The University of New England (UNE) RTP Scholarship 2025-26 offers a remarkable fully funded opportunity for international students to pursue Masters or PhD research degrees in Australia. This scholarship is part of the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), designed to support high-quality international and national students across a broad array of academic fields. Applicants worldwide can apply for this prestigious scholarship to study at UNE, a leading public research university with over 23,000 students globally. The application deadline is 19th September 2025, so prospective scholars should act promptly to secure their place.
University of New England: A Premier Research University in Australia
Founded in 1938, the University of New England is a renowned research-led institution known for excellence in teaching and innovation. Located in New South Wales, UNE offers a vibrant academic environment for students, with comprehensive support and resources to foster research success. UNE annually allocates scholarships worth approximately $5 million to support national and international students, emphasizing its commitment to global education. With diverse faculties including Business, Law, Engineering, Health Sciences, and more, UNE provides wide-ranging study programs available under the RTP Scholarship.
Available Study Areas for the RTP Scholarship 2025-26
The RTP Scholarship at UNE covers almost all academic disciplines for research-based Masters and PhD programs. Key study areas include:
- Business and Law
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and the Arts
- Human, Health and Social Sciences
- Medical and Applied Sciences
- Nursing and Midwifery
Students can pursue advanced research projects within these fields, guided by leading academic supervisors at UNE.
University of New England RTP Scholarship Benefits
This scholarship is fully funded and covers a comprehensive range of expenses, ensuring students can focus completely on their studies. Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee waiver covering the entire duration of the Masters by Research or PhD program
- Annual stipend of approximately AUD 38,862 (tax-free) paid fortnightly to cover living costs
- Accommodation support (coverage or support details vary)
- Medical insurance and paid sick leave
- Research allowances for expenses related to study
Benefits Not Included
While the scholarship offers extensive coverage, it generally excludes:
- Travel and relocation costs to and from Australia
- Personal expenses beyond the scholarship stipend
- Some incidental costs depending on the study program
Eligibility Criteria for the University of New England RTP Scholarship
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to international students accepted into a research (HDR) course at an Australian university.
- Students must not receive another income that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend for living costs.
- Students must not hold another Commonwealth scholarship that covers HDR tuition fees.
- Students must be enrolled full-time and on-campus in Australia throughout their candidature.
- For Masters by Research applicants: an undergraduate degree with first or second-class honors from a recognized university is required
- For PhD applicants: a relevant Master’s degree with a strong research component or a bachelor’s degree with honors equivalent to first or upper second class
- Evidence of research capability and prior academic excellence is mandatory
- English proficiency with valid IELTS or TOEFL scores (if English is not the first language)
Required Documents for Application
To successfully apply, applicants are required to submit:
- Completed online application form for HDR candidature and scholarship
- Certified transcripts of previous academic degrees (Bachelor’s for Masters applicants, Master’s for PhD applicants)
- Research proposal outlining the intended study
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume
- Two academic recommendation letters from qualified referees
- Acceptance letter or statement of support from a supervisor at UNE
- Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Academic thesis or relevant publications (PhD applicants)
- Any additional documents requested by the university
Step-by-Step University of New England RTP Scholarship Application Process
- Review the scholarship guidelines on UNE official website
- Prepare all required documents and research proposal
- Identify and confirm a supervisor willing to support your research at UNE
- Complete the Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidature application form
- Submit your online application along with the scholarship form before the deadline (19 September 2025)
- Ensure recommendation letters and supervisor support letters are submitted directly by referees/supervisors as required
- Track your application status and respond promptly to any additional requests from the university
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application well in advance to gather high-quality recommendation letters and refine your proposal
- Clearly demonstrate your research experience and future academic goals
- Tailor your research proposal to align with UNE’s strengths and supervisor expertise
- Maintain official and verified documentation to avoid delays
- Follow all instructions meticulously and meet all deadlines strictly
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
International students in Australia generally budget between USD 900 to USD 1,800 per month depending on city and lifestyle. Typical monthly expenses include:
- Rent: USD 500 to USD 1,200 (shared or single accommodation)
- Food and groceries: USD 200 to USD 400
- Transport: USD 70 to USD 130
- Utilities and Internet: USD 60 to USD 120
- Miscellaneous and leisure: USD 100 to USD 200
UNE’s annual scholarship stipend of around AUD 38,862 (~USD 26,000) is designed to comfortably cover these living costs.
Why Choose University of New England RTP Scholarship? Five Key Reasons
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Covers tuition, generous living stipend, research funds, and medical coverage, enabling stress-free studies.
- Wide Range of Research Areas: Supports diverse fields allowing students from multiple disciplines to apply and thrive.
- Global Accessibility: Open to all nationalities, providing international students a chance to study in Australia’s supportive research environment.
- Strong Academic Support: Access to experienced faculty, supervision, and research resources strengthen your academic journey.
- Career Advancement: Graduates from UNE gain global recognition unlocking career opportunities worldwide, particularly in research and academia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who can apply for the UNE RTP Scholarship?
A1: Both domestic and international students pursuing Masters by Research or PhD at UNE are eligible.
Q2: What is the application deadline?
A2: The deadline to apply for the 2025-26 RTP Scholarship is 19 September 2025.
Q3: Does the scholarship include accommodation?
A3: The scholarship offers accommodation support, but students should verify specific provisions when applying.
Q4: Can part-time students apply?
A4: RTP scholarships are generally for full-time study; part-time applications require special approval.
Q5: What documents are essential to submit?
A5: Academic transcripts, research proposal, CV, supervisor acceptance, recommendation letters, and English proficiency proofs.
Q6: Is the living stipend taxable?
A6: The stipend is tax-free for students residing full-time in Australia.
Q7: Are there restrictions on receiving additional funding?
A7: Students cannot hold other grants or scholarships covering more than 75% of living costs concurrently.
Embrace the exceptional University of New England RTP Scholarship 2025-26 opportunity to pursue cutting-edge research in Australia fully funded. With a strong support system, comprehensive coverage, and esteemed academic reputation, UNE stands out as an ideal destination to advance your higher studies and research career. Apply before the 19th September deadline to unlock your future in Australia’s vibrant academic community.