Australia’s federal government funds doctoral and research master’s students at universities across the country through a single program: the Research Training Program, or RTP. Murdoch University holds one of those allocations — and applications for the 2027 intake are now open to students from every nationality.
The scholarship is fully funded. It covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance of up to $37,000 per year. For international students, the deadline is 30 September 2026. You may also like Gotoh Tokyu Group Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded in Japan.
Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | Murdoch University, Australia |
| Scholarship | Australian Government RTP Scholarship |
| Degree Level | Master’s by Research / PhD |
| Open To | All nationalities |
| Coverage | Fully Covered |
| International Deadline | 30 September 2026 |
| Domestic Deadline | 31 October 2026 |
About the RTP — What It Actually Is
The Research Training Program is an Australian Government initiative that funds postgraduate research students at accredited universities. It’s not a university-specific grant or a privately funded bursary. It’s federal funding, allocated to universities like Murdoch to support both domestic and international researchers.
That distinction carries practical weight. RTP scholarships have consistent federal backing, which means the funding structure is stable and the benefit package is standardized across the duration of the award.
Murdoch University sits in Perth, Western Australia. It draws faculty and researchers from more than 90 countries and ranks above 81% of universities globally across research disciplines. The campus has particular strengths in environmental science, veterinary science, agriculture, business, law, and engineering.
What the Scholarship Covers
Every successful RTP recipient at Murdoch receives:
- Full tuition fee coverage for the duration of the program
- A living allowance of up to $37,000 per year to cover living expenses
- Access to supervision by international researchers and mentors
- Opportunity to contribute to active research projects
The living allowance is the headline benefit. At $37,000 annually, it’s designed to cover basic living costs in Perth without requiring additional income during the research period.
Perth is one of Australia’s more affordable capital cities. Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, housing costs are lower, which makes the stipend more manageable in practice.
Duration
The scholarship length depends on the degree type:
- Master’s by Research: 2 years
- PhD: 3.5 years
Extensions may be possible in certain circumstances, but candidates should plan their research programs to fit within these standard timeframes.
Who Can Apply
For a Master’s by Research or Master of Philosophy:
An undergraduate degree with first or second-class honors from a reputable university is the standard entry requirement.
For a PhD:
Applicants need to demonstrate prior research experience and capability through one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree with first or upper second-class honors
- A master’s degree from a recognized institution that includes a substantial research component
- An equivalent qualification demonstrating research capability and excellence
Both domestic and international applicants are eligible. There are no nationality restrictions on this award.
One point worth noting: the RTP scholarship is competitive. Meeting the minimum academic requirements qualifies you to apply. It doesn’t guarantee selection. The strength of your research proposal and the alignment between your proposed project and Murdoch’s active research areas are both significant factors in the assessment.
Two Deadlines — Know Which One Applies to You
This is where many applicants make an avoidable mistake.
Murdoch operates separate application processes and separate deadlines for international and domestic students:
| Applicant Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| International students | 30 September 2026 |
| Domestic students | 31 October 2026 |
If you’re an international applicant, you have roughly two months less than domestic applicants. Factor that into your preparation timeline now.
How to Apply for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027
The application process at Murdoch runs through the Graduate Research Office. Two separate application forms exist — one for international applicants and one for domestic students. Both are available on Murdoch’s official website.
Steps to follow:
- Identify a suitable research area and supervisor at Murdoch before applying (contacting a potential supervisor in advance is strongly recommended)
- Prepare your academic transcripts, degree certificates, research proposal, and supporting documents
- Complete the correct application form for your applicant category (international or domestic)
- Submit your completed application to the Graduate Research Office by email: graduateresearchdegrees@murdoch.edu.au
Contacting a potential supervisor before submitting is worth emphasizing. Murdoch’s doctoral admissions process benefits significantly from having a faculty member familiar with your research interests before your application reaches the assessment stage. A cold application with no prior faculty contact is at a disadvantage compared to one where a supervisor has already expressed interest.