Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026 in Australia

The Charles Darwin University (CDU) 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a prestigious, fully-funded award by the Australian Government. The 2026 Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship supports high-achieving domestic and international students to pursue a Master’s by Research or PhD. It offers a tax-free stipend of AU$34,190/year (full-time) to help cover living costs.

Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship supports high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing PhD or Research Master’s at CDU, offering a tax-free stipend, plus tuition fees if linked to a project, paid leave, and relocation support. International applications close 30 September 2025, and domestic by 31 October 2025, with cohort starting between 12 Jan–27 Mar 2026.

Application Deadlines

Group	Application Deadline (Admission)	RTP Scholarship Deadline	Outcomes Announced
International	1 September 2025	30 September 2025	Mid-November 2025
Domestic	1 October 2025	31 October 2025	Mid-December 2025

Note: Domestic = Australian citizens, PR, or NZ citizens.

University & Program Details

Name: Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Location: Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia (Campuses also in Alice Springs, Katherine, Sydney, Brisbane etc.)
Rankings: Top 200 globally for research & impact; ranked top 700 by Shanghai ARWU.
Programs: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD); Master by Research
Duration: 3 years for PhD; 2 years for Master by Research

Study Areas:

Choose your research theme and find a supervisor using CDU’s researchers portal:

Health
Environment & Livelihoods
Engineering & IT
Education & the Arts
Social & Public Policy
Business & Law
Disaster Management
Humanities, Social Sciences & Languages
Tropical Agriculture, Aquaculture & Biosecurity

Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship Benefits

Tax-free stipend of AU$34,190/year (full-time students, 2025 rate)
AU$17,095/year for part-time students (taxable)
Paid fortnightly to help cover living expenses
Paid sick and maternity leave
Relocation allowance:
- Up to AU$2,000 for domestic students
- Up to AU$2,500 for international students
Tuition fee offset if linked to a CDU research project
Supportive academic and research environment for high-potential students

Benefits Not Included

Costs above 75% of full stipend (if you earn extra) won’t be covered
No coverage for travel beyond relocation, personal expenses, or research-specific funding like field costs

Toyohashi University of Technology MEXT Scholarship 2025-26 in Japan

Eligibilities for Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship

Domestic: Australian citizens, permanent residents, NZ citizens
International
** Applicants must have a CDU supervisor to apply
Applicants must:
1. Enrolled or applying for a CDU research degree or have an offer (or current first‑year HDR enrolment at CDU) for 2026 commencement
2. Meet academic and English entry criteria
3. Demonstrated research potential
4. No other income over 75% of the stipend for living expenses

Required Documents

Research proposal
CV
Academic transcripts
English test results
Supervisor confirmation
Two referee reports
Research outputs (if any)

Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship Application Process

Secure a supervisor and place in HDR program
Submit online HDR application by:
- International: 1 Sep 2025 (admission); scholarship 30 Sep 2025
- Domestic: 1 Oct 2025 (admission); scholarship 31 Oct 2025
Upload all documentation and referee reports
Scholarship ranking based on four criteria: academic record, publication quality, experience, and alignment with CDU research priorities
Outcomes: international applicants by mid‑Nov 2025; domestic by mid‑Dec 2025

Tips for a Successful Application

Initiate contact with a prospective supervisor early for support
Highlight your research outputs and impacts; prefer first‑author publications
Demonstrate alignment with CDU’s strategic research strengths (e.g., ecology, cyber‑security, First Nations)
Clarify research components: methodology, transcripts, grading system
Ensure referee reports are detailed and specific
Double‑check deadlines and submit ahead to avoid technical issues

Monthly Living Expenses (International HDR students)

Rent/shared housing: AU$800–1,200
Food & groceries: AU$400–600
Utilities & internet: AU$100–150
Transport & day‑to‑day: AU$150–200
Miscellaneous (clothing, leisure, study): around AU$200
Estimated monthly total: AU$1,700–2,350 – comfortably covered by the AU$34,190/year stipend (~AU$2,850/month)

Why Choose This Opportunity

Fully funded scholarship with tax‑free stipend and tuition offset
Access to experienced supervisors in leading research areas
CDU’s strong global research rankings and regional impact
Career growth through training, internships, and collaborative networks
Diverse multicultural environment in vibrant Northern Australia

FAQs

Q1. Can I work while on the RTP stipend?
A: Yes, but earnings must not exceed 75% of the stipend or your funding may be reduced

Q2. Does it cover tuition fees?
A: Yes—if your scholarship is awarded via a project, the Fee Offset covers full tuition

Q3. What if I apply part‑time?
A: You’ll receive half the stipend (AU$17,095/year) but your study duration extends accordingly

Q4. Is OSHC included?
A: RTP does not specify health cover; international students usually need OSHC—check CDU’s guidelines separately.

Q5. What if my research aligns with CDU’s strategic priorities?
A: You gain additional ranking points during selection.

Q6. Can creative/NTRO outputs count?
A: Yes—as long as they meet disciplinary standards, are evidenced, and are relevant .

Q7. When will results be announced?
A: International by mid‑November 2025; domestic by mid‑December 2025 .

Official Link & Application

Check full details and apply here: Charles Darwin University Competitive Round RTP Scholarship.
Visit: CDU’s Competitive Round Scholarship page