The Research Training Program (RTP) is the Australian Government’s flagship initiative for supporting higher degree by research (HDR) candidates—essentially, students pursuing a research‑focused Master’s degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at an Australian university. Managed by the Department of Education, the RTP consolidates what were once separate scholarship schemes (the Australian Postgraduate Award and the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship) into one streamlined, university‑administered program that serves both domestic and international students alike.
Importantly, the RTP is not a single, centrally run scholarship that you apply for directly through the government. Instead, the government allocates a block grant of RTP funding to each eligible university based on a formula that takes into account the institution’s research income, research output, and the number of research students it supports. Each university then uses its allocation to design its own RTP offerings—deciding how many RTP Fees Offsets, RTP Stipends, and RTP Allowances to award, and to whom. This means that while the RTP is a national program, your experience of applying for it will be shaped largely by the specific university you choose.
Who Funds and Administers the RTP?
The RTP is fully funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Education. Each year, the Department distributes funding to participating higher education providers using a transparent, performance‑based formula. Once a university receives its block grant, it takes full responsibility for administering its own RTP scholarships: setting its own selection criteria (within government‑wide guidelines), running its own application rounds, establishing its own deadlines, and convening its own selection panels to choose the most promising candidates.
Because each institution operates independently, the application process can look quite different from one university to the next. One university might place extra emphasis on publication records, while another might prioritise the originality of your research proposal. Some universities may also set specific quotas for international versus domestic RTP recipients, reflecting their strategic research priorities. This decentralised structure gives you flexibility—but it also means you need to do your homework on each university’s specific rules and timelines.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
While each university has the freedom to tailor its eligibility requirements, there are some universal principles that apply across the board:
- Admission to a research degree: You must have been offered admission (or have a strong pending application) to a PhD or a research‑based Master’s degree at a participating Australian university. In most cases, you will need to have secured in‑principle agreement from a potential supervisor before you can be considered.
- A strong academic track record: Typically, this means holding a first‑class Honours degree, a research Master’s degree, or equivalent research experience that demonstrates your ability to undertake independent, high‑quality research. Publications, conference papers, and relevant professional experience can all strengthen your case.
- Enrolment status: For the RTP Stipend and Fees Offset, you generally need to be enrolled full‑time. Part‑time enrolment is sometimes permitted, but strict rules apply regarding the balance between coursework and research components—so check the fine print.
- International students are welcome: Yes, international candidates are generally eligible for RTP support. However, universities may set separate quotas or additional criteria for international applicants, so it’s essential to confirm the policy at your chosen institution.
- No duplicate scholarships: You cannot hold another scholarship that provides the same type of financial support (e.g., a living stipend from another source) concurrently with the RTP. The program is designed to complement, not duplicate, other forms of funding.
Because every university interprets these criteria through its own research strengths and strategic goals, your best bet is to visit the graduate research page of the university you’re targeting and read their specific eligibility guidelines carefully.
What Does the RTP Cover?
The RTP is built around three core components, though not every successful applicant will receive all three. Here’s a breakdown of what each part offers:
- RTP Fees Offset: This covers some or all of your tuition fees for the research degree. For international students, this is a particularly valuable benefit, since international tuition rates can be substantial. For domestic students, the Fees Offset typically covers the remaining course fees not already covered by the government’s Commonwealth Supported Places.
- RTP Stipend: This is a living allowance paid periodically (usually fortnightly or monthly) to help you cover your day‑to‑day expenses while you devote yourself to full‑time research. The stipend is generally provided for a fixed period that matches the standard duration of your degree—for example, three years for a PhD or two years for a research Master’s. Extensions are possible in limited circumstances (such as parental leave or medical reasons), but they are not guaranteed.
- RTP Allowances: These are additional funds that may cover relocation costs (if you are moving to take up your research place), thesis production expenses, or support for students with a disability. The availability and amount of these allowances vary by university, as each institution decides how to allocate its discretionary funding.
One thing to keep in mind is that the total value and duration of your RTP package can differ between universities—some may offer a higher stipend rate, while others may provide more generous allowances. Always compare the full package, not just the headline stipend amount.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
Applying for an RTP scholarship is a multi‑stage journey, but breaking it down into clear steps can make
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