Great news! The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is now open. In this article, we will provide detailed information about the scholarship program, its benefits, and the application process.
Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship 2025-2026 is a fully funded opportunity for international students pursuing master’s or PhD studies. The RTP scholarship offers a maximum monthly stipend of AUD $50,291, covers tuition fees through a fee offset, and provides allowances to help students with additional research-related costs.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is managed by participating universities on behalf of the Department of Education and Training. The RTP replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) on 31 December 2016.
The purpose of the RTP program is to provide flexible funding that supports both domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees at Australian universities. The program also aims to equip graduates with the skills needed for careers in academia and other sectors.
The RTP promotes collaboration between universities, industries, and other research stakeholders. For information on starting a postgraduate research degree and available university courses, you can refer to the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website. General support information is also available on the Study Assist website, which includes frequently asked questions to help answer any queries students may have.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Masters, PhD
- Institution(s): Participating Universities in Australia
- Study in: Australia
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Master’s by research degree or Doctoral degree offered by participating Australian universities
- Program Period: RTP scholarships are available for up to two years for a research master’s degree, or a minimum of three years and up to four years (at the discretion of the Higher Education Provider, or HEP) for a research doctorate degree.
- Deadline: Varies (typically between April and October annually). HEPs manage their own application and selection processes for RTP Scholarships. Candidates should directly contact the postgraduate research office of their chosen HEP for details on how to apply. A list of eligible HEPs is available in Tables A and B of the Higher Education Support Act (HESA).
Scholarship Coverage
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship provides the following benefits to the recipient:
- Stipend: A maximum stipend of $50,291 to support living costs during the pursuit of a higher degree by research (HDR).
- Fees Offset: The RTP covers the tuition fees for HDR students, which would otherwise be paid by the student. This fee offset is fully covered by the university, but is not a stipend.
- Allowances: RTP offers allowances to cover additional costs associated with HDR, including relocation expenses, thesis printing and publication costs, and health coverage for the recipient and their dependents.
Eligibility Criteria for Australian Government Research Training Program
To be eligible for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Required Language: English
- Eligible Countries: All countries around the world
- Enrollment: Must be enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research course
- Guidelines: The basic eligibility criteria are detailed in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research).
How to Apply for Australian Government Research Training Program?
Please follow the following instructions to apply for Australian Government Research Training Program:
- HEPs are responsible for the application and selection processes for RTP Scholarships. Prospective candidates need to contact their chosen HEP’s postgraduate research office directly to discuss how to apply. The list of eligible HEPs is available in Table A and B of HESA.
- The deadline varies per university but is around April-October each year.
- It is important to read the Frequently Asked Questions and visit the website of the University where you intend to apply and the official website (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
To know more about Australian Government Research Training Program, please visit the official scholarship website: