Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships 2025–2026

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The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships, administered by the Department of Education under the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, provide fully funded support for domestic and international students, including Nigerians, pursuing Higher Degrees by Research (HDR), such as Master’s by Research and PhD programs, at eligible Australian universities.

Replacing the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) and Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) in 2017, the RTP supports over 1,500 students annually across 40+ participating higher education providers (HEPs).

With a focus on fostering research excellence and industry collaboration, the program delivers graduates equipped for careers in academia and beyond.

For 2025–2026, RTP Scholarships offer stipends up to AUD 52,352, tuition fee offsets, and additional allowances. This guide details eligibility, benefits, application processes, and tips for success for international applicants seeking to study in Australia’s world-class research environment.

Why Choose the RTP Scholarships?

RTP Scholarships are a premier opportunity for research students, offering comprehensive support at Australia’s top universities, ranked among the world’s best (e.g., University of Sydney, ANU, Melbourne). Key benefits include:

• • Fully Funded Support: Covers tuition fees, living costs, and ancillary expenses, enabling focus on research.
  • World-Class Research: Access cutting-edge facilities and supervision at institutions like the University of Melbourne, ANU, and UNSW, with AUD 10 billion in annual research funding across HEPs.
  • Industry Collaboration: Opportunities for internships and partnerships, supported by a 2021–22 Budget initiative incentivizing industry engagement with a 2.0 weighting in RTP funding.

• Global Recognition: Graduates join a network of researchers contributing to fields like STEM, humanities, and medical sciences.
• Cultural Experience: Study in vibrant cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Adelaide, with diverse communities and high quality of life.

Scholars like Chiamaka from Nigeria, who pursued a PhD in environmental science at the University of Adelaide, highlight the program’s role in enabling impactful research without financial burdens.

Program Overview

RTP Scholarships, funded through annual block grants to eligible HEPs under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, support domestic and international students undertaking:

• Master’s by Research: Up to 2 years (full-time) or 4 years (part-time).
• Doctoral Degrees (PhD): 3–4 years (full-time) or 6–8 years (part-time), with a possible 6-month extension for PhDs in approved cases.

The program provides three types of support: RTP Fees Offset (tuition coverage), RTP Stipend (living allowance), and RTP Allowances (ancillary costs). Universities manage application and selection processes, with a 10% cap on funding for international students. The RTP aims to foster research skills, industry collaboration, and career readiness in academia and non-academic sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is governed by Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017 and varies slightly by university. General requirements include:

• • Nationality: Open to all countries, including Nigeria, except New Zealand citizens (unless permanent residents of Australia). International students must hold a valid student visa.
  • Academic Qualifications: A Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honours (or equivalent, e.g., GPA 3.7/4.0) or a Master’s degree with a significant research component. Qualifications in progress are not considered unless completed by the scholarship deadline.

• • Enrollment Status: Enrolled or commencing in an accredited HDR program at an eligible Australian HEP (listed in Tables A and B of HESA). International students must study full-time, on-campus.

• • Income Restrictions: Must not receive another living allowance scholarship exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend rate (e.g., AUD 26,238 for 2025 at AUD 35,000 stipend) for general living costs. Income unrelated to the HDR program is exempt.

• • English Proficiency: Meet university-specific requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5, no band below 6.0, or TOEFL iBT 85). Nigerians educated in English-medium institutions may be exempt.
  • Restrictions: Ineligible if receiving equivalent Commonwealth-funded scholarships for tuition fees or if terminated from a prior HDR program within six months.

Priority is given to first-time HDR students and those with research experience or publications. Indigenous Australian students may receive the maximum stipend rate.

Benefits of the RTP Scholarships

RTP Scholarships provide comprehensive support, with values varying by university and indexed annually from January 1:

• • RTP Fees Offset: Full tuition fee coverage for up to 2 years (Master’s) or 4 years (PhD). Domestic students automatically receive this; international students are capped at 10% of funding.

• • RTP Stipend: Living allowance ranging from AUD 34,752–52,352 per year (2025 rates, tax-free for full-time students). Examples: University of Melbourne (AUD 38,500), University of Adelaide (up to AUD 52,352 for Indigenous students), QUT (AUD 37,010 in 2026). Part-time stipends are taxable (e.g., AUD 18,431 at UNE).

• • RTP Allowances: Up to AUD 3,000 for relocation (e.g., Flinders, Deakin), Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students, and thesis/publication costs.

• • Leave Provisions: Paid sick, parental, cultural, and partner leave, with pro-rata adjustments for part-time students.

Scholars must acknowledge RTP support in publications (e.g., “This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship”).

Participating Universities and Fields of Study

RTP Scholarships are available at over 40 eligible HEPs, including:

• University of Sydney, ANU, University of Melbourne, UNSW, University of Adelaide, Flinders University, QUT, Curtin University, UNE, Deakin University, Monash University, University of Western Australia, Charles Darwin University.
• Fields include STEM (engineering, medical research), humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary studies, with no restrictions on research areas.

Nigerians may prioritize fields like medical research or sustainable development, aligning with regional needs. Applicants must align their research proposal with university priorities and supervisor expertise.

Application Process

RTP Scholarships are administered by individual universities, each with unique processes and deadlines (typically April–October 2025). General steps include:

1. 1. Choose a University and Program: Select an eligible HDR program (Master’s by Research or PhD) and identify a supervisor aligned with your research interests.
   2. Prepare Documents:
      • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (translated if not in English).
      • Detailed research proposal (1,500–2,000 words).
      • CV highlighting research experience, publications, and academic achievements.
      • Two academic reference letters.
      • Proof of citizenship (passport or national ID).
      • English proficiency test scores (if required).
   3. Apply for Admission: Submit an HDR admission application via the university’s online portal (e.g., University of Sydney by August 31, 2025, for international students; UNE by March 31, 2025).

1. 1. Apply for Scholarship: Indicate interest in RTP Scholarships during the admission application or submit a separate scholarship form (e.g., University of Adelaide by June 5, 2025; Flinders by August 18, 2025). Some universities, like Monash, automatically consider applicants.

1. 1. Nomination and Selection: Universities rank applicants based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with institutional goals. Outcomes are announced from July–December 2025 (e.g., UQ by December 15, 2025).

1. 1. Accept Offer: Successful applicants must accept the scholarship and enroll by March 31, 2026, or earlier per university requirements.

Contact university postgraduate research offices (e.g., rhdscholarships@flinders.edu.au) for specific guidance.

Tips for a Successful Application

With competitive selection, these strategies can enhance your application:

• • Contact Supervisors Early: Secure a supervisor’s support by discussing your research proposal 2–3 months before deadlines.
  • Strong Research Proposal: Tailor your proposal to the university’s research strengths and global challenges (e.g., sustainability, health).
  • Highlight Research Experience: Emphasize publications, conference presentations, or industry experience in your CV.

• • Submit Early: Apply 2–3 weeks before deadlines (e.g., August 31, 2025, for ANU international round) to allow time for referee reports.

• Check English Exemptions: Nigerians may be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL if educated in English; verify with the university.

Deadlines and Key Dates for 2025–2026

Deadlines vary by university. Examples for 2025–2026 include:

• • University of Sydney: August 31, 2025 (international), October 31, 2025 (domestic).

• • University of Adelaide: June 5, 2025 (domestic/Indigenous), 2026 round TBA (international).

• • Flinders University: August 18, 2025 (international).

• • Deakin University: August 24, 2025 (international), October 24, 2025 (domestic).

• • UQ: September 22, 2025 (domestic/international onshore), May 18, 2025 (earlier round).

• Outcomes: July–December 2025, with enrollment by March 31, 2026.

Check university websites for exact dates and submit applications early.

Life as an RTP Scholar

RTP scholars study in dynamic cities like Melbourne, Sydney, or Brisbane, accessing world-class research facilities and diverse communities. The stipend (e.g., AUD 38,500 at Melbourne, AUD 37,010 at QUT) supports comfortable living, while industry internships enhance career prospects.

Alternative Opportunities

If ineligible, consider:

• Endeavour Postgraduate Scholarship: For international students pursuing research degrees in Australia.
• University-Specific Scholarships: E.g., Melbourne Research Scholarship, Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship.
• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For Commonwealth citizens studying in the UK.

Conclusion

The Australian Government RTP Scholarships for 2025–2026 offer Nigerians and international students a fully funded opportunity to pursue Master’s by Research or PhD degrees at Australia’s leading universities.

With tuition offsets, stipends up to AUD 52,352, and allowances, the program supports research excellence and industry collaboration.

Applications, managed by individual universities, require strong academic records, research proposals, and early submission (April–October 2025). Prepare now to join a global research community and drive impactful change. Visit www.education.gov.au for more details.

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