Australian Government RTP Scholarship 2025-2026 (Masters, PhD): Fully Funded

Are you looking to study in Australia with full financial support? Here's great news applications are now open for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2025-2026. This prestigious scholarship offers full funding to international students pursuing master's or PhD degrees in Australia.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the RTP Scholarship, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply step by step.

About the Australian Government RTP Scholarship 2025-2026

The Research Training Program (RTP) is a fully funded scholarship offered by the Australian Government to both domestic and international students. It supports high-achieving students who are pursuing a master’s by research or a research doctorate (PhD) at participating Australian universities.

The RTP replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) on January 1, 2017. It is administered directly by universities on behalf of the Department of Education.

Key Benefits of the RTP Scholarship

The RTP Scholarship provides several financial benefits to help students focus fully on their research without the burden of financial stress:

Annual stipend of up to AUD $50,291 to cover living expenses.
Full tuition fee offset, meaning you won’t have to pay any tuition fees during your studies.
Additional allowances for relocation, academic publishing, thesis printing, and health insurance for students and their dependents.

Scholarship Duration

Master’s by research: Up to 2 years.
Doctorate by research (PhD): 3 to 4 years (depending on the university's discretion).

Areas of Study

RTP Scholarships are available for all fields of study offered by the participating Australian universities. This includes science, engineering, technology, arts, social sciences, business, health, and more—provided the program is a higher degree by research (HDR).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Australian Government RTP Scholarship, applicants must:

Be an international or domestic student.
Be enrolled or intending to enroll in an accredited higher degree by research (HDR) program at a participating Australian university.
Meet English language proficiency requirements.
Fulfill the eligibility conditions outlined in the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research), specifically Section 1.5.

How to Apply for the RTP Scholarship

Each participating university manages its own application and selection process for the RTP Scholarship. Here’s how to apply:

Choose a participating university offering an HDR program that aligns with your academic interests.
Contact the university’s postgraduate research office for specific guidance on the application process and deadlines.
Submit your application directly to the university before the application deadline, which typically falls between April and October each year.
Make sure to review the university's official guidelines and the Frequently Asked Questions before applying.

Note: A list of eligible Higher Education Providers (HEPs) is available on the Australian Government’s Department of Education website.

Why Study in Australia?

Australia is known for its world-class education, cutting-edge research, and vibrant multicultural communities. Through the RTP Scholarship, you’ll gain access to some of the best research facilities and expert supervision while enjoying the beauty and innovation of Australian universities.

Official Website

For detailed information about the RTP Scholarship, including a list of participating universities and official application links, visit the official Australian Government RTP website.

Conclusion

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2025-2026 presents a unique opportunity for talented students from around the world to pursue fully funded master's and doctoral research degrees in Australia. With generous financial support covering tuition, living expenses, and additional research-related costs, this scholarship empowers students to focus on academic excellence and innovative research.

If you are passionate about advancing your career through research and wish to study at some of the top universities in Australia, now is the time to apply. Don’t miss out on this prestigious opportunity reach out to your chosen university and begin your application journey today.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official RTP website and the university’s postgraduate research office.