Australia’s Research Training Program (RTP): Fully Funded Scholarships for Global Researchers

 
April 8, 2025
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Closing date: Applicants can apply anytime

Student type: Domestic and International students are eligible for this scholarship program.

Level of study: Research Master’s (Master by Research) or PhD students  

Study area: Any

Scholarship value:

  • Tuition Fee Waiver: Full exemption from tuition fees (international students typically pay AUD $30,000–$50,000/year).  
  • Living Allowance: Approximately **AUD $35,000/year** (2024 standard, tax-free), adjusted annually for inflation.  
  • Additional Support: May include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), travel allowances, or thesis publication funding (varies by university).  

Description: The **Research Training Program (RTP)** is a fully funded scholarship established by the Australian government to attract outstanding international and domestic students to pursue research-based higher degrees (such as Master by Research or PhD). Funded by the Australian Department of Education and administered by individual universities, this scholarship is highly competitive but offers comprehensive coverage, making it one of the top choices for research-based studies in Australia.  

Eligibility:

  • To be eligible for a RTP Stipend, RTP Fees Offset or RTP Allowance a student must be a domestic student or an overseas student enrolled in an accredited HDR course of study at an Australian HEP.
  • To be eligible for a RTP Stipend a student must not be receiving income from another source to support that student’s general living costs while undertaking their course of study if that income is greater than 75 per cent of that student’s RTP Stipend rate. Income unrelated to the student’s course of study or income received for the student’s course of study but not for the purposes of supporting general living costs is not to be taken into account.
  • To be eligible for a RTP Fees Offset a student must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Commonwealth designed to offset HDR fees.
  • Academic Background: Outstanding undergraduate or master’s grades (usually a minimum 80% average or equivalent GPA).  
  • Language Requirements: IELTS 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in each band) or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, PTE).  

How to apply:  apply online (RTP scholarships are allocated by individual universities, so applicants must apply directly to their target institution).

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