Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2027 | Fully Funded Master’s & PhD in Australia

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2027 is one of Australia’s most prestigious fully funded scholarships for domestic and international students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). Funded by the Australian Government, the RTP provides financial support to eligible universities, which then award scholarships to outstanding students enrolled in Research Master’s and Doctoral (PhD) programs.

Unlike many scholarships, applicants do not apply directly to the Australian Government. Instead, they apply through participating Australian universities, each of which manages its own RTP scholarship selection process.

Scholarship Overview

• Host Country: Australia
• Scholarship: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
• Funded By: Australian Government
• Study Level: Research Master’s & PhD (Higher Degree by Research)
• Eligible Applicants: Domestic and International Students
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded
• Application Mode: Through participating Australian universities
• Application Deadline: Varies by university and intake.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the university and scholarship package, RTP recipients may receive:

• Full tuition fee offset
• Annual living stipend
• Research-related allowances
• Thesis and publication support
• Health insurance (where applicable)
• Relocation assistance (at some universities)
• International student support services

For 2026, the Australian Government announced a base RTP stipend of AUD 34,315 per year, with universities able to award up to the published maximum stipend. Stipend rates are indexed annually.

Eligible Degree Programs

The RTP supports:

• Master of Research
• Master by Research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Other eligible Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs approved by participating universities.

Eligible Fields of Study

Students may pursue research in virtually every academic discipline, including:

• Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence
• Computer Science
• Data Science
• Health Sciences
• Medicine
• Public Health
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Climate Change
• Agriculture
• Business
• Economics
• Education
• Law
• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Humanities
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry

The availability of research projects depends on each university and supervisor.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants generally must:

• Meet the admission requirements for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program.
• Hold an appropriate bachelor’s or master’s qualification.
• Demonstrate excellent academic achievement.
• Show strong research potential.
• Meet the English language requirements of the university.
• Satisfy any additional university-specific scholarship requirements.

Scholarship Duration

The RTP normally provides support for:

Research Master’s

• Up to 2 years (full-time)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Between 3 and 4 years (full-time)

Part-time study may also be supported in certain circumstances under university policies.

Participating Universities

Many leading Australian universities offer RTP Scholarships, including:

• The University of Melbourne
• The University of Sydney
• The Australian National University (ANU)
• UNSW Sydney
• Monash University
• The University of Queensland
• The University of Adelaide
• Curtin University
• Griffith University
• Deakin University
• The University of Western Australia
• Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
• Flinders University
• RMIT University
• Macquarie University

Each university has its own application process, eligibility requirements, and scholarship deadlines.

Required Documents

Applicants are commonly required to submit:

• Online application
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Research proposal
• Statement of purpose
• Passport copy
• English language proficiency results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent)
• Letters of recommendation
• Supervisor acceptance (if required by the university)

How to Apply

1. Choose an eligible Australian university offering Higher Degree by Research programs.
2. Identify a suitable research supervisor (if required).
3. Apply for admission to a Research Master’s or PhD program.
4. Submit the RTP scholarship application according to the university’s procedures.
5. Await the scholarship selection outcome.

Applications are submitted through the university, not directly to the Australian Government.

Why Apply for the RTP Scholarship?

The RTP Scholarship is one of Australia’s flagship research funding schemes and offers:

• Comprehensive financial support
• Access to world-class research facilities
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading academics
• Internationally recognized research degrees
• Strong career prospects in academia, industry, and government
• Opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation.

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2027 is among the best fully funded research scholarships available for international students. Covering tuition fees, living expenses, and research support, it enables talented researchers to pursue master’s by research and PhD degrees at Australia’s leading universities. If you are planning a research career in science, engineering, medicine, business, social sciences, or another discipline, the RTP Scholarship is an outstanding opportunity to achieve your academic and professional goals.