Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship: This Research Training Program scholarship is a fully funded fellowship program provided by the Australian Commonwealth Government to outstanding local and international research students.
This fellowship is available for master’s and PhD studies and grants a maximum monthly salary of $53,608 to qualified candidates. Offset pays for tuition and allowances to help students cover the additional expenditures of pursuing a higher degree through research.
In this article, we will go over the details of this scholarship program, its benefits, and how to apply step by step.
Why Enroll for the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship
Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset)
Students pursuing a master’s by research degree can receive a full fee waiver for up to two years, or up to four years for a doctoral degree.
Research Training Program Scholarship (Stipend and Fee Offset)
- Students pursuing a Master’s by Research degree can get full cost reimbursement for up to two years, or up to four years for students pursuing a doctoral degree.
- Students pursuing a master’s by research degree will receive a living allowance (stipend) of $39,500 a year (2026 full-time rate) for up to two years, or up to 3.5 years for students pursuing a doctorate. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity, and parental leave.
- Students migrating from states or territories other than Victoria can get a relocation grant of $2,000, or $3,000 if they are moving from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for International Students who need a student visa to study in Australia
Program Description – Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
The Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship program available to overseas students. This grant allows international students to pursue a PhD or master’s degree programs at any of its partnered Universities in Australia. These institutions include Flinders University, Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, and many others.
In order to help students with the additional expenses while pursuing a higher degree, the research program offers an annual living allowance (stipend) with a rate of $39,500, and a relocation grant of $2,000 and $3,000 for students moving from States other than Victoria and outside Australia, respectively.
The Research Training program’s objectives are to give domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees at Australian universities flexible funding to support their education and to give graduates the skills they need to pursue careers in academia and other fields of the labor market.
Periods of support for RTP scholarships
- RTP scholarships are offered for a minimum of one year and up to four years, at the discretion of the higher education providers (HEP), for students pursuing a research doctorate while enrolled full-time, and for a minimum of six years and up to eight years for those enrolled in part-time.
- For students pursuing a research master’s degree, RTP scholarships are offered for a maximum of two years for full-time students and up to four years for part-time students.
- The duration of a student’s assistance will be increased by the duration of any RTP scholarship suspension authorized by the higher education providers (HEP), as well as any additional paid personal leave, paid parental leave, paid partner leave, or paid family leave that has been approved by HEP.
Selection Criteria
- The Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset) is available to all domestic students. The Research Training Program Scholarship (Stipend and Fee Offset) is awarded to domestic and international students who have been selected highest by relevant selection panels based on their previous academic performance and research potential in their field of study.
- The Scholarships Committee will select grant recipients based on their academic merit and research potential. Applications will be ranked based on the University’s Guidelines for Ranking postgraduate research scholarship applications. The University will give preference to students pursuing a higher degree through research for the first time.
- Notably, factors such as completing a degree at the same level as the research course for which the scholarship is sought, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, and specialist medical certifications are key details that may be taken into consideration when selecting candidates.
Qualifications for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship
To be eligible for the Research Training Program Scholarship, you must have applied for and met the admission requirements for a graduate research degree at the desired university, or be currently enrolled in one.
In addition, you must be a beginning or enrolled domestic or international higher education research student. You must have a strong academic record and previous research experience. Other requirements may include:
- Being a citizen of an eligible country. Note that eligible countries or territories vary by institution.
- Intend to commence full-time study for a higher degree by research in Australia.
- Satisfy all entry requirements for a higher degree by research, including English proficiency if required.
Application Process for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship
- Higher education providers (HEPs) are in charge of the RTP Scholarship application and selection procedures.
- To apply, prospective candidates should discuss the application process with the postgraduate research office at their preferred institution.
- Note that Individual HEPs have their own application and selection procedures.
- Potential students may decide to submit applications to multiple HEPs for an RTP scholarship.
- After the discussion, fill out the scholarship application and send it in before the deadline. You will receive a decision about your application within seven days of submitting it.
Deadline And Contact Information
Application Deadline: The deadline varies at every university; it usually falls between April and October.
Click here to begin your application