Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2027: eligibility, funding, deadline and how to apply

🇦🇺 Australia · Offered by Australian Government Department of Education (administered by universities) · For Master's, PhD applicants.

Updated 28 October 2026 · Researched from the sources listed at the end. Confirm current details on the official website before you apply.

Country: 🇦🇺 Australia
Provider: Australian Government Department of Education (administered by universities)
Degree levels: Master's, PhD
Funding: International recipients: full tuition fees, living stipend, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Deadline: Varies by university, mostly Aug–Oct for the following year (e.g. UQ 19 Oct 2026, Melbourne 31 Oct 2026, UNE 18 Sep 2026). Some universities run a second round mid-year.
Expected opening: Each university's round opens around Jun–Aug
Duration: Research Master's up to 2 years; PhD up to 3.5 years.
Professor contact: Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

Official website

About the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship

RTP is administered by each university for higher-degree-by-research students (research master's / PhD). Applications go through the university; a supervisor's willingness to supervise is not a scholarship award.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Open to international students, including Pakistan, through each university's own round (international places are limited).

Academic requirements

Admission to a Higher Degree by Research (Research Master's or PhD) at an Australian university. Usually first-class Honours or a research Master's, or equivalent research experience.

Language requirements

University English requirements for HDR, typically IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent.

What the scholarship covers

International recipients: full tuition fees, living stipend, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Tuition: Full tuition fees (international).
Stipend and benefits: 2026 federal base rate AUD 34,315/year (tax-free); many universities pay more (e.g. UNE AUD 37,746; Flinders AUD 36,061; ANU AUD 39,069). 2027 minimum AUD 35,550.
Duration: Research Master's up to 2 years; PhD up to 3.5 years.

Deadline and opening date

Varies by university, mostly Aug–Oct for the following year (e.g. UQ 19 Oct 2026, Melbourne 31 Oct 2026, UNE 18 Sep 2026). Some universities run a second round mid-year.

Expected opening: Each university's round opens around Jun–Aug.

Required documents

University HDR application
CV
Research proposal
Transcripts and degree certificates
English test results
Referee reports
Confirmation of supervisor support (usually required)

How to apply

Apply to the university for HDR admission; most universities automatically consider you for RTP. Contacting and securing a supervisor first is usually required.

Find a professor for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship

A professor's acceptance can decide this application. ScholarReach finds professors in Australia whose research matches yours, writes a personal email to each one, and tracks every reply.

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Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?

Open to international students, including Pakistan, through each university's own round (international places are limited). Admission to a Higher Degree by Research (Research Master's or PhD) at an Australian university. Usually first-class Honours or a research Master's, or equivalent research experience.

What does the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship cover?

International recipients: full tuition fees, living stipend, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). 2026 federal base rate AUD 34,315/year (tax-free); many universities pay more (e.g. UNE AUD 37,746; Flinders AUD 36,061; ANU AUD 39,069). 2027 minimum AUD 35,550.

What is the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship deadline?

Varies by university, mostly Aug–Oct for the following year (e.g. UQ 19 Oct 2026, Melbourne 31 Oct 2026, UNE 18 Sep 2026). Some universities run a second round mid-year. Expected opening: Each university's round opens around Jun–Aug.

Is IELTS required for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?

University English requirements for HDR, typically IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent.

Do I need a supervisor or professor's acceptance for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?

Required: you need a professor's acceptance before or during the application.

How do I apply for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?