Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program (RTP) is the Australian Government's primary funding scheme for higher degrees by research (HDR). Federal money is distributed annually to 41 eligible Australian universities, which in turn award RTP scholarships to admitted PhD and Master's-by-Research candidates. International applicants compete in a smaller pool — universities can spend up to 10% of their RTP allocation on international scholarships — so the bar is high.
Australian Government
Government-funded
emoji_events Award Overview
Stipend (2026 rates)
AUD 37,000-40,000/yr (tax-free)
Duration
Up to 2 yrs (Master's) / 4 yrs (PhD)
Extras
Full Fee Offset + Relocation + OSHC
fact_check Eligibility Criteria
First-Class Bachelor's or Master's
A research-track academic record — typically a First-Class Honours degree, or a Bachelor's plus a research Master's with strong publications/thesis. Sri Lankan applicants with University of Colombo / Peradeniya / Moratuwa research credentials are well-positioned.
Confirmed Supervisor
You must identify and secure agreement from a potential supervisor at the host Australian university BEFORE applying for the scholarship. The supervisor's endorsement is central to the application.
English Proficiency
IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) is the typical minimum; some universities and disciplines (humanities, education) require IELTS 7.0+.
Research Output
Competitive applicants usually have at least one peer-reviewed publication or a strong research Master's thesis. Conference papers and industry research reports strengthen the case.
account_tree Application Process
Find a research group and supervisor
Identify Australian universities active in your research area and email 2-3 potential supervisors with your CV, research interests, and a one-page proposal. Securing a supervisor in principle is the first real step.
Apply for HDR admission AND for RTP funding
Submit a single application to the university that covers both admission to the PhD/Master's-by-Research programme and consideration for RTP funding. Some universities require a separate scholarship application form.
Meet the funding-round deadline
Main international RTP rounds usually close in August (for the next-year main round) and a second round in October-November. Specific deadlines vary by university — check each individually.
Award notification
Outcomes are typically released 2-4 months after the deadline. Successful candidates receive a stipend offer with start dates in the following March (Australian academic year start).
About the RTP
Australia hosts seven universities in the QS Top 50 and is one of the top three global destinations for research migration. RTP scholarships are competitive but well-funded — the tax-free stipend approaches a junior researcher salary, and the 485 Temporary Graduate Visa lets PhD graduates stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years post-study.
41
Eligible Australian Universities
~10%
RTP Allocation to Internationals
AUD 39,500
Indicative 2026 Stipend
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