RTP Scholarship 2026 in Australia | Fully Funded

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is an Australian Government initiative that provides block grants to higher education providers to support domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees. It replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) from 1 January 2017.

RTP scholarships are available to domestic and overseas students enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research (HDR) course at an Australian higher education provider (HEP). Specific additional eligibility criteria are determined by each participating university, so applicants must check with their chosen institution.

The RTP Scholarship offers comprehensive support, which can include a tuition fees offset, a stipend for general living costs, and allowances related to ancillary costs of research degrees. The exact package varies by university and is awarded for one or more of these components.

The scholarship duration is two years for a research masters degree and three years for a research doctorate degree. This provides sustained funding throughout the core research period for eligible postgraduate candidates.

Applications must be made directly to participating Australian universities, as each institution administers its own RTP scheme and selection process. There is no central application form from the Department of Education and Training; candidates should contact their chosen university for specific application procedures.

The application deadline varies by university, as each participating higher education provider sets its own closing dates for RTP Scholarship applications. Prospective students must check with their specific institution for accurate deadline information.

Yes, the RTP Scholarship is open to both domestic and overseas students undertaking higher degrees by research at Australian higher education providers. International students are specifically supported under the scheme’s objectives to foster global research collaboration.

The RTP Scholarship supports Research Masters and Research Doctorate degrees, collectively known as higher degrees by research (HDRs). These are postgraduate programs focused primarily on original research rather than coursework.

General information is available on the Study Assist website, and details on commencing postgraduate research degrees can be found on the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website. However, primary information should be sought directly from participating universities.

The RTP scheme aims to provide flexible funding to support research training of domestic and international students, deliver graduates with skills for academia and other sectors, support collaboration between universities and industry, and specifically assist overseas students undertaking HDR studies in Australia.