The University of New England (UNE) RTP International Stipend Scholarship 2025-26 is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in Australia. This scholarship provides financial support to high-quality international students pursuing research-based Master’s or PhD degrees. Funded by the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), this scholarship covers tuition fees, living stipends, and health insurance, supporting outstanding research candidates.
UNE, located in Armidale, New South Wales, is a leading research university, consistently ranked among Australia’s top regional universities and among the top 800 universities globally (QS World University Rankings). This scholarship enables students to conduct innovative research while receiving financial and academic support at a globally recognized institution. The application deadline is 22 March 2025.
University/Institution Details:
- Name: University of New England
- Location: Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
- Programs: Research-based Master’s and PhD degrees
- Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s; up to 3.5 years for PhD programs
Study Areas:
UNE offers a wide range of research fields, including:
- Business and Law
- Education and the Arts
- Engineering and Technology
- Human, Health, and Social Sciences
- Medical and Applied Sciences
- Nursing and Midwifery
University of New England RTP Scholarship Benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Living allowance of AU$36,862 per annum (2025 rate), tax-free, paid fortnightly
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Medical Funds (Paid sick leave).
- Research-related expenses une.edu.au
Benefits Not Included:
- Travel expenses to and from Australia
- Visa application fees
Eligibilities for University of New England RTP Scholarship:
- Must be an international student accepted into an accredited Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at an Australian university.
- Must not receive another income exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend for living expenses.
- Must not have a similar scholarship covering HDR tuition fees.
- Must be enrolled full-time and on-campus as per Australian education regulations.
- Master’s by Research/Master of Philosophy:
- Undergraduate degree with first or second-class honors from a reputable university.
- PhD Research Program: Must show prior research experience through:
- A bachelor’s degree with first or upper second-class honors, OR
- A master’s degree with a strong research component.
Required Documents:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Proof of English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS)
- Statement of support from a principal supervisor
- Two referee reports are required; UNE will not request them on your behalf.
- Referees must assess:
- Referees cannot be close personal contacts (e.g., family).
- Reports must be submitted within one week after the scholarship deadline.
- Applicants provide referee contact details in their application.
- Referees must submit reports directly using the Referee’s Report Form.
University of New England RTP Scholarship Application Process:
- Expression of Interest: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through UNE’s online portal. Processing may take up to 3 weeks.
- Invitation to Apply: If the EOI is successful, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for candidature and the scholarship.
- Submission: Complete and submit the application form with all required documents by the specified deadline.
For Round 1, 2025 of the Australian Government RTP International Stipend Scholarship at UNE:
- New candidates (not enrolled in HDR or without an admission offer) must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the online portal. If eligible, they will receive an invitation to apply for both candidature and the scholarship. The EOI process may take up to 3 weeks, so plan accordingly.
- Current HDR students or those with an admission offer can apply directly via Future Students (new applicants) or askUNE (enrolled students).
- All applications are assessed equally, regardless of enrolment status.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start Early: Begin the application process well before the deadline to accommodate processing times.
- Research Thoroughly: Understand UNE’s research strengths and align your proposal accordingly.
- Secure a Supervisor: Contact potential supervisors to discuss your research interests and obtain a statement of support.
- Proofread: Ensure all documents are free from errors and clearly present your qualifications and research plans.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students:
Here’s a brief breakdown of monthly living expenses for international students at the University of New England (UNE) in Armidale, Australia:
- Accommodation: AU$600 – AU$1,200 (on-campus or off-campus rent)
- Food & Groceries: AU$300 – AU$600
- Utilities (Electricity, Water, Internet): AU$100 – AU$200
- Transport: AU$50 – AU$150 (public transport, bike, or personal vehicle)
- Health Insurance (OSHC): AU$40 – AU$60
- Personal Expenses (Entertainment, Phone, Miscellaneous): AU$200 – AU$400
Total Estimated Cost: AU$1,300 – AU$2,600 per month (varies based on lifestyle and housing choices).
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The UNE RTP Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support, allowing you to focus entirely on your research. UNE provides a vibrant research community, diverse study areas, and a supportive environment for international students, making it an excellent choice for advancing your academic career.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I apply if I have another scholarship?
- You may apply, but you must not be receiving another source of income exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend rate for living costs.
- Is part-time study allowed under the RTP Scholarship?
- The scholarship is primarily for full-time, on-campus students. Part-time study may be considered under specific circumstances.
- What is the selection criteria for the scholarship?
- Selection is based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment of your proposal with UNE’s research priorities.
- Do I need to secure a supervisor before applying?
- Yes, a statement of support from a principal supervisor is a required part of the application.
- What if my English proficiency scores are below the required level?
- You may need to undertake additional English language training to meet the university’s requirements before commencing your research program.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For detailed information and to apply, visit the official UNE RTP Scholarship page
