Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships
Australian universities participating in the RTP scheme
Key Statistics
Grant Amount
Varies by year and institution
Location
Deadline
Varies by year and institution
About this Scholarship
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are designed to support domestic and international students undertaking research higher degrees (RHDs) such as PhD and Masters by Research at Australian universities. The RTP aims to provide funding that assists students with tuition fees, living expenses, and other research-related costs. This program replaces the former Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scheme and is managed by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment in partnership with participating universities. The RTP scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and research potential, with some consideration given to financial need depending on the institution's policies. The program supports a wide range of disciplines, reflecting Australia's commitment to fostering research excellence across diverse fields. RTP scholarships are available to both domestic and international students, though eligibility criteria and application processes may vary between universities. The funding provided through RTP scholarships may cover tuition fees for international students and provide a living allowance to help students focus on their research without financial hardship. The program also encourages research that contributes to Australia's innovation, economic growth, and social well-being. Universities administer the RTP scholarships, selecting recipients based on competitive criteria aligned with national guidelines. The RTP is a significant component of Australia's research training framework, aiming to attract high-quality research candidates and support the development of future researchers and professionals.
Eligibility & Overview
Financial Grant
Varies by year and institution
Scholarship Type
Merit based | Need based | Mixed
What's Covered
Description
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships provide financial support to research students enrolled in eligible Australian universities. These scholarships are intended to enable students to undertake research higher degree programs without the burden of tuition fees and with a living stipend to cover basic expenses. The RTP replaced the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) scheme in 2017, streamlining funding for research students and increasing flexibility for universities to allocate scholarships according to their strategic research priorities. The RTP is funded by the Australian Government and administered by universities that receive block grants to distribute to eligible students. The selection process is competitive, with universities assessing candidates based on academic merit, research potential, and, in some cases, financial need. The scholarships are available to both domestic and international students, although the level of support may differ. For international students, the RTP scholarship typically covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance, while domestic students may receive a living stipend and fee offsets. The living allowance is indexed annually and is intended to help cover living costs during the research period. The RTP also supports additional allowances such as relocation costs and thesis production expenses, subject to university policies. The duration of the scholarship generally aligns with the standard full-time duration of the research degree, with possible extensions under specific circumstances. The RTP supports a broad range of disciplines, reflecting the diverse research strengths of Australian universities. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria set by the Department of Education and their chosen university, including enrollment in a research higher degree program and compliance with visa requirements for international students. The RTP plays a key role in Australia's research ecosystem by attracting talented students worldwide and supporting the development of research skills and innovation capacity. Prospective applicants should consult the specific university websites and the Australian Government Department of Education for detailed and up-to-date information on application procedures, eligibility, and scholarship conditions.
Key Benefits
Provides a living allowance to support students during their research degree
Covers tuition fees for international research students enrolled in eligible programs
Includes additional allowances such as relocation and thesis production costs in some cases
Supports a wide range of research disciplines across Australian universities
Available to both domestic and international students, subject to eligibility
Aligns scholarship duration with the standard full-time research degree timeframe
Administered by universities allowing alignment with institutional research priorities
Financing Information
Funding Structure and Financial Support Under the RTP Scheme
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are financed by the Australian Government through block grants allocated to participating universities. These block grants enable universities to offer RTP scholarships to eligible research students based on national guidelines and institutional priorities. The funding covers multiple components, including tuition fees for international students, a living allowance stipend for both domestic and international students, and in some cases, additional allowances for relocation and thesis production. The living allowance is indexed annually and is designed to help students meet basic living expenses while undertaking full-time research. Universities determine the exact amount and duration of the scholarship within the framework set by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. The RTP does not provide a fixed scholarship amount; instead, the grant amount varies depending on the university, the student's enrollment status, and the discipline. Some universities may also offer top-up scholarships or supplementary funding to RTP recipients. The RTP scholarships are typically awarded for the standard duration of the research degree, with extensions possible under specific circumstances such as illness or parental leave. Students are responsible for understanding the terms and conditions of their scholarship, including any requirements for satisfactory academic progress. The RTP funding model aims to provide flexibility to universities while maintaining national standards for research training support. Prospective applicants should check with their chosen institution for detailed information on scholarship amounts, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria, as these can vary annually and between universities.
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* Disclaimer: Information provided here is based on publicly available data as of the current year. Scholarship details such as eligibility, deadlines, grant amounts, and coverage may change annually. Prospective applicants should verify all information directly with the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment and the specific university offering the scholarship before applying.