This page provides information for students about Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships to undertake a higher degree by research (HDR) at an eligible Australian higher education provider (university), under the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017 (Guidelines).
On this page:
About the RTP
1. What is the RTP?
The RTP is a research block grant program that provides funding to eligible Australian universities to support their training of domestic and international students undertaking research doctorate and research masters degrees, known collectively as higher degrees by research (HDRs).
2. What forms of support can RTP recipients receive?
A university may provide one or more of the following types of support to an RTP scholarship recipient:
- Fees offset – this requires a university to fully offset the higher degree by research (HDR) tuition fees applicable for a student
- Stipend – to assist students with their living costs while undertaking a HDR
- Allowances – to assist students with the ancillary costs of a HDR. Examples include relocation costs to undertake a HDR, HDR thesis printing and academic publication costs, or Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) costs for international students and their dependents.
See paragraph 1.6.1 of the Guidelines for further information.
3. What are the deadlines and how do I apply for an RTP scholarship?
Universities are responsible for the application, selection and offer processes for RTP scholarships. To apply for an RTP scholarship, contact your chosen eligible Australian university directly.
4. Can I apply for an RTP scholarship at more than one university, or more than once at the same university?
You can apply for an RTP scholarship at more than one university, or more than once at the same university.
However, in determining its selection process for RTP scholarships, a university may consider previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referee reports, and other factors.
Each university decides its application, selection, and offer process which must be detailed in its RTP scholarship policy, which you can view on the university’s webpage.
If you have any additional questions, you should contact the postgraduate research office of your chosen eligible Australian university.
RTP eligibility
5. What are the eligibility criteria for RTP scholarships?
To be eligible for an RTP scholarship (whether receiving an RTP fees offset, stipend or allowance), you must be a domestic or international student enrolled in an accredited research doctorate or research masters degree (also known as higher degrees by research (HDRs) at an eligible Australian university.
Additionally, to be eligible for an RTP stipend, you must not be receiving income from another source to support your living costs if that income is greater than 75% of your RTP stipend rate and is related to your course of study.
To be eligible for an RTP fees offset, you must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Australian Government that is designed to offset your HDR fees.
See paragraph 1.5 of the Guidelines for further information.
Universities have the discretion to award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. Contact the postgraduate research office at your chosen eligible Australian university and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
If you meet the eligibility criteria specified in the Guidelines, you can apply for an RTP scholarship. However, universities can apply their own selection criteria. You can read information regarding application, selection and offer processes for RTP scholarships in the university’s RTP scholarship policy.
6. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship if I am enrolling in a bachelor or masters coursework degree?
No. To be eligible for an RTP scholarship you must be undertaking a research doctorate or research masters degree, known as a higher degree by research (HDR), for which at least two-thirds of your time must be spent on research at an eligible Australian university.
7. I will be studying part-time. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship?
The Guidelines do not restrict part-time students from being eligible for RTP scholarships.
However, the application, selection, and offer processes for RTP scholarships are at the discretion of each eligible Australian university. A university may decide to only award RTP scholarships to part-time students under specific circumstances.
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the eligible Australian university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
8. I have not attained an undergraduate degree with first class honours. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship?
The Guidelines do not require students to have received first class honours to be eligible for an RTP scholarship.
However, eligible Australian universities award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. In determining its selection process, a university may take into consideration previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referees' reports and other research experience.
Universities may also wish to give priority to a certain class of students such as students undertaking research in a particular discipline or emerging area of research strength, or students who achieved specific marks in their previous degree(s).
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
9. I hold a research degree from an overseas university. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship?
The Guidelines do not restrict students who hold a research degree from an overseas university from eligibility for an RTP scholarship.
However, eligible Australian universities award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. In determining its selection process, a university may take into consideration previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referees' reports and other research experience.
Universities may give priority to a certain class of students such as students undertaking research in a particular discipline or emerging area of research strength, or students who are undertaking a research degree for the first time.
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
10. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship if I have previously completed a HDR?
The Guidelines do not restrict students who have previously completed a higher degrees by research (HDR) from eligibility for an RTP scholarship.
However, eligible Australian universities award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. In determining its selection process, a university may take into consideration previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referees' reports and other research experience.
Universities may give priority to a certain class of students such as students undertaking research in a particular discipline or emerging area of research strength, or students undertaking a HDR for the first time.
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
11. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship if I choose to undertake a HDR at an overseas university?
No. To be eligible for an RTP scholarship you must be enrolled at an eligible Australian university.
See subparagraph 1.5(1) of the Guidelines for further information.
12. I plan to live overseas while studying at an Australian university. Am I eligible for an RTP scholarship?
The Guidelines do not restrict an RTP supported student from living offshore while studying at an eligible Australian university.
However, universities award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. In determining its selection process, a university may take into consideration previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referees' reports and other research experience. Universities may also wish to give priority to a certain class of students such as students undertaking research in a particular discipline or emerging area of research strength, or students undertaking a higher degree by research (HDR) on campus and/or in person.
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
13. I have received an RTP scholarship in the past but withdrew from the degree prior to completion. Can I apply for another RTP scholarship?
The Guidelines do not prevent you from being awarded an RTP scholarship for an additional degree if you have previously received an RTP scholarship.
However, eligible Australian universities award RTP scholarships as a result of a competitive selection process, the nature of which is determined by the university. In determining its selection process, a university may take into consideration previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referees' reports and other research experience.
Universities may also wish to give priority to a certain class of students such as students undertaking research in a particular discipline or emerging area of research strength, or students undertaking higher degree by research (HDR) study for the first time.
If you have any additional questions, you should directly contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
RTP period of support and transfers
14. What is the period of support for RTP scholarships?
The following minimum and maximum periods of support apply to RTP scholarships:
| Degree | Student load | Minimum period of support | Maximum period of support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reseach doctorate | Full-time | 3 years | 4 years |
| Research doctorate | Part-time | 6 years | 8 years |
| Research masters | Full-time | - | 2 years |
| Research masters | Part-time | - | 4 years |
Eligible Australian universities have discretion to determine the exact periods of support they offer within these limits.
A student's maximum period of RTP scholarship support is calculated from the student's higher degree by research (HDR) course commencement date, which may or may not have occurred at a previous university, and may or may not have been supported through the RTP.
If you have any additional questions, you should contact the postgraduate research office at the university you wish to study at and/or consult the university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
15. Can the duration of my RTP scholarship be extended?
RTP scholarship support must be provided for a minimum of 3 years and up to a maximum of 4 years for a student studying a research doctorate at a full-time student load, and for a maximum of two years for a student studying a research masters at a full-time student load. These durations are doubled for students studying part-time.
Eligible Australian universities have the discretion to award RTP scholarships for any period of time within these stated ranges and cannot provide extensions of RTP support beyond the maximum durations.
A student's maximum period of RTP support is calculated from the student's higher degree by research (HDR) course commencement date, which may or may not have occurred at a previous university, and may or may not have been supported through the RTP.
If you have further questions regarding extensions to your support, about your RTP scholarship or financial support more generally, you should directly contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your university’s RTP scholarship policy.
See paragraph 1.6.5 of the Guidelines for further information.
16. Can I suspend my RTP scholarship?
Eligible Australian universities must provide information regarding suspensions of RTP scholarships in their RTP scholarship policy.
If you have questions regarding suspending your RTP scholarships and/or higher degree by research (HDR) study, you should directly contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your university’s RTP scholarship policy.
See also subparagraph 1.6.45(5) of the Guidelines for further information.
17. Can I take leave while receiving an RTP stipend?
RTP recipients are entitled to a range of different types of paid and unpaid leave, including recreation leave, sick leave, additional sick leave, and maternity leave. Students may also be entitled to parental leave.
See paragraph 1.6.15 of the Guidelines and your eligible Australian university’s RTP scholarship policy for details of leave entitlements for RTP stipend recipients.
If you have additional questions regarding leave entitlements, you should contact your university’s postgraduate research office.
18. Is my RTP scholarship period of support extended when I take leave?
A student’s RTP scholarship period of support will be increased by the length of any periods of additional sick leave, maternity leave or parental leave approved by their eligible Australian university.
Periods of support are not extended by a suspension of study, which may also be referred to as a leave of absence. A student’s RTP scholarship may instead be effectively paused during that time.
If you have additional questions regarding RTP scholarship periods of support, you should contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your university’s RTP scholarship policy.
Paragraph 1.6.5 of the Guidelines provides further details on RTP scholarship periods of support and the impact of periods of leave.
19. Can I transfer to another university and keep my RTP scholarship?
You may transfer from one eligible Australian university to another, subject to the new university accepting you and agreeing to the continuation of the RTP scholarship.
The decision to grant approval for the transfer of an RTP student, and the process by which this is managed, is at the discretion of the two universities in question. There is no transfer of funding between universities so the new university must have sufficient RTP funds available to support you. Universities must include information on both outgoing and incoming transfers of RTP scholarships in their RTP scholarship policy.
Additionally, the maximum period of support for an RTP scholarship is based on the student’s course of study commencement date at their first university. This means that the length of your RTP scholarship will not be reset or extended upon transfer to a different university.
If you have additional questions regarding transferring an RTP scholarship, you should directly contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your university’s RTP scholarship policy.
See subparagraph 1.6.45(8)(b) of the Guidelines for further information.
RTP scholarship amounts
20. How much are RTP fee offsets?
Eligible Australian universities are responsible for the administration of RTP scholarships, including determining the amount required to remove a student’s liability for tuition fees through an RTP fees offset. As such, the ‘amount’ of an RTP fees offset will vary between universities and potentially between research areas.
As per paragraph 1.6.35 of the Guidelines, universities are required to inform students of the estimated value of each type of RTP scholarship support awarded in their RTP offer letter.
If you have additional questions about the value of your RTP fee offset, you should directly contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
21. What is the current RTP stipend rate?
RTP stipend rates are published on the RTP webpage.
As per subparagraph 1.6.20(1) of the Guidelines, eligible Australian universities must provide a student selected to receive an RTP stipend a stipend rate that is at least equal to the base full-time RTP stipend rate and no more than the maximum full-time RTP stipend rate. Universities have discretion to offer any rate within this range using RTP funding.
For part-time students, the RTP stipend rate is 50% of the full-time rate offered by the university.
See paragraph 1.6.10 of the Guidelines, directly contact your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult its RTP scholarship policy for further information.
22. I am receiving an RTP stipend. Can I receive another scholarship or award related to my current course of study?
The Guidelines do not prevent RTP recipients from receiving additional financial support or awards. However, as per subparagraph 1.5(2) of the Guidelines, to continue to be eligible for an RTP stipend, you must not receive income from another source to support your general living costs if that income is related to your course of study and is greater than 75% of your RTP stipend rate.
If you think this condition may apply to you, you should approach your eligible Australian university’s postgraduate research office to discuss your individual circumstances.
See subparagraph 1.5(2) of the Guidelines and your university's RTP scholarship policy for further information.
23. What can I do if I receive another scholarship or award related to my current course of study that is greater than 75% of my annual RTP stipend rate?
You should discuss this with your university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult your eligible Australian university’s RTP scholarship policy for further information.
24. I am receiving an RTP stipend and working part-time in a job unrelated to my studies. How much can I earn through paid employment?
Subparagraph 1.6.45(7) of the Guidelines requires eligible Australian universities to include provisions in their RTP scholarship policy that identify the circumstances in which they will approve a student awarded an RTP stipend to undertake work outside of their HDR.
As these provisions may differ between universities, you should check your university's RTP scholarship policy as you may need to seek approval before commencing work outside of your HDR.
25. Is my RTP stipend taxable?
Full-time RTP stipends are considered tax exempt, provided they meet the additional criteria outlined by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Part-time RTP stipends are taxable.
For information regarding taxation refer to the Australian Taxation Office’s scholarship payments webpage or contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
RTP acknowledgement
26. How do I acknowledge the Commonwealth’s contribution in publications?
If you receive an RTP fees offset, RTP stipend or RTP allowance, you are required to acknowledge the Commonwealth’s contribution in research publications.
The acknowledgement must include mention of your support through an ’Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.’
An example acknowledgement statement would be, ‘This research is supported by an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship doi.org/10.82133/C42F-K220.’
See paragraph 1.6.55 of the Guidelines or contact your eligible Australian university’s postgraduate research office and/or consult its RTP scholarship policy for further information.
27. How do I reference my RTP scholarship in my ORCID profile?
The RTP can be referenced in your ORCID profile by including the RTP’s DOI: doi.org/10.82133/C42F-K220
International students
28. Can I apply for an RTP scholarship if I am an international student?
To be eligible for an RTP Scholarship (whether RTP Stipend, RTP Fees Offset, or RTP Allowance), a student must be a domestic student or an international student enrolled in an accredited research doctorate or research masters degree at an eligible Australian university.
In administering RTP scholarships, universities may only spend up to 10% of their RTP funding per grant year on providing scholarships to international students.
As universities are responsible for the application, selection, and offer process for RTP scholarships, we suggest contacting the postgraduate research office at your chosen eligible Australian university to discuss the availability of RTP for international students.
29. How do I apply for an RTP scholarship as an international student?
Universities are responsible for the application and selection processes and deadlines for RTP scholarships, so you will need to contact your chosen eligible Australian university's postgraduate research office directly to discuss how to apply.
30. What are the English language/IELTS requirements for the RTP?
Universities are responsible for the application and selection processes for RTP scholarships, so you will need to contact your chosen eligible Australian university's postgraduate research office directly to enquire about any English language or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirements that may apply. You may also wish to consult your chosen eligible Australian university’s RTP scholarship policy.
31. I am an international student receiving an RTP stipend. Am I eligible for the Child Care Subsidy?
You should contact Services Australia for assessment of your eligibility for the Child Care Subsidy.
You can contact Services Australia by visiting the Services Australia website, or by visiting your local Services Australia Service Centre.
32. I am an international student applying for a visa to study in Australia and have been awarded an RTP scholarship. What do I put in the funding section of my application?
Questions regarding visas should be directed to the Department of Home Affairs. Your eligible Australian university’s postgraduate research office may also be able to assist you.
33. Can I apply for an RTP scholarship if I want to do a bachelor or masters coursework degree in Australia?
No. To be eligible for an RTP scholarship, a student must be enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research (HDR) course of study (research doctorate or research masters) at an eligible Australian university. Coursework degrees, such as bachelor degrees, do not qualify as a HDR and are therefore excluded from RTP eligibility.
34. Where can I find further information about government financial assistance or other scholarships to undertake a postgraduate research degree in Australia?
We suggest contacting the scholarship office at your eligible Australian university directly to discuss other forms of support that might be available while you complete your studies.
For international students, the Department of Education's Financial assistance for international students webpage may be useful in providing information about other scholarships that may be available to you.
Further information
35. Where can I find further information about government financial assistance or other scholarships to undertake a postgraduate research degree in Australia?
We suggest contacting the scholarship office at your chosen eligible Australian university directly to discuss other forms of support that might be available while you complete your studies.
If you are a domestic student, the StudyAssist website may also be useful in providing information about other forms of support that may be available to you.
For international students, the Department of Education's Financial assistance for international students webpage may be useful in providing information about other scholarships that may be available to you.
36. Where can I find information on what postgraduate research degrees are available in Australia?
The ComparED website provides a broad range of information about Australian universities, course options and postgraduate research. The ComparEd website is informed by reliable and robust Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) survey response data.
Additionally, the Study Australia website may also be useful in providing information about programs available to you.
Please note that only certain eligible Australian universities can offer RTP scholarships. The above websites include other higher education providers that may not offer RTP scholarships.
37. Where can I find more information about the RTP?
Additional information regarding the RTP can be found on the RTP webpage.
You may also wish to contact your current university or the eligible Australian university you wish to study at and/or consult their RTP scholarship policy for information specific to that university.