Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Can include a tuition fee offset, a living stipend (the full-time base rate is A$34,315 a year in 2026 and A$35,550 in 2027) and allowances for research costs. Each university decides what its awards include.

• Open to domestic and international students.
• You must be enrolled in an accredited research doctorate or research master's (a higher degree by research) at an eligible Australian university.
• Coursework bachelor's and master's degrees aren't eligible; at least two-thirds of your degree must be research.
• Universities can spend no more than 10% of their yearly RTP funding on international students.
• The government sets no minimum grade such as first-class honours; each university runs its own competitive selection.
• For the fee offset, you can't already receive an equivalent Australian Government award that offsets your fees.

For domestic and international students doing a research doctorate (PhD) or research master's at an eligible Australian university. Universities run their own application and selection, so check your chosen university's rules.

1. 1

   Step 1: Choose a university and degree

   Pick an eligible Australian university and a research doctorate or research master's. You can't apply through the Department of Education.

2. 2

   Step 2: Read the university's RTP policy

   Each university publishes its own RTP scholarship policy setting out its application, selection and offer process.

3. 3

   Step 3: Contact the research office

   Ask the university's postgraduate research office how and when international students can apply, and about any English requirements.

4. 4

   Step 4: Apply by the university's deadline

   Apply through the university's process. You can apply at more than one university, or more than once at the same one.

5. 5

   Step 5: Wait for the university's decision

   The university assesses applicants competitively and makes any offer, which can include a fee offset, a stipend and allowances.

• Academic transcripts from previous study
• Referee reports
• List of research publications, if any
• Evidence of relevant work or research experience
• English test results, if the university requires them

Each university sets its own scholarship rounds and deadlines, so check with the university where you want to do your research degree.