The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships for the 2025-26 academic year offer international students the opportunity to pursue fully funded Master’s and PhD degrees. The Research Training Program (RTP) supports Australian universities in training both domestic and international students pursuing research master’s and PhD degrees. It aims to provide flexible funding, equip graduates with essential career skills, and promote collaboration between universities, industries, and research organizations.
RTP scholarships are administered by individual HEPs who each have their own application and selection processes. These scholarships cover tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses. Application deadlines vary by institution, with many closing around October 31, 2025.
Universities/Institutions
- Funded By: Australian Government
- Host Country: Australia
- Degree Level: Master’s and PhD
- RTP Scholarship Duration:
- PhD (Full-time): 3 to 4 years
- PhD (Part-time): 6 to 8 years
- Master’s by Research (Full-time): Up to 2 years
- Master’s by Research (Part-time): Up to 4 years
Participating Universities and Programs:
Numerous Australian institutions participate in the Australian Government RTP Scholarships, including:
- Australian Catholic University
- Avondale University
- Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education
- Bond University
- Central Queensland University
- Charles Darwin University
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University
- Deakin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Federation University Australia
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- La Trobe University
- Macquarie University
- Monash University
- Murdoch University
- Queensland University of Technology
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Southern Cross University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- The Australian National University
- The University of Adelaide
- The University of Melbourne
- The University of Notre Dame Australia
- The University of Queensland
- The University of Sydney
- The University of Western Australia
- Torrens University of Australia
- University of Canberra
- University of Divinity
- University of Newcastle
- University of New England
- University of New South Wales
- University of South Australia
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of Tasmania
- University of Technology Sydney
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- University of Wollongong
- Victoria University
- Western Sydney University
Each university offers a variety of programs across multiple study areas, with Master’s programs typically lasting up to 2 years and PhD programs up to 4 years.
Study Areas Covered by RTP Scholarships:
RTP scholarships support a wide range of research fields, including but not limited to:
- Engineering & Technology (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, IT, etc.)
- Medical & Health Sciences (Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, Nursing)
- Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science)
- Social Sciences & Humanities (Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Law)
- Business & Management (Finance, Marketing, International Business)
- Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences
Australian Government RTP Scholarships Benefits:
Recipients of the RTP Scholarship receive:
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage: Ensuring no financial burden for course fees.
- Stipend: An annual living allowance, which varies by institution. For instance, the University of Sydney offers a stipend of $41,753 per annum.
- Additional Allowances: Including relocation and thesis allowances, depending on the university.
- Furthermore, RTP will also include health cover costs for recipients and their dependents.
| Year | Full-time base RTP stipend rate ($) | Full-time max RTP stipend rate ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 33,511 | 52,352 |
| 2024 | 32,192 | 50,291 |
| 2023 | 29,863 | 46,653 |
Benefits Not Included:
While the RTP Scholarship is comprehensive, it may not cover:
- Personal expenses beyond the provided stipend.
- Certain ancillary costs not specified by the university.
Eligibility Criteria for Australian Government RTP Scholarships:
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be international students at the time of application.
- Enroll in a full-time postgraduate research degree.
- Must be a domestic or international student enrolled in an accredited Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at an Australian university.
- To qualify for an RTP Stipend, students cannot receive another income source covering more than 75% of the RTP stipend rate for general living costs. (Unrelated income is not considered.)
- To receive an RTP Fees Offset, students must not have another Commonwealth-funded scholarship covering HDR tuition fees.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and research potential.
- Meet English language proficiency requirements.
Required Documents:
Applicants should prepare:
- A motivation letter or statement of purpose.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.
- Research proposal or study plan.
- Academic transcripts from previous institutions.
- English proficiency test scores.
- Recommendation letters.
Application Process for Australian Government RTP Scholarships:
- Check your eligibility before applying.
- RTP scholarships are offered by multiple participating universities in Australia.
- Each university has its own application process and requirements.
- Select an eligible university that aligns with your research interests.
- Visit the university’s official website for detailed application guidelines.
- Ensure you meet the university’s requirements before applying.
- Application deadlines vary by university, so check the specific deadline for your chosen institution.
Tips for a Successful Application:
- Start Early: Begin the application process well in advance to gather all necessary documents.
- Tailor Your Research Proposal: Align your proposal with the university’s research strengths.
- Seek Guidance: Consult with academic mentors or advisors for feedback.
- Proofread: Ensure all application materials are free from errors.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses for International Students in Australia:
Living costs vary by city and lifestyle, but on average, international students need:
- Accommodation: AUD 900 – 2,500 (shared or private rent)
- Food & Groceries: AUD 300 – 600
- Transport: AUD 100 – 200
- Utilities (Electricity, Internet, etc.): AUD 150 – 300
- Health Insurance: AUD 40 – 80
- Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Gym, etc.): AUD 200 – 400
Total Estimated Cost: AUD 1,500 – 2,500 per month
Why Choose This Opportunity?
The RTP Scholarship offers a unique chance to engage in high-quality research in Australia, providing financial support and access to world-class facilities and expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What is the RTP Scholarship?The RTP Scholarship is a program funded by the Australian Government to support both domestic and international students pursuing research degrees.
- How do I apply for the RTP Scholarship?Applications are submitted through participating universities. Prospective students should apply for a research degree and indicate their interest in the RTP Scholarship during the application process.
- What expenses does the RTP Scholarship cover?The scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a living allowance (stipend), and may include additional allowances such as relocation and thesis costs.
- Are part-time students eligible for the RTP Scholarship?Generally, the RTP Scholarship is intended for full-time students. Part-time study may be considered under exceptional circumstances, subject to university approval.
- Can I apply to multiple universities for the RTP Scholarship?Yes, applicants can apply to multiple institutions. Each university has its own application process and deadlines, so it’s essential to check the specific requirements of each.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
For comprehensive information and application procedures, visit the official Australian Government RTP page
