Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Australian Government via individual universities

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Details checked on 30 October 2026. Dates and amounts change every year. Always confirm on the official page.

Who can apply

Domestic and overseas students applying for a research doctorate (3-4 years) or a research master's (up to 2 years) at an Australian university. Each university runs its own application and selection, and you can apply to several.

Watch: how to apply

About this opportunity

The Australian Government funds universities to offer research scholarships. You do not apply to the government - you apply to each university.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that you are eligible. Domestic and overseas students applying for a research doctorate (3-4 years) or a research master's (up to 2 years) at an Australian university. Each university runs its own application and selection, and you can apply to several.
2. Note the deadline. Varies by university (usually together with your PhD or research master's application - check each university's dates, often in two or three rounds a year) Confirm the exact date on the official page.
3. Prepare your documents. University Research Admission Application: Complete postgraduate research application via the target university portal.; Research Proposal: Detailed 2-to-5-page doctoral research project proposal.; Supervisor Support Letter: Written endorsement from an accredited Australian faculty member willing to supervise the thesis.; Academic Transcripts & Honours Proof: Certified evidence of First Class Honours or equivalent high GPA.; Academic References: 2 confidential letters from senior academic referees..
4. Apply on the official page. Open the official application page and submit your application before the deadline.

How applicants are selected

Academic merit and publication track record (50%), Quality and feasibility of the research proposal (30%), Supervisor alignment and university research capacity (20%).

Profile of past winners

Exceptional research graduates with prior thesis experience, co-authored journal papers, or top university rankings who secure a faculty supervisor advocate before official application rounds.

Free materials

Templates, checklists and guides to help you apply.

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Tips from our advisors

1. Read the eligibility line by line before you write anything. Most rejections are eligibility mismatches, not weak essays.
2. Contact potential supervisors before you apply. Send a one-page research summary and a short, specific email.
3. Show a clear link between your past studies, this programme and your career goal. Committees look for a story, not a list.
4. Spend most of your time on the criteria with the highest weight in the selection breakdown above.
5. Start at least 8 to 12 weeks early. Certified transcripts, translations and referee letters usually take longer than expected.
6. Ask your referees at least 4 weeks ahead and give them your CV, your draft SOP and the deadline.

Quick answers

Who can apply for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?

Domestic and overseas students applying for a research doctorate (3-4 years) or a research master's (up to 2 years) at an Australian university. Each university runs its own application and selection, and you can apply to several.

What does Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships cover?

Tuition fee offset, a living stipend and allowances for research degrees; the exact amounts are set by each university (about AUD 38,000 - 44,000 a year)

When is the deadline for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?

Varies by university (usually together with your PhD or research master's application - check each university's dates, often in two or three rounds a year) Dates change every year, so confirm on the official page.

Where can I study or work with Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?

Host countries: Australia.

What documents do I need for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?

University Research Admission Application: Complete postgraduate research application via the target university portal.; Research Proposal: Detailed 2-to-5-page doctoral research project proposal.; Supervisor Support Letter: Written endorsement from an accredited Australian faculty member willing to supervise the thesis.; Academic Transcripts & Honours Proof: Certified evidence of First Class Honours or equivalent high GPA.; Academic References: 2 confidential letters from senior academic referees..

How are applicants selected for Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships?

Academic merit and publication track record (50%), Quality and feasibility of the research proposal (30%), Supervisor alignment and university research capacity (20%).

How much work is the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships application?

Very High: University Admission + Research Proposal + Potential Supervisor Support + CV