The Australian Research Training Program (RTP) 2025-26 presents an outstanding opportunity for both domestic and international students who wish to pursue higher research degrees in Australia. This scholarship program aims to remove financial barriers, boost cutting-edge research, and foster innovation by funding Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates. With tuition fees offset, stipends for living costs, and additional allowances, RTP allows scholars to focus on research, impact, and growth without undue financial stress.
Recognised for excellence in research, Australia’s universities, through the RTP, ensure highly qualified researchers are trained who can contribute not only in academic fields but in industry, policy, and societal advancement. Whether you’re embarking on a PhD or Master’s by Research, RTP is designed to empower you with the resources, mentorship, and structure needed to succeed.
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Details of the Australian Research Training Program
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Institutions: Eligible Australian Higher Education Providers (HEPs) that are approved under the Commonwealth Scholarships
- Program Level: Research Doctorate (PhD) and Research Master’s (Master by Research)
- Duration: Varies by research duration
Benefits of the Australian Research Training Program
- Tuition fee offset: Universities may fully offset HDR tuition fees for RTP recipients.
- Stipend for living costs: To support students while they conduct their research. For 2025, full-time base and maximum stipend rates have been announced. For example:
• Base stipend: ~ AUD 33,511 per annum
• Maximum stipend: ~ AUD 52,352 per annum - Allowances: These cover various ancillary costs, e.g. relocation, thesis printing, publication costs, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students and dependents, etc.
- Industry internship weighting: For PhD candidates who undertake eligible industry internships (e.g. ≥60 full-time equivalent days), the funding formula gives extra weighting.
Eligibility Criteria for Australian Research Training Program
- Be enrolled or intending to enrol in a higher degree by research (HDR) — i.e. a research doctorate (PhD) or research master’s — at an eligible Australian university.
- Be either a domestic or international student.
- Not be receiving income from another source that supports living costs greater than 75% of the RTP stipend rate, in many cases.
- For the fees offset, you must not already be receiving an equivalent Australian Government scholarship that also offsets HDR fees.
- Each Higher Education Provider (HEP) may have additional selection criteria such as academic merit, research potential, publications, supervisor availability, etc.
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How to Apply for the Australian Research Training Program
- You should contact directly the university or Higher Education Provider (HEP) where you wish to do your HDR degree to find out their RTP Scholarship policy, application deadlines, and their specific selection process.
- In many universities, when you apply for admission to a HDR program, there is a checkbox or portion of the admission / graduate research form where you can express interest in being considered for an RTP scholarship.
- Prepare required documents: academic transcripts, proof of admission or offer, research proposal, supervisor support, letters of recommendation, and any additional documents specified by the university.
- Ensure you meet deadlines: each HEP sets its own deadline for RTP applications. For example, some are closing applications for research session 1, 2026 by 30 September 2025.
Documents Required
- Academic transcripts and degree certificate(s)
- Offer of admission (or proof you have applied) into HDR (PhD or Research Master’s) at a participating university
- Research proposal / description of research intent
- Supervisor confirmation (if required by the university)
- Letters of recommendation / referees
- Evidence of English proficiency (if international student)
- Any other university-specific documents: publications, prior research experience, CV etc.
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If you are passionate about research and want to take your academic journey to the next level, the RTP 2025-26 scholarship is a golden chance. It not only reduces financial constraints but also elevates your potential to produce impactful research and build a strong foundation for your academic or professional future.
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Application Deadline
The deadline for the Australian Research Training Program Scholarships (RTPS) 2025-26 is not specified. Every university has its own application deadline, so the applicants must visit the official website of the selected university to get more details.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Australian Research Training Program?
The Australian Research Training Program (RTP) is a government initiative that provides funding to domestic and international students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in Australia. It covers tuition fees, living stipends, and additional allowances.
Who can apply for the Australian Research Training Program?
The Australian Research Training Program is open to both domestic and international students who are enrolling in a Research Master’s or PhD program at an eligible Australian university.
What benefits does the Australian Research Training Program offer?
Recipients of the Australian Research Training Program may receive a full tuition fee offset, an annual living stipend, and allowances for relocation, thesis costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students.
How long is the Australian Research Training Program scholarship valid?
The Australian Research Training Program funds PhD students for up to 3–4 years full-time (6–8 years part-time) and Master’s by Research students for up to 2 years full-time (4 years part-time).
Do I need to apply directly to the government for the Australian Research Training Program?
No. Applications for the Australian Research Training Program are submitted directly to participating universities. Each university manages its own application process, deadlines, and selection criteria.
Is the Australian Research Training Program available for part-time students?
Yes. The Australian Research Training Program allows part-time enrolments. However, eligibility may depend on the university, and some institutions prioritize full-time applicants.
Can international students receive the Australian Research Training Program?
Yes. International students are eligible for the Australian Research Training Program. They may also receive additional support, such as relocation assistance and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
What are the selection criteria for the Australian Research Training Program?
Selection for the Australian Research Training Program is usually based on academic excellence, research potential, previous publications, supervisor availability, and university-specific requirements.
Can I hold another scholarship while receiving the Australian Research Training Program?
Students cannot normally receive another scholarship that provides a living allowance greater than 75% of the Australian Research Training Program stipend. However, small awards or top-ups may be permitted depending on university policy.
How competitive is the Australian Research Training Program?
The Australian Research Training Program is highly competitive, as it attracts outstanding domestic and international candidates. Applicants with strong academic records, solid research proposals, and supervisor support stand a better chance.
What documents are required to apply for the Australian Research Training Program?
Generally, you will need academic transcripts, proof of admission or application to a Higher Degree by Research, a research proposal, supervisor confirmation, letters of recommendation, CV, and proof of English proficiency (for international students).