Apply for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026–2027 at the Australian National University (ANU). Receive a fully funded research scholarship worth AUD $39,069 per year for Master’s by Research and PhD studies in Australia.
Overview
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious postgraduate research funding opportunities for both domestic and international students.
Administered by the Australian Government through participating universities, the scholarship provides financial support to outstanding students undertaking Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs, including Master’s by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees.
At the Australian National University (ANU), the RTP Scholarship is awarded through highly competitive annual scholarship rounds and offers a generous stipend of AUD $39,069 per year, allowing researchers to focus fully on their academic and research pursuits.
About the RTP Scholarship
The Research Training Program (RTP) was established by the Australian Government’s Department of Education to support postgraduate research training across Australian universities.
The program aims to develop highly skilled researchers capable of contributing to Australia’s innovation, research excellence, and global competitiveness.
Each year, ANU allocates RTP Scholarships to exceptional domestic and international candidates who demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.
Scholarships are awarded through a competitive ranking process based on academic merit and alignment with ANU’s research priorities.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive funding package that supports their research journey at ANU.
Annual Stipend
Recipients receive:
- AUD $39,069 per annum (2026 full-time RTP stipend rate)
- Tax-free stipend payments for eligible students
- Payments made fortnightly
Duration of Funding
The scholarship provides funding for:
- Up to 3.5 years for PhD candidates
- Support during the standard research candidature period
Extension Opportunity
Eligible candidates may receive:
- A six-month extension
- Additional support where approved under scholarship regulations
Additional Advantages
Recipients also benefit from:
- Access to world-class research facilities
- Supervision by leading academics
- Membership in ANU’s research community
- Opportunities for international collaboration
- Professional development and research training
Eligible Study Levels
The RTP Scholarship supports students undertaking:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Research-intensive doctoral programmes across all academic disciplines.
Master’s by Research
Research-focused postgraduate degrees that contribute to academic and professional advancement.
Scholarship Rounds and Deadlines
ANU conducts two major scholarship rounds annually.
Round 1 – International Applicants
- Application Deadline: 31 August each year
- Scholarship Commencement: By 31 March of the following year
Round 1 – Domestic Applicants
- Application Deadline: 31 October each year
- Scholarship Commencement: By 31 March of the following year
Round 2 – International and Domestic Applicants
- Application Deadline: 15 April each year
- Scholarship Commencement: By 31 August of the same year
Round 2 is generally smaller and offers fewer scholarships than Round 1.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the RTP Scholarship, applicants must:
Meet Admission Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements for an ANU Higher Degree Research programme.
Demonstrate Academic Excellence
Selection is based heavily on academic achievement and research potential.
Secure Research Supervision
Candidates must have:
- An appropriately qualified supervisor
- Available research space and resources
- A project aligned with ANU research priorities
Meet RTP Scholarship Conditions
Applicants must comply with:
- Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017
- ANU RTP Policy and Procedures
Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply.
Selection Criteria
Scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive merit-based ranking process.
Assessment typically considers:
Academic Achievement
Strong academic records and outstanding previous qualifications.
Research Potential
Evidence of research capability, publications, research experience, or relevant achievements.
Research Alignment
The proposed research should align with ANU’s strategic research priorities.
Supervisor Support
Availability and endorsement from an eligible ANU supervisor.
Resources Availability
Confirmation that necessary facilities, infrastructure, and resources are available.
Only the highest-ranked applicants receive scholarship offers.
How to Apply
One of the major advantages of the RTP Scholarship is that there is generally no separate scholarship application for new applicants.
Step 1: Choose a Research Programme
Identify a Master’s by Research or PhD programme at ANU.
Step 2: Find a Supervisor
Contact potential supervisors whose expertise aligns with your research interests.
Step 3: Submit Your Admission Application
When completing your Higher Degree Research admission application, indicate that you wish to be considered for:
- Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
- University Research Scholarship (URS)
- Other centrally managed scholarships
Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents
Applicants typically submit:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- Evidence of research experience
- English language test results (if required)
Step 5: Await Scholarship Assessment
Eligible candidates are automatically considered during the scholarship ranking process.
Why Choose ANU?
The Australian National University is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is internationally recognized for research excellence.
Benefits of studying at ANU include:
- Global research reputation
- Leading academic supervisors
- Strong international research networks
- Access to advanced research facilities
- Diverse and inclusive research environment
- Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration
Located in Canberra, Australia’s capital city, ANU provides an ideal environment for academic research and innovation.
Career Opportunities After Graduation
RTP-funded graduates often pursue careers in:
- Academia and higher education
- Scientific research institutions
- Government agencies
- International organizations
- Public policy development
- Industry research and innovation
- Technology and engineering sectors
- Environmental and sustainability research
The scholarship helps researchers develop advanced expertise and contribute to global knowledge creation.
Final Thoughts
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026–2027 at ANU is among the most competitive and prestigious postgraduate research scholarships available in Australia.
With a generous annual stipend of AUD $39,069, access to world-class research facilities, expert supervision, and opportunities for international collaboration, the RTP Scholarship provides exceptional support for aspiring researchers.
Students with strong academic records, clear research goals, and ambitions to contribute to their field are encouraged to prepare early and submit their applications before the relevant scholarship deadlines.
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