A complete guide on how students can apply for Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships in Australia, including eligibility, documents, deadlines, and expert tips.
Step-by-step guide for applying to the prestigious Australian Research Training Program scholarship for postgraduate research.
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is one of the most prestigious funding opportunities for domestic and international students who wish to pursue Research Master’s or PhD programs in Australia. Funded by the Australian Government, Research Training Program provides financial support for tuition fees, living expenses, thesis costs, and health cover (for eligible international students). Because of its competitive nature and high value, thousands of applicants worldwide apply every year.
But the big question is: How can students apply for RTP Scholarships?
This in-depth guide walks you through the entire application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, deadlines, tips to increase your chances, and everything else you need to know to secure an Research Training Program place in 2025 and beyond.
1. What Is an RTP Scholarship?
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government initiative that supports both domestic and international students pursuing:
- Research Master’s (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The program replaced the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) in 2017. RTP funds are distributed to Australian universities, and each university selects eligible candidates based on academic merit and research potential.
2. Benefits of the RTP Scholarship
RTP Scholarships do not have a fixed value because each university sets the amount. Generally, you get:
(a) RTP Fees Offset
Covers 100% tuition fees for the entire program.
(b) RTP Stipend
Provides a living allowance, usually between AUD 30,000–AUD 40,000 per year, tax-free.
(c) RTP Allowances
This includes:
- Relocation allowance
- Thesis allowance
- Research support funds
- Health insurance for international students (OSHC)
- Paid leave entitlements
3. Who Can Apply for RTP Scholarships?
Eligibility varies slightly by university, but the general criteria include:
Academic Eligibility
- A Bachelor’s degree with Honours (First Class or Second Class Upper)
- OR a Master’s degree with a strong research component
- OR equivalent industry/research experience
Research Requirements
- Strong academic transcripts
- A well-written research proposal
- Evidence of research output (optional but beneficial):
- Publications
- Conference papers
- Research projects
English Proficiency
Common tests accepted:
- IELTS
- TOEFL
- PTE
Supervisor Support
Most universities require you to secure a supervisor before applying.
Additional Considerations
- Relevant industry experience
- Academic awards
- High GPA
- Strong references
4. How to Apply for RTP Scholarships: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for Research Training Programis not a single-step process. It involves planning, contacting supervisors, preparing documents, and submitting university applications. Below is the complete roadmap.
Step 1: Identify Your Research Area
Clearly define:
- Your research interests
- The problem you want to solve
- Why it matters
- How your research aligns with Australian research priorities
Tips
- Check university research clusters
- Read faculty profiles
- Explore published papers
- Understand gaps in current research
Step 2: Choose Your University
Research Training Program is available across Australian universities, including:
- University of Melbourne
- Australian National University (ANU)
- University of Sydney
- UNSW
- Monash University
- University of Queensland
- Deakin University
- RMIT University
- University of Western Australia
How to choose wisely
- Check the university’s research rankings
- Ensure your field is strong there
- Look for matching supervisors
- Review scholarship deadlines
Step 3: Contact Potential Supervisors
This is one of the most crucial parts of the process. Without supervisor support, your chances are very low.
How to find supervisors
- University research pages
- Staff directories
- Google Scholar
- ResearchGate
How to email supervisors (structure)
Subject Line: Prospective PhD Student Seeking Supervision – RTP Scholarship
Email Body:
- Introduce yourself
- Mention your academic background
- Explain your research interest
- Briefly describe your proposed study
- Attach CV + research proposal
- Ask if they are accepting new students
Step 4: Prepare Required Documents
(Complete list is provided in section 5.)
Create strong, professional, plagiarism-free documents that reflect your academic capability and research potential.
Step 5: Submit the University Application
You apply through each university, not directly to the Australian Government.
Application components usually include:
- Research proposal
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Supervisor acceptance
- Reference letters
Some universities require:
- Online interview
- Additional writing samples
Step 6: Apply for the RTP Scholarship
In most universities, RTP is an automatically considered scholarship, meaning your admission application also serves as an RTP application. But some universities require a separate scholarship form.
Make sure to check:
- RTP deadlines
- Separate application requirements
- Supporting documents timeline
Step 7: Wait for the Result
Results are usually announced:
- February–March (Round 1)
- July–October (Round 2)
If selected, you will receive:
- Offer letter
- RTP conditions
- Scholarship value details
5. Required Documents for RTP Application
Here is a complete checklist:
Academic Documents
- Bachelor’s transcripts
- Master’s transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Grading system details
Research Documents
- Research Proposal (2,000–3,000 words)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Detailed CV (Academic Resume)
- Writing sample or publications (optional but beneficial)
Supervisor Documents
- Email confirmation of supervision
- Research alignment statement
English Proficiency
- IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score report
Recommendation Letters
- Usually 2-3 academic referees
Other Documents
- Passport
- Work experience certificates (if applicable)
- Proof of achievements
6. How to Choose the Right University for RTP
When selecting a university, consider:
1. Research Capability
Look for institutions with strong research output in your field.
2. Supervisor Expertise
Your supervisor directly influences your success.
3. Scholarship Competitiveness
Some universities offer higher RTP stipends.
4. Location
Cost of living varies significantly across Australian cities.
5. Facilities
Advanced labs, libraries, and research centers help accelerate your work.
7. How to Contact Potential Supervisors: Complete Guide
What to Do
- Read the supervisor’s latest work
- Personalize your email
- Highlight your research capability
- Attach relevant documents
What Not to Do
- Sending generic emails
- Writing long paragraphs
- Asking irrelevant questions
- Using casual language
8. Tips to Increase Your Chance of Winning an RTP Scholarship
1. Maintain a high GPA
Top universities select applicants with strong academic performance.
2. Publish Research Papers
Not mandatory, but highly helpful.
3. Write a Strong Research Proposal
Clearly define:
- Research problem
- Gap in literature
- Methodology
- Expected outcome
4. Secure a Strong Supervisor
This boosts your application significantly.
5. Prepare a Powerful SOP
Describe:
- Why this field?
- Why this university?
- Why you are the best candidate?
6. Submit Early
Last-minute submissions may harm your chances.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak research proposal
- Sending generic supervisor emails
- Poorly written SOP
- Missing deadlines
- Incomplete documents
- Lack of academic focus
10. Country-Specific Guidance
For Indian Students
- Strong academic transcripts help
- Publications in UGC or Scopus journals add value
For African Students
- Emphasize leadership and research experience
For Middle Eastern Students
- Industry experience strengthens your application
For Asian Students
- Highlight academic excellence and innovation
11. RTP for Master’s vs PhD
Master’s (MPhil)
- Duration: 2 years
- Requires smaller research scope
- Competitiveness: Moderate
PhD
- Duration: 3–4 years
- Requires strong research background
- Competitiveness: High
12. RTP Deadlines
Every university sets its own deadlines, usually:
- August–October (for next year intake)
- Some have rolling applications
Always check your chosen university’s timeline.
13. Selection Criteria Explained
RTP applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Supervisor support
- Publications
- Relevance to industry or national priorities
- Quality of research proposal
14. Sample Research Proposal Structure
- Title
- Introduction
- Research problem
- Literature review
- Research questions
- Objectives
- Methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Timeline
- References
15. Common Interview Questions for Research Training Program
- Why do you want to pursue this research?
- What is the research gap you identified?
- Why this university?
- How will you conduct your research?
- What are your long-term goals?
Also Read: How Can International Students Secure Canada Government Scholarships in 2025?
Sources
16. FAQs
1. Is RTP fully funded?
Yes, it typically covers full tuition and provides a stipend.
2. Can international students apply?
Yes, RTP is open to both domestic and international students.
3. Do I need publications to win RTP?
Not mandatory, but helpful.
4. What GPA is required?
A high distinction or equivalent is preferred.
5. Can I apply to multiple universities?
Yes, you can apply to as many as you want.
6. Is supervisor acceptance required?
In most cases, yes.
7. How long is the scholarship valid?
Usually 3–4 years for PhD, 2 years for Master’s.
8. Do I need work experience?
Not compulsory but beneficial.
Applying for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a competitive yet achievable goal for students dedicated to pursuing research excellence in Australia. The key to success lies in early planning, strong documentation, securing a supervisor, and submitting a compelling research proposal.
With dedication, academic excellence, and the right strategy, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving this prestigious scholarship.