Communication
- Juris Doctor
- Master of Accounting and Financial Management
- Master of Applied Linguistics
- Master of Artificial Intelligence
- Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
- Master of Biotechnology Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration (Advanced)
- Master of Business Administration and Master of Health Administration
- Master of Business Analytics
- Master of Business Information Management and Systems
- Master of Chemical Sciences
- Master of Communication (Journalism Innovation)
- Master of Community Planning and Development
- Master of Computer Science
- Master of Construction and Engineering Management
- Master of Cybersecurity (Business Operation)
- Master of Cybersecurity (Computer Science)
- Master of Cybersecurity (Law)
- Master of Data Science
- Master of Digital Health
- Master of Digital Marketing Communications
- Master of Education
- Master of Educational Leadership and Management
- Master of Engineering (Electronics)
- Master of Engineering (Civil)
- Master of Engineering Management
- Master of Engineering (Manufacturing)
- Master of Financial Analysis
- Master of Financial Analysis (Financial Risk Management)
- Master of Financial Analysis (Investment)
- Master of Financial Analysis and Master of Business Administration
- Master of Financial Analysis and Master of International Business
- Master of Financial Analysis and Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Health Administration
- Master of Health Sciences
- Master of Information and Communication Technology
- Master of Information Technology
- Master of Information Technology (Computer Networks)
- Master of International Business
- Master of International Development
- Master of International Relations
- Master of Internet of Things (Flat fee reduction rate of 25% for any Bendigo student with a WAM of 65 or above)
- Master of Laws
- Master of Law and Entrepreneurship
- Master of Management
- Master of Management (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)
- Master of Management (Human Resource Management)
- Master of Management (Project Management)
- Master of Management (Sport Management)
- Master of Management (Supply Chain and Logistics)
- Master of Marketing
- Master of Nursing Science
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Professional Accounting (Business Analytics)
- Master of Professional Accounting (Information Systems Management)
- Master of Professional Archaeology
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Health and Master of Health Administration
- Master of Sports Analytics
- Master of Strategic Communication
- Master of Teaching (Primary)
- Master of Teaching (Secondary)
- Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Master of Telecommunications and Network Engineering
The La Trobe University Scholarships Application Deadline
The deadline differs according to the scholarship.
RTP and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship Deadline
La Trobe University has not yet published the final opening and closing dates for the central scholarship round supporting students commencing in 2027. The university’s graduate research scholarship page currently advises applicants to check again in August 2026 for the next RTP and LTGRS application round.
La Trobe’s international research application guidance states that international scholarship applications should be received by:
September 30, 2026
This is the current planning deadline for international candidates seeking to commence in the following year. Applicants should nevertheless confirm the date when the dedicated 2027 scholarship advertisement is released because the Graduate Research School can set different deadlines for particular rounds and applicant categories.
La Trobe normally runs two major graduate research scholarship rounds, opening around early March and early September. Students applying in the end-of-year round are generally considered for commencement in the following calendar year.
Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarship Deadline
Applications for advertised PhD Project Scholarships are accepted throughout the year.
Each project remains open until filled and may close as soon as a suitable applicant is selected. Applicants should therefore follow the date and instructions shown in the individual project advertisement rather than waiting for the central RTP and LTGRS round.
La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship Deadline
The La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship is currently open until:
December 31, 2027
There is no separate scholarship application deadline. Eligible international students are assessed automatically when they apply for admission to an approved undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme for a 2026 or 2027 intake.
Scholarship Coverage
Research Training Program and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarships
Successful applicants receive a scholarship package consisting of a living stipend, tuition-fee scholarship, and research-related allowances.
The package provides:
- An RTP Stipend Scholarship or La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship
- A stipend of AUD 36,000 per year, based on the published 2026 full-time rate
- Fortnightly stipend payments
- Stipend support for up to three years and six months for a doctoral degree
- Stipend support for up to 22 months for a master’s by research
- An RTP Fees Offset or La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarship
- Tuition-fee coverage for up to four years for a doctoral degree
- Tuition-fee coverage for up to two years for a master’s by research
- A relocation allowance
- A thesis or publication allowance
- Access to professional development opportunities for graduate researchers
The university has not yet published the 2027 stipend rate. The final amount may be updated before the scholarship begins, so successful applicants should refer to their formal scholarship offer for the applicable 2027 value.
International recipients are normally awarded the La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarship alongside their stipend. This pays their tuition fees directly to the university for the approved period. Allowance values and conditions are stated in the recipient’s scholarship offer rather than guaranteed at one standard amount for every student.
The advertised scholarship benefits do not expressly include international airfare, accommodation, student visa expenses, Overseas Student Health Cover, or financial support for accompanying family members. Applicants should budget for costs that are not included in their individual offer.
Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarships
La Trobe’s project-based PhD scholarships provide:
- A stipend of AUD 36,000 per year, based on the 2026 full-time rate
- Stipend support for three years and six months
- A tuition-fee scholarship for four years
- Thesis and relocation allowances
- The opportunity to complete a defined project with an established research team
- Flexible commencement with the supervisor’s approval
The funding package is comparable to the central RTP and LTGRS scholarship, but the application is linked to one advertised PhD project. Applicants cannot submit a general proposal and then ask for it to be attached to an unrelated project scholarship.
La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship
The La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship provides an annual tuition-fee reduction for the full duration of an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree.
The scholarship value is determined by the applicant’s previous academic performance:
| Academic Result | Tuition-Fee Reduction |
|---|---|
| WAM or equivalent of 60–74.9 | 20% |
| WAM or equivalent of 75 or above | 25% |
The discount is normally applied from the first semester. At La Trobe’s Sydney Campus, it is applied from the second semester. Recipients must meet any conditions stated in their offer and pay the reduced acceptance deposit by the required date.
The High Achiever Scholarship does not provide a living stipend, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, or visa expenses. It should therefore not be described as fully funded.
Eligible students may also receive the one-off AUD 2,000 Early Acceptance Grant when they complete the admission process within the applicable period. La Trobe allows this grant to be combined with the High Achiever Scholarship, subject to the conditions of both awards.
Eligibility Criteria for La Trobe University Scholarships
The eligibility requirements depend on the selected degree and scholarship.
RTP and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for the central graduate research scholarships, applicants must:
- Apply for an eligible master’s by research or doctoral degree at La Trobe University
- Meet the academic admission requirements of the proposed research programme
- Develop a research topic aligned with one of La Trobe University’s priority research areas
- Identify a suitable potential supervisor
- Obtain in-principle approval from the supervisor before submitting the application
- Meet the English-language requirements of the selected research degree
- Preferably enrol full-time and undertake the research at a La Trobe University campus
- Demonstrate strong academic performance and research experience
- Not receive another scholarship providing more than 75% of the La Trobe stipend for the same living-cost purpose
- Submit the candidature and scholarship applications together unless already enrolled at La Trobe University
Scholarships are awarded competitively according to academic merit, research experience, alignment with La Trobe’s research strengths, and university research priorities. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee scholarship selection.
Academic Requirements for Master’s by Research Applicants
The general minimum requirement for admission to a master’s by research is:
- A three-year bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline;
- Completed within the previous ten years; and
- An overall weighted average mark of at least 65 or its recognised equivalent.
Individual research degrees may impose higher or more specific requirements.
For scholarship selection, La Trobe gives priority to master’s applicants who hold the equivalent of an Australian first-class honours degree. Scholarship standards are therefore considerably more competitive than the basic admission requirement.
Academic Requirements for PhD Applicants
The standard minimum requirement for direct entry to a PhD is a relevant master’s by research completed within the previous ten years, with the thesis assessed at the equivalent of at least 70 under La Trobe’s master’s thesis standard.
Applicants may also qualify through a bachelor’s honours degree or coursework master’s containing a substantial thesis of approximately 10,000 to 20,000 words when that research component is assessed at the required standard.
For the central research scholarships, La Trobe prioritises doctoral candidates who have:
- Completed a master’s by research; or
- Produced another significant body of research, such as an honours thesis or lead authorship of a peer-reviewed publication;
- With their research achievement assessed at the equivalent of at least 75 under La Trobe’s master’s research standard.
A candidate may therefore meet the minimum PhD admission requirement without ranking highly enough for an RTP or LTGRS award.
Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarship Eligibility
Project scholarship applicants must:
- Meet La Trobe University’s PhD entry requirements
- Select one currently advertised project
- Meet any subject, academic, technical, citizenship, or professional requirements stated in the project description
- Contact the project’s primary supervisor before submitting the university application
- Provide sufficient evidence for the supervisor to assess their suitability
- Receive an invitation from the primary supervisor to submit the formal PhD and scholarship application
- Complete the Research Statement Form if applying as an international student
Applicants should not submit a project scholarship application through the university portal without the primary supervisor’s invitation. Applications submitted without project support will not be accepted.
La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify for the High Achiever Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be citizens of a country other than Australia or New Zealand
- Be international fee-paying students
- Not hold an Australian humanitarian or permanent visa
- Apply for direct entry to an eligible undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme
- Be newly offered international students commencing in an eligible 2026 or 2027 intake
- Study at a La Trobe University campus in Australia
- Meet all academic and English-language conditions in the admission offer
- Pass the university’s Genuine Student assessment, including any required financial checks
- Maintain full-time enrolment and satisfactory academic progress
- Be non-sponsored students
The scholarship cannot normally be deferred to another intake or year. If a recipient cannot secure a student visa for the stated intake, the scholarship offer may be withdrawn.
English-Language Requirements
The general minimum English requirements for international applicants are:
- Undergraduate programmes: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with no band below 6.0
- Postgraduate and graduate research programmes: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0
Some programmes require higher scores because of professional registration, placement, or discipline-specific requirements. Applicants should check the individual course page before arranging an English test.
La Trobe also accepts approved alternatives to IELTS, including PTE Academic and other recognised qualifications. Previous study in English may be considered where it satisfies the university’s English-language policy.
You can review our guide to scholarships without IELTS, but La Trobe University makes the final decision on whether previous English-medium study or another qualification meets the requirement.
How to Apply for La Trobe University Scholarships?
The application process depends on whether you are seeking a general research scholarship, a project-based PhD scholarship, or a coursework tuition scholarship.
How to Apply for RTP and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarships?
(1) Review La Trobe University’s graduate research degree options and check the entry requirements for your proposed master’s by research, PhD, or professional doctorate.
Compare your academic record and research experience with both the programme’s admission requirements and the higher scholarship-selection standards.
(2) Develop a research topic aligned with a La Trobe priority research area and identify a suitable potential supervisor.
Use the La Trobe scholars database and filter academics according to their availability for master’s research or PhD supervision. Contact the most relevant supervisor with:
- Your latest qualification and grades
- A summary of your research background
- Details of publications
- A short description of the proposed project
Your application cannot be processed until supervision has been confirmed in principle.
Prepare a focused academic CV highlighting your thesis, publications, research employment, laboratory or technical skills, conference presentations, awards, and other relevant experience.
(3) Prepare a preliminary research proposal of no more than 300 words. The proposal should briefly explain the research problem, aims, intended approach, significance, and alignment with the proposed supervisor’s expertise.
The initial proposal is short, so avoid filling it with broad background information. Use the available space to demonstrate that the project is specific, feasible, and suitable for La Trobe University.
(4) Collect your academic certificates, transcripts, CV, previous thesis, publication details, passport, and evidence of English proficiency.
Documents not issued in English should be accompanied by acceptable English translations. Certified copies may be required before the offer is finalised.
(5) Submit the combined research-degree and scholarship application through the La Trobe International Online Application System.
When registering, select Yes when asked whether you are applying for a research programme. International applicants seeking the central scholarship must select:
Research Training Program (RTP) and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS)
Do not submit only an admission application and assume that the university will automatically add you to the research scholarship competition.
(6) Submit the application before the final deadline published for the 2027 round. Applicants should currently prepare for the September 30, 2026 international research deadline while checking the official scholarship page in August for the confirmed dates.
La Trobe will assess the applicant’s admission eligibility, research preparation, supervision arrangements, and scholarship competitiveness. Successful applicants receive a formal offer explaining the stipend, tuition-fee scholarship, allowances, commencement date, and conditions.
How to Apply for a Graduate Research PhD Project Scholarship?
(1) Review the available project-based PhD scholarships and select the one project that best matches your qualifications and research experience.
Read the complete project description, including the research problem, eligibility conditions, required skills, location, and primary supervisor.
(2) Email the project’s primary supervisor before applying. Include:
- A statement explaining your interest in the project and research goals
- Academic transcripts
- A copy of your previous thesis or relevant publications
- Your academic CV
Only applicants considered suitable by the primary supervisor will be invited to submit the formal application.
(3) After receiving an invitation, submit your PhD and scholarship application through the international application portal.
Enter the project code shown in the advertisement and select:
Project-based PhD Scholarship OR La Trobe Industry Research Scholarship
International applicants must also complete the project Research Statement Form, nominate only one project, and upload the form with the application.
How to Apply for the La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship?
(1) Select an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programme from La Trobe’s eligible courses for international scholarships.
Confirm the academic requirements, English score, campus, intake, and application deadline shown on the course page.
(2) Submit an international course application through the La Trobe online application portal or an authorised La Trobe representative.
Upload your passport, academic records, English-language evidence, and any programme-specific documents. There is no fee to submit a direct international application.
(3) No separate High Achiever Scholarship form is required. The university assesses eligible applicants automatically using the academic results submitted for admission.
If selected, the scholarship percentage and conditions will be stated in the admission or scholarship offer. Meet all conditions and pay the reduced acceptance deposit before the deadline to secure the award.
Documents Required for La Trobe University Scholarships
Applicants for the graduate research scholarships should prepare:
- Completed research-degree and scholarship application
- Passport copy
- Current Australian visa, where applicable
- Bachelor’s degree certificate and academic transcripts
- Honours degree documents, where applicable
- Master’s degree certificate and transcripts for PhD applicants
- Certified English translations of documents issued in another language
- Academic CV
- Preliminary research proposal of no more than 300 words
- Details of the proposed supervisor
- Copy of the honours or master’s thesis
- Details and evidence of publications
- Proof of English-language proficiency
- Evidence of previous graduate research candidature, where applicable
- Project code and Research Statement Form for project scholarship applicants
- Additional documents requested by the academic school or Graduate Research School
La Trobe specifically asks international research applicants for academic transcripts and completion certificates, a professional CV, publication details, a previous honours thesis, the preliminary research proposal, and passport or visa documentation where available.
Coursework applicants should generally prepare:
- International course application
- Passport copy
- Current visa, where applicable
- Academic completion certificates
- Complete academic transcripts
- Certified English translations
- Proof of English proficiency
- Course syllabus when requesting advanced standing
- Programme-specific supplementary forms
- Genuine Student or visa-history forms where requested
The university may request certified copies before an offer can be accepted.
Websites
To learn more about La Trobe University Scholarships, please visit the official website:
- La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarships
- RTP and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship
- Project-Based PhD Scholarships
- La Trobe High Achiever Scholarship
- International Application Portal
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the La Trobe University Scholarships fully funded?
The RTP, La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship, and project-based PhD scholarships provide a living stipend, complete tuition-fee funding, and research-related allowances. These can be considered fully funded research scholarships.
The High Achiever Scholarship is not fully funded because it reduces tuition fees by 20% or 25% without providing a living allowance.
Can international students apply for La Trobe research scholarships?
Yes. International students can apply for the central RTP and LTGRS round and for eligible advertised PhD project scholarships.
International applicants awarded a research stipend may also receive the La Trobe University Full-Fee Research Scholarship to cover their tuition fees.
How much is the La Trobe University research stipend?
The published 2026 stipend is AUD 36,000 per year. It is paid fortnightly for up to three and a half years for a PhD or 22 months for a master’s by research.
The university has not yet published the final 2027 rate.
Are scholarships available for master’s students?
Yes. The central RTP and LTGRS competition supports eligible master’s by research students for up to 22 months and provides tuition-fee coverage for up to two years.
The High Achiever Scholarship is also available for eligible postgraduate coursework degrees. Project-based research scholarships are generally restricted to PhD study.
Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
Yes. Graduate research applicants must identify a suitable potential supervisor and receive in-principle support before submitting their application.
For an advertised PhD project, applicants must contact the named primary supervisor and wait for an invitation before applying.
Is there a separate RTP scholarship form?
No. International candidates submit a combined research candidature and scholarship application through La Trobe’s international portal.
They must select “Research Training Program (RTP) and La Trobe Graduate Research Scholarship (LTGRS)” during the application.
Is the High Achiever Scholarship automatic?
Yes. Eligible international undergraduate and postgraduate coursework applicants are assessed automatically when their admission application is reviewed.
The scholarship outcome and tuition-fee discount are included in the applicant’s offer.
Is IELTS compulsory?
Not always. La Trobe accepts approved alternatives to IELTS and may recognise certain previous qualifications completed in English.
The general minimum is IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate study and 6.5 for postgraduate or graduate research study, although individual courses may require higher scores.
Can I hold another scholarship with the La Trobe research stipend?
Possibly. Applicants cannot normally receive another award providing more than 75% of the La Trobe stipend for the same purpose of supporting general living costs. Income or funding provided for a different purpose may be treated differently under the scholarship conditions.
