Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Australian Government - Department of Education (administered by universities) · 🇦🇺 Australia · Oceania
FundingFully Funded
LevelMasters/PhD
DeadlineNo single national deadline; each university sets and runs its own RTP scholarship rounds.
Application feeFree
About this scholarship
Government support for research-degree students covering tuition offset, a tax-free living stipend and allowances, administered by each university. Research Doctorate 3-4 yr FT; Research Masters up to 2 yr FT
ProviderAustralian Government - Department of Education (administered by universities)
CountryAustralia (Oceania)
Host university / institutionIndividual Australian universities administer their own RTP allocations
Degree levelsMasters/PhD
Fields of studyAll fields
Funding typeFully Funded
Application feeFree
DeadlineNo single national deadline; each university sets and runs its own RTP scholarship rounds.
IntakeVaries by university (multiple rounds per year)
Applications openVaries
CompetitionHigh
Programme durationResearch Doctorate 3-4 yr FT; Research Masters up to 2 yr FT
MastersPhDAll fields
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) eligibility criteria
Open to both domestic and international students
Enrolled in or admitted to a Research Doctorate or Research Masters
Awarded competitively on academic merit and research potential
Meet the university's admission and English-language requirements
Not concurrently holding an equivalent living-allowance scholarship
Commencing or early in the research degree
Benefits and coverage
RTP Fees Offset (tuition offset for the research degree)
Tax-free living stipend (base rate approx. AUD 37,010/year in 2026, indexed annually)
Paid sick, maternity and parental leave (university-dependent)
OSHC health-cover reimbursement for international recipients (university-dependent)
Required documents
Academic transcripts and degree evidence
Research proposal
Evidence of research capacity or publications
CV
Referee reports
English-language test results (international applicants)
How to apply for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
Review the eligibility criteria above and confirm you meet every requirement.
Prepare all required documents early — transcripts, CV, recommendation letters and motivation letter.
No single national deadline; each university sets and runs its own RTP scholarship rounds. Submit a complete application before the official deadline.
Always confirm the latest details on the official website before applying.
Amount / coverageGovernment support for research-degree students covering tuition offset, a tax-free livin…
LevelsMasters/PhD
Frequently asked questions
Open to both domestic and international students Enrolled in or admitted to a Research Doctorate or Research Masters Awarded competitively on academic merit and research potential Meet the university's admission and English-language requirements Not concurrently holding an equivalent living-allowance scholarship Commencing or early in the research degree
RTP Fees Offset (tuition offset for the research degree) Tax-free living stipend (base rate approx. AUD 37,010/year in 2026, indexed annually) Relocation/removal allowance (university-dependent) Thesis allowance (university-dependent) Paid sick, maternity and parental leave (university-dependent) OSHC health-cover reimbursement for international recipients (university-dependent)
Academic transcripts and degree evidence Research proposal Evidence of research capacity or publications CV Referee reports English-language test results (international applicants)
No single national deadline; each university sets and runs its own RTP scholarship rounds.
No — applications for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) are free.