Australian Government RTP Scholarships 2027 (Research Training Program)

The RTP (Research Training Program) is an Australian government scheme that gives support to students doing research degrees like Master by Research or PhD. The RTP Scholarships 2027 helps both domestic and international students. Many universities in Australia use RTP to fund research students. This makes RTP one of the most trusted paths for doing research in Australia.

About the RTP Scholarships

RTP replaced older schemes like the APA, IPRS, and RTS starting 1 January 2017. The Australian Government gives funds to universities, and universities then select students to receive RTP support.

Under RTP, students may get:

• Tuition fees offset (so they don’t pay research tuition).
• Stipend (living allowance) for cost of living.
• Allowances for research costs, travel, relocation in some cases.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must be applying to a research degree (Master by Research or PhD) at an eligible Australian university.
• You can be domestic or international depending on university policy.
• You must satisfy English language requirements of the university.
• You must not already have funding covering the same costs (i.e., cannot double-dip)
• Some universities require you to be full time, on-campus. For example, Southern Cross University requires full-time international HDR.

Selection Process

• Universities rank candidates based on academic merit, strength of research proposal, and capacity to carry out the project.
• Sometimes interviews or assessments may be involved. Not all universities use them publicly.
• Universities also check you meet all rules and eligibility.

Scholarship Coverage

• Full tuition fee offset (you don’t pay research tuition).
• Living stipend (tax-free) for support during research period.
• For international students: health cover (OSHC) in many cases.
• Relocation allowance or moving costs sometimes granted (for example at Deakin)
• Research cost allowances, travel to conferences etc in some universities

Example Cases

• At The University of Queensland, the Graduate School Scholarship includes RTP funding, which provides:
  • A monthly living stipend
  • Full tuition fee support for HDR students
• At The University of Melbourne, the Melbourne Research Scholarship combined with RTP offers:
  • 100% tuition fee waiver
  • A living stipend of around AUD 38,500 per year (2027 rate)
• At Deakin University, the RTP provides:
  • AUD 35,550 per year (2027 rate)
  • Tuition fee support
  • Funding duration of up to 3 years for the stipend and up to 4 years for tuition fees
• At Southern Cross University, the RTP includes:
  • AUD 34,315 per year (2027 rate)
  • Funding for up to 3 years and 3 months

Application Deadlines

• Southern Cross University (SCU): Applications close on 31 October 2026.
• Deakin University: Applications for the February 2027 intake close on 23 August 2026.
• University of Western Australia (UWA): Applications open on 1 July 2026 and close on 31 August 2026.

Because each university sets its own schedule, you must check the university you plan to apply to.

How to Apply for Australian government RTP Scholarships

1. Pick a university which offers RTP for your field.
2. Find a supervisor and get approval to work under them (if needed).
3. Prepare research proposal or project plan.
4. Gather documents: transcripts, CV, reference letters, English test score etc.
5. Fill scholarship and admission applications (sometimes same, sometimes separate) at university portal.
6. Submit all documents before deadline.
7. Wait for selection. Universities will assess your profile, proposal, references.
8. If you are offered the award, accept it, enroll in the university.