FormFinder logoFormFinder

Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Application

The federal government's primary scholarship for domestic and international students undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (PhD or Masters by Research) at an Australian university, covering tuition fees and providing a living stipend.

Issuing authority

Department of Education (via individual universities)

Official source

education.gov.au

Cost

Free to apply

Deadline

Varies by university: typically 31 October (domestic Round 1) and 15 April (Round 2)

How to apply

  1. Identify an Australian university and potential research supervisor aligned with your research area.
  2. Check the university's HDR scholarship rounds and deadlines (typically October round for domestic applicants, August round for international).
  3. Apply for admission to the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program through the university's online admissions portal, selecting RTP scholarship consideration as part of that application.
  4. Upload supporting documents: academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and contact details for referees.
  5. Referees receive an automated request — ensure they submit reports at least 2–3 weeks before the scholarship deadline.
  6. Enrolled students applying mid-candidature must submit a separate 'Current Student HDR Scholarship Request' form to their Academic College.
  7. University ranks eligible applicants on academic merit, supervisor availability, and research priority alignment and makes offers.
  8. Accept the scholarship offer through the university's student portal before the specified acceptance deadline.
  9. RTP fee offset and stipend payments commence at the start of the confirmed candidature.

Related topics

RTP scholarshipResearch Training ProgramPhD scholarship AustraliaMasters by research scholarshipHDR scholarshipdomestic postgraduate scholarshipfederal research scholarshipliving stipend PhDtuition fee offset researchAustralian Government scholarship researchhigher degree by research fundingAPA scholarship replacementpostgraduate research funding Australia

Related forms

FormFinder is not affiliated with any Australian government body. Always verify details on official websites. Not legal advice.

Get this form in FormFinder

Download the app to search, save, and get reminders for this form.

Get early access