Australia’s Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2026 are now available for domestic and international students pursuing research master’s and PhD degrees. Successful applicants can receive tuition support, living stipends, and additional research allowances.
Overview
Dreaming of earning a research degree in Australia with financial support? The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2026 continue to provide one of the country’s most prestigious funding opportunities for both domestic and international students pursuing higher degrees by research.
The RTP supports students undertaking research master’s and doctoral degrees at eligible Australian universities, helping cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other research-related costs.
With annual stipends of up to AUD 53,608 and funding available across a wide range of disciplines, the programme offers aspiring researchers the opportunity to focus on their studies while developing advanced research skills and industry connections.
About the Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program is funded by the Australian Government and delivered through eligible Australian Higher Education Providers (HEPs).
The programme was established to strengthen Australia’s research capacity by supporting outstanding domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programmes, including research master’s and PhD degrees.
Rather than applying directly through the Australian Government, students submit their scholarship applications through participating universities, each of which manages its own selection process.
The RTP aims to:
- Support high-quality research training
- Develop future researchers and industry leaders
- Strengthen collaboration between universities and industry
- Equip graduates with advanced skills for academic and professional careers
- Support innovative research across diverse disciplines
What Will Scholarship Recipients Gain?
The RTP is more than a tuition scholarship. Depending on the university and funding package offered, successful applicants may receive multiple forms of financial support.
Tuition Fee Support
Recipients may receive a tuition fee offset that covers the cost of their research degree.
Living Stipend
Students may receive a tax-free stipend to help cover living expenses while undertaking their studies.
For 2026, the stipend rates are:
- Base RTP Stipend: AUD 34,315 per year
- Maximum RTP Stipend: AUD 53,608 per year
The actual amount awarded varies depending on the university.
Research and Study Allowances
Universities may also provide allowances to help cover:
- Research expenses
- Thesis preparation costs
- Academic travel
- Fieldwork expenses
- Other research-related costs
Industry Engagement Opportunities
Many RTP-supported doctoral students have opportunities to participate in industry internships that help build professional networks and improve employment prospects beyond academia.
Who Can Apply?
The Research Training Program supports both domestic and international students.
To be eligible, applicants generally must:
- Apply for or be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research programme
- Meet admission requirements of the chosen university
- Satisfy academic and research entry requirements
- Meet any additional eligibility criteria established by the university
Eligible programmes include:
Research Doctorate (PhD)
Students pursuing a doctoral research degree may receive funding for:
- Up to 4 years full-time
- Up to 8 years part-time
Research Master’s Degree
Students pursuing a research master’s degree may receive funding for:
- Up to 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
Since eligibility and selection criteria vary between universities, applicants should review the requirements of their chosen institution before applying.
How Do You Apply?
One of the most important things to know is that RTP applications are not submitted to the Australian Government.
Instead, students must apply directly through an eligible Australian university.
Step 1
Identify an Australian university that participates in the Research Training Program.
Step 2
Find a research master’s or PhD programme aligned with your academic interests.
Step 3
Review the university’s RTP scholarship requirements and deadlines.
Step 4
Prepare your admission and scholarship application materials.
Step 5
Submit your application directly to the university.
Applicants may apply to multiple universities if they wish.
Required Documents
Required documents vary by institution, but applicants are typically asked to provide:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Personal statement
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Academic references
- Passport copy (for international students)
Applicants should consult their chosen university for specific requirements.
Scholarship Duration
PhD Students
- Minimum support: 3 years full-time
- Maximum support: 4 years full-time
- Maximum support: 8 years part-time
Research Master’s Students
- Up to 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
Why Consider an RTP Scholarship?
The RTP is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading postgraduate research funding programmes.
It allows students to:
- Study at top Australian universities
- Conduct cutting-edge research
- Receive financial support throughout their degree
- Build industry and academic networks
- Develop advanced research skills
- Improve career prospects in academia, government, industry, and international organizations
Application Deadline
There is no single national RTP application deadline.
Each participating university sets its own scholarship application dates and selection process.
Prospective applicants should contact their preferred university directly for the latest deadlines and application instructions.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic and International Students |
| Degree Level | Research Master’s and PhD |
| Funding Type | Tuition Support, Stipend, Allowances |
| 2026 Base Stipend | AUD 34,315 per year |
| 2026 Maximum Stipend | AUD 53,608 per year |
| Duration | Up to 4 Years (PhD) |
| Application Method | Through Participating Universities |
| Deadline | Varies by University |
Conclusion
For students seeking fully funded postgraduate research opportunities in Australia, the Research Training Program Scholarships 2026 provide an excellent pathway to pursue a master’s by research or PhD degree with substantial financial support.
With funding available for both domestic and international students, generous annual stipends, tuition assistance, and access to world-class research environments, the RTP remains one of Australia’s most sought-after scholarship programmes. Interested applicants should begin researching eligible universities and preparing their applications as early as possible.
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