The Research Training Program (RTP) is the primary funding mechanism for postgraduate research (Master's by Research and PhDs) in Australia. The federal government gives block grants to Australian universities, who then independently award these scholarships to elite domestic and international researchers.
Quick Overview
Full Requirements & Details
Academic Requirements
- Min. CGPA
- 3.7
- Offer Degrees
- Masters, PhD
- Subjects
- Agriculture, Arts, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, History, Law, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Psychology
- Seats Available
- Thousands annually
- Study Gap Allowed
- No Restrictions (Gap Allowed)
- Research Publication
- Yes
- Work Experience
- No
- Age Range
- No Age Limit
Language Requirements
- IELTS
- Min. 6.5
- TOEFL
- Optional
- GRE
- Not Required
- Local Language
- English
- Local Lang Test
- No
- Study Languages
- English
Financial Details
- Type
- Full
- Fund Details
- See Description
- Monthly Stipend
- AUD 4300/mo
- Tuition
- Full
- Living Costs
- Full
- Travel & Health
- No / Yes
- Application Fee
- Free (No Application Fee)
- Spouse Allowed
- Yes
What Matters Most
Required Documents
Why You Should Apply
For a PhD student, it is the holy grail. An RTP 'Fee Offset' waives your massive international tuition fees, while the RTP 'Stipend' pays you a tax-free living allowance (currently a base rate of around $32,000 to $35,000 AUD per year, though elite universities top this up). It also covers your health insurance (OSHC).
Application Process
You do not apply to the government. You apply directly to an Australian university (like UniMelb, UNSW, or UQ) for your PhD admission and tick the box indicating you wish to be considered for the RTP. It is intensely competitive.
How to Win This Scholarship
The selection is an absolute bloodbath of academic metrics. Universities use a strict rubric to score applicants. A First-Class Honors degree (or a Master's with a massive research component) is the bare minimum to enter the arena.
The deciding factor is almost always your peer-reviewed publications. If you do not have at least one paper in a reputable journal, your chances as an international student are virtually zero. You also must secure 'in-principle support' from a faculty supervisor before applying; if a professor doesn't back your project, the university won't fund it.
Benefits After Completing Study
Australian PhD graduates on an RTP are highly positioned to secure the lucrative Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485), providing up to 4 years of open work rights.
The stipend, while generous on paper, is stretched thin in cities like Sydney or Melbourne due to the massive ongoing housing crisis. You will likely need to supplement your income by taking on paid teaching assistant or grading duties at the university.
Official Source
For complete details and to verify all requirements, please refer to the scholarship provider's official website.
Visit Official Source