The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 offers
$39,069 per year to support outstanding international and domestic students who wish to pursue a
Master’s by Research or a PhD in Australia.
Table of Contents
- About the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) 2026
- Australian Research Training Program 2026 Benefits
- RTP 2026 Eligibility Requirements
- Fields of Study for Australian Research Training Program
- Scholarship Duration
- RTP Scholarship 2026 Selection Criteria
- Australian RTP 2026 Application Deadline
- How to Apply for Research Training Program 2026
- Official Source
1. About the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) 2026
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is one of the most competitive and respected
fully funded scholarships in Australia. It supports top-performing students who aim to pursue advanced research
degrees at leading Australian universities.
For 2026, the Australian National University (ANU) confirmed the updated RTP Stipend rate:
$39,069 per annum, paid fortnightly. This generous support helps students focus entirely on their research without financial pressure.
2. Australian Research Training Program 2026 Benefits
The RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 offers one of the most comprehensive funding packages:
Financial Support
- $39,069 per year (2026 rate)
- Tax-free stipend
- Paid every two weeks
Additional Support
- Full tuition fee offset (depending on university)
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Thesis allowance
- Relocation allowance for international students
- Paid medical, maternity, and parental leave
3. RTP 2026 Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
- Be enrolled or applying for a Master’s by Research or PhD
- Demonstrate strong academic achievement
- Show high research potential or prior research experience
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree with honors or equivalent
- Meet English language requirements
- Submit a high-quality research proposal
Both international and domestic students may apply.
4. Fields of Study for Australian Research Training Program
The RTP covers nearly all research areas, including:
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science & IT
- Natural Sciences
- Health & Medical Sciences
- Business & Economics
- Environmental & Climate Studies
- Agriculture
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Physical Sciences
- Public Policy & International Relations
Participating universities include: ANU, University of Melbourne, UNSW, Monash, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of Adelaide, and more.
5. Scholarship Duration
- Master’s by Research: Up to 2 years
- PhD: Up to 3.5 years (with possible 6-month extension)
6. RTP Scholarship 2026 Selection Criteria
Selection for the RTP Stipend is competitive and based on:
- Academic excellence
- Quality of previous research
- Published work (if available)
- Supervisor support
- Strength of research proposal
- Alignment with university research priorities
7. Australian RTP 2026 Application Deadline
ANU (Round 2): 15 April 2026
Other universities follow different deadlines, usually between March and October each year.
8. How to Apply for Research Training Program 2026
The application is submitted through participating universities, not the government.
Steps:
- Choose a university offering the RTP
- Select a research program
- Contact a potential supervisor
- Prepare your research proposal
- Apply for admission and scholarship
- Upload required documents:
- CV
- Academic transcripts
- English test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
- Research proposal
- Recommendation letters
- Publications (optional)
Applicants are automatically considered for the RTP at universities such as ANU.
9. Official Source
You can verify the 2026 RTP Stipend details from the official ANU page:
