Australian Government RTP Scholarship for International Students

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship is one of the most prestigious and generous opportunities available to international postgraduate research students. It is designed to support outstanding students in their pursuit of higher-level research degrees such as a Master's by research or a Ph.D. at Australian universities. Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship helps reduce financial barriers by covering tuition fees, offering a generous living stipend, and providing support for additional research-related expenses.

The University of Sydney, as a leading institution in Australia, offers this RTP scholarship to a select number of international students each year. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the RTP scholarship, its benefits, eligibility criteria, the application process, and essential deadlines.

Scholarship Highlights

• Value: The RTP scholarship is valued at up to $143,881 in total, with $41,753 per annum (2025 rate) provided as a living-cost stipend.
• Eligibility: Open to international postgraduate research students.
• Duration: The scholarship is applicable for the entire research degree period, with specific durations based on the length of the research program.
• Coverage: The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

Understanding the RTP Scholarship

The RTP scholarship was introduced to foster postgraduate research and to enable universities to provide financial assistance to students undertaking higher-level research degrees. It plays a critical role in attracting top talent from across the world to Australian universities, allowing them to collaborate with renowned researchers and contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.

The Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship is particularly beneficial for international students who may face financial challenges while pursuing research studies in a foreign country. This scholarship not only alleviates the burden of tuition fees but also provides an annual stipend to cover living expenses, making it possible for students to focus entirely on their research without the added pressure of financial constraints.

Scholarship Benefits

The Australian Government RTP scholarship provides extensive benefits that make it a highly sought-after award for international research students:

1. Stipend: A living stipend of $41,753 per annum (2025 rate), which helps cover basic living costs such as accommodation, food, and transportation while studying in Australia.
2. Tuition Fee Offset: The RTP scholarship includes a tuition fee waiver, ensuring that the recipient does not need to pay for tuition fees throughout the duration of their research degree.
3. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): The RTP scholarship also includes coverage for health insurance under the OSHC scheme, which is a requirement for international students in Australia.
4. Research Support: The scholarship may also provide additional support for research-related expenses such as attending conferences, purchasing research equipment, or conducting fieldwork, depending on the student’s research project and university guidelines.
5. Visa Support: Successful applicants may also benefit from assistance with the costs of their visa application.
6. Duration of Support:
   • 13 months for a one-year master's research program.
   • 25 months for a two-year master's research or Ph.D. program.

These benefits collectively make the RTP scholarship an invaluable asset for international students aiming to pursue research degrees at the University of Sydney.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the RTP scholarship at the University of Sydney, candidates must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. International Postgraduate Research Students: The scholarship is open to international students who are either commencing or currently enrolled in a postgraduate research program (Master’s by research or Ph.D.).
2. Outstanding Academic Record: Applicants must have an exceptional academic background with evidence of research potential. This is typically demonstrated through high GPA scores, research publications, or relevant professional achievements in the field of study.
3. Research Program Enrollment: Candidates must either have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a Master’s by research or Ph.D. program at the University of Sydney.
4. No Limit on Discipline: The RTP scholarship is available across various disciplines and faculties at the University of Sydney, from the humanities to the sciences.
5. Meeting English Language Requirements: All applicants must meet the university’s English language proficiency requirements to be eligible for admission.

The selection process for the RTP scholarship is highly competitive. As such, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate not only strong academic credentials but also a clear research vision and potential contributions to their field.

Application Process

1. Submit an Application for Admission

To be considered for the RTP scholarship, prospective students must first apply for admission to a postgraduate research degree at the University of Sydney. During the application process, there will be a check box where students can indicate that they wish to be considered for the RTP scholarship.

2. No Separate Application Required

Once you have applied for your research program, there is no need to submit a separate application for the RTP scholarship. Simply selecting the appropriate box during your degree application will ensure your eligibility for the RTP funding.

3. Document Submission

Ensure that you submit all mandatory documents along with your research degree application before the submission deadline. This includes:

• Academic transcripts and qualifications.
• Evidence of research potential (e.g., publications, awards).
• Proof of English proficiency.
• A detailed research proposal outlining your intended research topic.

4. Submission Deadlines

Meeting the scholarship submission deadlines is crucial. Students must submit their degree applications before the relevant RTP deadlines to be considered for the scholarship.

For more details and to start application, visit Australian Government RTP Scholarship.

Important Deadlines

The University of Sydney considers applications for the RTP scholarship throughout the year. However, prospective students must adhere to specific deadlines depending on their intended research commencement period. The following timeline applies to the 2025 academic year:

• Research Period 1 and 2, 2025:
  • Submission deadline: 15 September 2025
  • Offers received from: 24 November 2025
• Research Period 3 and 4, 2024:
  • Submission deadline: 21 December 2025
  • Offers received from: 29 February 2025
• Research Period 1 and 2, 2025:
  • Submission deadline: 13 September 2025
  • Offers received from: 22 November 2025
• Research Period 3 and 4, 2025:
  • Submission deadline: 17 December 2025
  • Offers received from: February 2025

It is essential that applicants submit all required documents and ensure their research degree application is complete by these deadlines to be considered for the scholarship.

Selection Process

The RTP scholarship selection process at the University of Sydney involves several stages. After the submission deadline, applications are reviewed based on the following criteria:

1. Academic Excellence: The University assesses candidates' academic performance, focusing on their grades, research potential, and relevant academic achievements.
2. Research Proposal Quality: The strength of the research proposal, its feasibility, and its potential contribution to the field are also considered.
3. Faculty Ranking: Each faculty at the University of Sydney will rank the top candidates for the RTP scholarship, with the top candidates being forwarded for final consideration.
4. Final Review: The University’s scholarship committee will review the final pool of applicants and select the scholarship recipients. Notifications of offers will be sent out following the offer deadlines.

Application Tips

To increase your chances of securing an RTP scholarship, consider the following tips:

1. Start Early: Begin your research degree application and document preparation well in advance of the submission deadline.
2. Craft a Strong Research Proposal: Your research proposal is a critical part of the application. Make sure it is clear, concise, and demonstrates the significance of your proposed research.
3. Highlight Research Potential: If you have published papers, received awards, or participated in relevant research projects, be sure to include these in your application.
4. Secure Strong References: Obtaining strong references from academic supervisors or research mentors who can speak to your research potential is essential.

The Australian Government RTP Scholarship at the University of Sydney is an outstanding opportunity for international postgraduate research students. It provides comprehensive financial support, including a generous living stipend, a tuition fee waiver, and health coverage, making it an attractive option for highly talented researchers from around the globe.

By following the application steps carefully, meeting the eligibility criteria, and submitting your application before the relevant deadlines, you can position yourself for a chance to receive this prestigious scholarship. If you have an exceptional academic background, a strong research proposal, and a desire to contribute to global research, the RTP scholarship could be the perfect opportunity to achieve your academic and professional goals in Australia.

Be sure to start your application process early, and good luck with your scholarship journey!

Click here to visit RTP Scholarship Official Application Page. 

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