Australian Government Research Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) | Study in Australia. Apply for fully funded scholarships from this link. Are you dreaming of pursuing a fully funded Master’s or PhD at one of Australia’s world-class universities? The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship for 2026 offers an incredible opportunity for both domestic and international students to undertake postgraduate research with comprehensive financial support. This guide covers everything you need to know about this prestigious scholarship, from eligibility requirements to application deadlines at different universities.
Australian Government Research Scholarship 2026 Details:
| University: | Australian Universities |
| Degree level: | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | Domestic & International |
| Award country: | Australia |
| Last Date: | Different for every University |
What is the RTP Scholarship?
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is the Australian government’s flagship funding scheme for postgraduate research students. Established in 2017, it replaced several previous scholarship programs (APA, IPRS, and RTS) to create a unified system that supports research excellence.
These fully funded scholarships are available at all major Australian universities and provide:
Full tuition fee coverage
Generous living stipends
Additional allowances for relocation and thesis preparation
Health insurance for international students
Types of RTP Scholarships
The RTP scheme includes several scholarship types tailored to different student needs:
1. RTP Stipend Scholarship
Value: $41,753 per annum tax-free (2027 rate) 1
Duration: Up to 3 years for PhD, 2 years for Masters
Coverage: Living expenses with possible relocation allowance
Eligibility: Competitive award based on academic merit for both domestic and international students
2. RTP Fee Offset Scholarship
Value: 100% tuition fees for up to 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master’s) 1
Automatically awarded the RTP Stipend for international students
Includes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
3. RTP Allowances
Relocation: Up to $1,485 for moving to study 7
Thesis allowance: For preparation costs
Paid sick/maternity leave: Available under certain conditions
Many universities also offer equivalent scholarships, like:
University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS) 1
Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPRS) 11
Flinders University AGRTPS 7
Eligibility Criteria (Simplified)
To qualify for an RTP Scholarship, you must generally:
Basic Requirements:
Be applying for or enrolled in a Master’s by Research or PhD program
Demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
Have research experience (publications strengthen your application) 7
For International Students:
Not hold Australian/New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency 7
Meet English language requirements (varies by university)
Intend to commence full-time study in Australia for the first time
For Domestic Students:
Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
Enroll full-time or part-time (stipend amounts differ)
Academic Requirements:
Minimum 80% inthe research components of the previous study 11
Completed at least 4 years of tertiary education
Strong research proposal aligned with university strengths 7
Application Process Step-by-Step
1. Choose Your University and Program
Research which Australian university best matches your research interests. Each institution has different focus areas and application deadlines.
2. Find a Supervisor
Most universities require you to secure a potential supervisor before applying. Contact faculty members in your field with:
Your academic transcripts
CV highlighting research experience
Draft research proposal (500 words recommended) 7
3. Prepare Required Documents
Academic transcripts (certified and translated if not in English)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)
Research proposal (problem statement, methodology)
Curriculum Vitae with publications (limit 5 most relevant) 7
Referee reports (usually 2 academic references) 7
4. Submit Applications
New students: Apply for admission + scholarship simultaneously through the university portals
Current students: A Separate scholarship application is required
Important Deadlines for 2025-26
| University | International Deadline | Domestic Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | 12 Sep 2025 (Research Period 1/2 2026) | 10 Oct 2025 (Research Period 1/2 2026) 1 |
| Flinders University | 18 Aug 2025 | N/A 7 |
| Deakin University | 24 Aug 2025 (2026 intake) | 24 Oct 2025 (2026 intake) 11 |
| University of Adelaide | 31 Jan 2025 (Semester 2 2025) | 8 Jun 2025 (Semester 2 2025) 4 |
Note: Deadlines vary by university and research period – check specific institution websites
Selection Criteria
Applications are competitively assessed based on:
- Academic record (grades, awards)
- Research potential (publications, conference presentations)
- Alignment with university research strengths
- Referee assessments
- Quality of research proposal
At Flinders University, successful 2025 applicants had 5 publications demonstrating research excellence 7.
Benefits Beyond Financial Support
RTP Scholarships offer more than just funding:
Work flexibility: PhD students can work unlimited hours while researching 6
Industry connections: Some programs include 3-month internships 2
Career development: Skills training for academic and non-academic careers
Global network: Connect with international research communities
Working While Studying
International RTP recipients enjoy favorable work conditions:
During research: Unlimited work hours (unlike coursework, studentsare are limited to 48 hrs/fortnight) 6
Minimum wage: $23.23/hour (2025 rate) 6
Popular jobs: Tutoring ($35/hr), research assistance, academic roles 6
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply to multiple universities?
A: Yes! You’re encouraged to apply to several institutions to increase your chances 2
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: No, the RTP has no age restrictions
Q: Can I hold other scholarships?
A: Usually not – total support can’t exceed 75% of the RTP stipend rate 11
Q: What’s the success rate?
A: Highly competitive – Flinders awards only 6 international AGRTPS annually 7
Q: Can I study part-time?
A: Domestic students may, but international students must enroll full-time
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early – Allow 6+ months for supervisor contact and proposal refinement
- Tailor materials – Align your proposal with the university research priorities
- Highlight impact – Emphasize how your research benefits Australia/your home country
- Proofread thoroughly – Errors undermine academic credibility
- Meet deadlines strictly – Late applications typically aren’t considered
The Australian Government RTP Scholarship offers life-changing opportunities for aspiring researchers worldwide. With comprehensive funding, excellent work conditions, and access to Australia’s world-class research facilities, it’s a premier program for postgraduate study. Start preparing your application today to meet upcoming deadlines at your preferred universities!
