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.
Rolling intakes by university — most main rounds close August/October for the following March commencement
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
info How this award actually works
This is a separate, highly competitive application
Government awards like this one run their own selection round against applicants from across the world, and success rates are usually in the low single digits. Lanka Scholar does not administer it and cannot submit it for you. Treat it as a bonus on top of a funded study plan — never as the plan itself.
Who awards it
Australian Government — not Lanka Scholar. We are not the awarding body and cannot grant, reserve or guarantee this award.
How you are considered
Through a separate application round run by the funder, with its own forms, deadlines and shortlisting. You submit it yourself — it is not part of a university admission application.
What it covers
Tuition Offset + AUD 37-40k Stipend. Read the terms carefully: even fully-funded awards rarely cover every cost, and any shortfall is yours to fund.
Where we come in
We help you judge whether this award is worth your time, and build a realistic admission plan that works whether or not you win it.
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
Looking for a scholarship because of the cost?
Then start here instead. Scholarships are competitive, usually partial, and decided by someone else — they are the least reliable way to make studying abroad affordable. Your destination and course choice move the number far more, and both are entirely within your control.
Work out your real number
Tuition, living costs, visa funds and flights for your destination — so you know the gap you are actually trying to close.
Open the cost calculator arrow_forwardSort courses by lowest fee
The full catalogue, cheapest tuition first. Changing course or country saves far more than most awards are worth.
Browse lowest-fee courses arrow_forwardWhat AU actually costs
Tuition, living costs and the total first-year figure for AU, in LKR as well as local currency.
See the cost breakdown arrow_forwardCheck your proof of funds
Every student visa requires you to show funds. Find out what you need before you commit to an application.
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