The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2027 provide funding opportunities for domestic and international students pursuing research doctorate and research master’s degrees at eligible Australian universities and higher education providers.
For 2027, the Australian Government has published a full-time base RTP stipend rate of $35,550 per year and a maximum full-time stipend rate of $55,537 per year.
Depending on the scholarship offered by an individual university, RTP support can include a tuition fees offset, a living-cost stipend and allowances for costs associated with higher degree by research study.
International students are included in the program. However, students do not apply directly to the Australian Government. Applications are managed separately by participating Australian higher education providers, each of which sets its own deadlines, eligibility requirements and selection procedures.
Australian Government RTP Scholarships 2027 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Australian Government Research Training Program |
| Common name | RTP Scholarship |
| Country | Australia |
| Funding body | Australian Government |
| Study level | Research Master’s and Research Doctorate/PhD |
| International students | Eligible |
| Domestic students | Eligible |
| 2027 base stipend | $35,550 per year |
| 2027 maximum stipend | $55,537 per year |
| Tuition support | RTP Fees Offset may be provided |
| Living-cost support | RTP Stipend may be provided |
| Other support | RTP Allowances may be provided |
| Full-time doctorate support | Minimum 3 years, maximum 4 years |
| Part-time doctorate support | Minimum 6 years, maximum 8 years |
| Full-time research master’s support | Up to 2 years |
| Part-time research master’s support | Up to 4 years |
| Application route | Individual participating university |
| Government application | Not available directly through Department of Education |
| Application deadline | Varies by university |
What Is the Australian Government Research Training Program?
The Research Training Program is an Australian Government funding program designed to support higher degree by research students studying at eligible Australian higher education providers.
The Australian Government provides RTP funding to universities and other eligible providers, which then use that funding to support students undertaking:
- Research doctorates
- PhD programs
- Research master’s degrees
The program supports both domestic and overseas students.
Rather than operating like a single centrally administered scholarship, RTP funding is distributed to participating institutions, which then decide how to allocate scholarships to eligible research students.
What Are the Objectives of the RTP?
According to the Australian Government, the Research Training Program has three main objectives.
It is designed to:
- Provide flexible funding for domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research
- Develop graduates with skills for careers in academia and other sectors of the labour market
- Strengthen collaboration between universities, industry and other research users
This makes the RTP relevant not only to students interested in academic careers but also to researchers considering careers in industry, government, consulting, technology and other sectors.
Can International Students Apply for RTP Scholarships?
Yes.
The Australian Government confirms that RTP funding supports both:
Domestic students
and
Overseas students
undertaking research doctorate and research master’s programs at eligible Australian higher education providers.
International applicants should nevertheless check individual university rules because each participating institution establishes its own:
- Admission criteria
- Scholarship eligibility requirements
- Academic standards
- English-language requirements
- Research proposal expectations
- Supervisor requirements
- Scholarship deadlines
Eligibility for the broader RTP framework does not mean every applicant will automatically qualify for every university’s RTP scholarship round.
Is the Australian Government RTP Scholarship Fully Funded?
RTP scholarships can provide comprehensive support, but students should check the exact package offered by their chosen university.
The Australian Government states that students may receive one or more of the following:
- Tuition fees offset
- Stipend for general living costs
- Allowances for ancillary higher degree by research costs
Some university RTP awards may therefore amount to a substantial or effectively fully funded research scholarship.
However, the government does not state that every RTP recipient automatically receives all three components.
RTP Fees Offset
One form of support available through the program is the RTP Fees Offset.
This can help cover tuition fees associated with an eligible research degree.
For international PhD and research master’s students, tuition can represent a significant portion of the total cost of studying in Australia.
Students should therefore check whether the RTP scholarship at their chosen university provides:
- Full tuition coverage
- Partial tuition support
- A combination of tuition and stipend funding
The exact arrangement depends on the higher education provider.
RTP Stipend for Living Costs
Students may also receive an RTP Stipend to help with general living expenses during their research degree.
For 2027, the Australian Government has published two important figures:
Base full-time RTP stipend rate: $35,550 per year
Maximum full-time RTP stipend rate: $55,537 per year
These figures establish the annual stipend parameters used within the RTP framework.
Australian Government RTP Stipend Rates 2025–2027
| Year | Full-Time Base RTP Stipend | Full-Time Maximum RTP Stipend |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | $35,550 | $55,537 |
| 2026 | $34,315 | $53,608 |
| 2025 | $33,511 | $52,352 |
The published figures show annual increases in both the base and maximum stipend rates.
Does Every RTP Scholar Receive $55,537?
No.
The $55,537 figure is the maximum full-time RTP stipend rate for 2027.
It is not a guaranteed payment to every scholarship recipient.
The 2027 base rate is:
$35,550 per year.
Individual higher education providers determine the actual stipend attached to their scholarships within the government framework.
Applicants should therefore check the specific amount advertised by the university where they plan to study.
RTP Allowances
Students may also be offered RTP Allowances.
The Australian Government describes these as allowances related to ancillary costs associated with a higher degree by research.
The main government page does not specify one universal allowance package or amount.
Universities may therefore establish their own arrangements for eligible costs.
Applicants should review the individual scholarship terms for details.
How Long Does an RTP PhD Scholarship Last?
For a research doctorate undertaken full-time, RTP scholarship support is available for:
A minimum of 3 years
and up to:
A maximum of 4 years
at the discretion of the participating higher education provider.
This makes RTP funding particularly suitable for candidates undertaking a standard Australian PhD or equivalent research doctorate.
Part-Time Research Doctorate Support
Students undertaking a research doctorate part-time may receive RTP support for:
A minimum of 6 years
and up to:
A maximum of 8 years.
Whether a university offers an RTP scholarship to part-time applicants should still be confirmed with the institution.
How Long Does an RTP Research Master’s Scholarship Last?
Students undertaking a research master’s may receive RTP support for:
Up to 2 years when studying full-time
or:
Up to 4 years when studying part-time.
Leave, Suspensions and Extensions
The Australian Government also specifies how certain periods of leave affect RTP scholarship duration.
The support period is not increased for approved periods of:
- Paid recreation leave
- Ordinary personal leave
However, it can be increased for approved:
- RTP scholarship suspensions
- Additional paid personal leave
- Paid parental leave
- Paid partner leave
- Paid family and domestic violence leave
These arrangements are subject to approval by the relevant higher education provider.
How to Apply for the Australian Government RTP Scholarship
Students cannot submit an RTP scholarship application directly to the Australian Government Department of Education.
Instead, applicants must apply through an eligible Australian higher education provider.
Each university manages its own application and selection process.
Step 1 — Identify Participating Australian Universities
Start by identifying eligible Australian higher education providers offering research programs in your field.
Students should consider factors such as:
- Research expertise
- Supervisor availability
- University facilities
- Scholarship value
- Research reputation
- Industry partnerships
- Location
Step 2 — Choose a Research Degree
The RTP supports students undertaking eligible higher degrees by research.
These generally include:
- PhD
- Research doctorate
- Master of Philosophy
- Research master’s
Coursework-only master’s programs are not what the RTP is primarily designed to fund.
Step 3 — Check the University’s Admission Requirements
The RTP does not establish one universal student admissions process.
Universities can require evidence such as:
- Previous university qualifications
- Strong academic results
- Research experience
- Research proposal
- Supervisor support
- English-language proficiency
Applicants should check the specific requirements of their proposed institution.
Step 4 — Find a Research Supervisor if Required
Some Australian universities expect prospective PhD applicants to identify an academic supervisor before applying.
A good supervisor match can be important for both admission and scholarship competitiveness.
Applicants should look for researchers whose work closely aligns with their proposed topic.
Step 5 — Prepare Your Research Proposal
A strong research proposal can help demonstrate that the candidate has a clear and feasible project.
Depending on university requirements, the proposal may cover:
- Research problem
- Research questions
- Background
- Methodology
- Expected contribution
- Significance
- Research plan
Step 6 — Prepare Required Documents
The exact document list varies by university.
Applicants may be asked for:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- CV
- Research proposal
- References
- English-language test results
- Evidence of publications
- Previous research work
The Australian Government does not prescribe one universal document checklist.
Step 7 — Apply Through the University
Complete the RTP scholarship process established by the chosen institution.
Depending on the provider, scholarship consideration may be:
- Integrated into the research admission application
- Managed through a separate scholarship application
- Automatically considered after admission
Applicants should follow the university’s instructions carefully.
Can You Apply for RTP Scholarships at More Than One University?
Yes.
The Australian Government states that prospective students can choose to apply for an RTP scholarship at more than one eligible higher education provider.
This can be useful for applicants interested in several universities.
However, each application must satisfy the requirements of the individual institution.
Is There One RTP Scholarship Deadline for 2027?
No.
There is no single national deadline for students applying for Australian Government RTP scholarships.
Each participating university manages its own application and selection process.
This means one university may close applications months before another.
Students should therefore check each institution individually.
Important Application Mistake to Avoid
One of the most important mistakes prospective applicants can make is searching for a central Australian Government application form.
The Department of Education explicitly states that:
RTP scholarship applications cannot be made through the Department of Education.
Applicants must contact and apply through eligible higher education providers.
Who Should Apply for an RTP Scholarship?
The program may be particularly suitable for several types of research students.
International PhD Applicants
International applicants seeking funded doctoral study in Australia can consider universities offering RTP scholarships to overseas students.
Research Master’s Applicants
The RTP also supports research master’s degrees.
This makes it relevant to students who want substantial research training but are not yet pursuing a doctorate.
Domestic Research Students
Australian students are also supported through the program.
Researchers Planning Academic Careers
One RTP objective is to develop graduates with skills for careers in academia.
Researchers Planning Industry Careers
The program also aims to prepare researchers for employment beyond universities.
Its objectives explicitly refer to careers in other sectors of the labour market and collaboration with industry and research end-users.
RTP Industry Internship Opportunities
The Australian Government has introduced an RTP industry internship weighting to encourage collaboration between universities, research students and industry.
The initiative aims to:
- Strengthen links between research and innovation
- Encourage earlier engagement with employers
- Develop pathways into non-academic careers
- Provide industry with access to highly skilled doctorate researchers
How Long Must an Eligible Industry Internship Be?
For the RTP industry internship weighting, an eligible internship must be at least:
3 months long
and include:
60 full-time equivalent days of engagement.
Internship Agreement Requirements
The internship must be agreed in writing between:
- The student
- The higher education provider
- The research end-user
For a full-time research student, the written agreement must generally be made within:
18 months of course commencement.
For a part-time student, the timeframe is generally:
36 months.
Why Industry Experience Can Be Valuable for PhD Students
A PhD does not automatically lead to an academic career.
Research doctorate graduates increasingly work across:
- Technology
- Engineering
- Consulting
- Government
- Financial services
- Healthcare
- Environmental industries
- Data science
- Research and development
- Public policy
Industry internships can help research students understand how advanced academic skills transfer into professional settings.
Research Careers Beyond Universities
The RTP framework explicitly recognises careers outside academia.
Its objectives include delivering graduates with skills required to build careers both:
In academia
and
In other sectors of the labour market.
This broader focus can make the scholarship appealing to applicants who want research training without necessarily pursuing a permanent university career.
History of the Research Training Program
The RTP began on:
1 January 2017.
It replaced three previous Australian research funding programs:
- Australian Postgraduate Award
- International Postgraduate Research Scholarship
- Research Training Scheme
The current system consolidates these earlier schemes into one research training framework.
RTP Funding Acknowledgement
The RTP now has a digital object identifier:
10.82133/C42F-K220
The Australian Government has introduced requirements relating to acknowledgement of Commonwealth RTP support in materials produced through supported research.
RTP and ORCID
RTP-supported students who already have an ORCID profile are required to include the RTP DOI in their profile.
Students who do not already have an ORCID profile are not required to create one purely because they receive RTP funding.
How Competitive Are Australian RTP Scholarships?
The Department of Education does not publish one national student acceptance rate for RTP scholarships.
Because universities administer selections independently, competitiveness can depend on:
- University
- Faculty
- Research discipline
- Funding allocation
- Academic achievement
- Research experience
- Publications
- Supervisor availability
- Strength of the research proposal
Applicants should generally expect major RTP scholarship rounds to be competitive.
How to Strengthen an RTP Scholarship Application
Build a Strong Academic Record
Competitive research scholarships typically favour applicants with strong previous academic performance.
Make sure all transcripts and academic documents are complete.
Demonstrate Research Potential
Applicants should highlight relevant experience such as:
- Thesis research
- Honours projects
- Research assistant positions
- Publications
- Conference presentations
- Research internships
- Laboratory work
Write a Strong Research Proposal
The proposed research should be focused, feasible and academically significant.
A proposal should clearly explain why the research matters.
Find the Right Supervisor
Research alignment between the candidate and supervisor can be crucial.
Applicants should identify academics whose expertise relates closely to their proposed project.
Highlight Research Publications
Applicants who already have research publications or working papers should make these easy for scholarship committees to identify.
Apply to Multiple Universities Where Appropriate
Because the government allows students to pursue RTP opportunities at more than one provider, strong candidates may consider several universities.
Why the Australian Government RTP Scholarship Is Worth Considering
RTP scholarships can provide a strong combination of:
- Government-backed research funding
- Tuition support
- Annual living stipend
- Additional research allowances
- Multi-year PhD funding
- Eligibility for international students
- Research training at Australian universities
- Potential industry engagement
For 2027, the maximum published stipend of $55,537 may make some university RTP packages particularly attractive to research students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australian Government RTP Scholarship?
The Research Training Program is an Australian Government-funded program supporting research doctorate and research master’s students at eligible Australian higher education providers.
Are RTP Scholarships available in 2027?
The Australian Government has already published the RTP stipend parameters for 2027, including a base rate of $35,550 and maximum rate of $55,537.
Can international students apply?
Yes. The program supports both domestic and overseas HDR students.
What is the 2027 RTP stipend?
The full-time base stipend rate is $35,550 per year.
What is the maximum RTP stipend for 2027?
The maximum full-time stipend rate is $55,537 per year.
Does every scholar receive $55,537?
No. This is the maximum published stipend rate, not a guaranteed amount for every scholarship recipient.
Does the RTP cover tuition fees?
Students can be offered an RTP Fees Offset.
Does the scholarship provide a living allowance?
Students may receive an RTP Stipend for general living costs.
Are additional allowances available?
Yes. RTP scholarships can include allowances related to ancillary HDR costs.
Can PhD students apply?
Yes.
Can research master’s students apply?
Yes.
How long is PhD funding?
Full-time doctorate support ranges from a minimum of three years to a maximum of four years, at the provider’s discretion.
How long is research master’s funding?
Up to two years full-time or four years part-time.
Can part-time students receive RTP support?
The framework provides support periods for part-time research doctorate and research master’s students, although applicants should check individual provider conditions.
Can I apply directly through the Australian Government?
No. Applications cannot be made through the Department of Education.
Where do I apply?
Apply directly through an eligible Australian higher education provider.
Can I apply to several universities?
Yes. Students may apply to more than one eligible provider.
Is there one application deadline?
No. Universities establish their own scholarship deadlines.
Does the program support industry internships?
Yes. The RTP framework includes an industry internship weighting designed to encourage research-industry collaboration.
How long is an eligible RTP industry internship?
At least three months and 60 full-time equivalent days of engagement.
When did the RTP begin?
The program replaced several earlier research scholarship schemes from 1 January 2017.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships 2027 offer an important funding pathway for students interested in completing a PhD or research master’s degree in Australia.
The program supports both domestic and international research students and can provide a combination of tuition fee support, living-cost stipends and research-related allowances.
For 2027, the Australian Government has published a base full-time RTP stipend of $35,550 per year and a maximum stipend of $55,537 per year.
Full-time doctoral students can receive RTP support for between three and four years, while full-time research master’s students may receive support for up to two years.
The most important point for prospective applicants is that there is no central application through the Australian Government Department of Education. Universities administer their own scholarships, application rounds, eligibility requirements and selection processes.
Prospective international and domestic applicants should therefore identify eligible Australian universities, compare available RTP scholarship packages, find suitable research supervisors and follow the application deadlines set by each institution.
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