Research Training Program (RTP) 2026
About this scholarship
The Research Training Program (RTP) supports higher degree by research students at Australian universities, typically for Master's by Research and PhD study. Funding and eligibility are administered by each participating university.
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government scheme that supports students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research at participating universities in Australia. Rather than being a single centralized scholarship application, RTP funding is allocated to universities, which then select candidates and package support according to their own scholarship rules and admissions processes.
RTP support is most commonly available for Master's by Research and PhD candidates. Depending on the university and scholarship round, an RTP-funded offer may include a tuition fee offset, a living stipend, and in some cases additional benefits such as relocation support, health cover for international students, or limited research-related allowances. Reference postings show that some universities offer RTP stipends to both domestic and international students, while others restrict certain RTP-funded awards or tuition offsets to domestic applicants such as Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens.
The programme is open across a wide range of disciplines, from health and computer science to social sciences, engineering, and humanities, depending on the host university's research strengths. Eligibility usually requires admission to an accredited research degree, a strong academic record, and evidence of research preparation such as an honours degree, a research master's, or equivalent research experience. Applicants normally also need to meet the university's English language and doctoral or master's-by-research entry requirements.
To apply, students usually first identify a research project, supervisor, or graduate research programme at an Australian university. In many cases, the RTP scholarship is considered automatically with an application for admission, while some universities require a separate scholarship application or an expression of interest. Because funding levels, deadlines, and eligibility can vary significantly by institution, applicants should always check the specific scholarship page of their chosen Australian university.
Eligibility
Who can apply for this scholarship
Applicants are typically required to be commencing or enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research at a participating Australian university. Selection is generally based on academic merit and research potential. Eligibility varies by university and award type: some RTP-funded scholarships are open to both domestic and international applicants, while some tuition fee offsets or targeted rounds are limited to Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
Requirements
Documents typically needed to apply
Language requirements
Applicants must meet the English language requirements of the host Australian university; commonly IELTS or equivalent is required where applicable.
Where you can use this
Open positions accepting Research Training Program (RTP).
