For students passionate about advancing knowledge through research, Australia offers one of the world’s most significant government-backed scholarship frameworks: the Research Training Program (RTP). Administered through the Australian Government’s Research Block Grants, the RTP provides funding to support domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDRs) — such as PhDs or research-focused Master’s degrees — at eligible Australian universities.
Whether you envision a career in academia, industry research, policy analysis, or development innovation, the RTP can unlock financial support that makes pursuing a research degree in Australia both feasible and attractive.
What Is the Research Training Program?
The Research Training Program (RTP) is part of Australia’s broader Research Block Grants framework, which also includes the Research Support Program. While the Research Support Program helps Australian universities cover systemic research costs, the RTP specifically targets the training and support of research students.
Under the RTP, eligible higher education providers receive government funding they can use to offer scholarships to students undertaking higher degrees by research — including research doctorates and research Masters degrees. These scholarships provide a combination of financial support, including:
- Tuition fee offsets that cover the cost of university research tuition
- Stipends to assist with general living costs
- Allowances for ancillary research-related expenses (such as relocation, printing, or health insurance)
Different universities handle the application and selection process for RTP scholarships themselves. Prospective candidates must therefore contact their chosen institution directly to learn how to apply.
Why This Opportunity Matters
Research degrees are gateways to deep expertise and innovation that shape industries, public policy, and scientific discovery. However, pursuing a higher degree by research (HDR) — such as a PhD or research master’s — can be financially and logistically demanding. Tuition costs, living expenses, health insurance, and the long time commitment required often pose significant barriers to talented researchers.
The Australian Government’s Research Training Program makes advanced research study more accessible by alleviating these financial pressures. RTP scholarships help students focus on their research contributions rather than their costs of living, enabling deeper engagement with their work. Scholarships can cover tuition fees entirely, provide tax-free stipends for living costs, and include useful allowances for ancillary research support — making study in Australia a viable option for both domestic and international candidates.
Moreover, the RTP supports students in training environments that foster collaboration with industry and research end-users, helping bridge academic research with real-world impact. Through partnerships between universities and industry, RTP recipients can gain valuable experience, build professional networks, and enhance their long-term career prospects beyond academia — whether in government, enterprise, or the non-profit sector.
In a global landscape where research excellence is increasingly tied to innovation and socioeconomic progress, the RTP stands as a strategic investment in future leaders and problem-solvers.
How Long Are RTP Scholarships?
RTP scholarships support students for the duration of their research degrees, subject to guidelines and university discretion:
- Research doctorate candidates: Typically supported for 3 to 4 years full-time (or 6 to 8 years part-time)
- Research Master’s candidates: Supported for up to 2 years full-time (or up to 4 years part-time)
The exact period of support is determined by the university offering the RTP scholarship and the rules set out in Australia’s Higher Education Support (Commonwealth Scholarships) Guidelines, which were updated in 2025.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for an RTP scholarship, students must:
- Be enrolled (or intending to enrol) in an accredited research doctorate or research Master’s degree (HDR) at an eligible Australian university
- Meet individual university entry requirements, which typically include academic transcripts, research proposals, and supervisor support
Both domestic and international students can be offered RTP scholarships, though the application, selection criteria, and availability vary by institution. Students may apply for RTP support at multiple universities, and universities may consider prior study, research experience, and publications when selecting recipients.
Because RTP scholarships are administered at the university level, interested applicants should contact the postgraduate research office of their chosen institution to confirm eligibility, specific application dates, and required materials.
How to Apply
RTP scholarships are awarded by eligible Australian higher education providers. Prospective HDR students should:
- Choose an Australian university offering a research doctorate or research master’s aligned with their interests.
- Contact the postgraduate research office for details on the university’s RTP application procedure.
- Submit required documents (e.g., research proposal, academic records, supervisor support) by the university’s deadline.
Learn more about RTP scholarships on the official website. Each university’s process may differ, so early inquiry and preparation are essential.
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