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The Research Training Program (RTP) provides block grants to higher education providers (HEPs) to support both domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate and research masters degrees, known as higher degrees by research (HDRs). Funding is provided on a calendar year basis.

The objectives of the RTP are to:

provide flexible funding arrangements to support training domestic students and overseas students undertaking HDRs at Australian HEPs
deliver graduates with the skills required to build careers in academia and other sectors of the labour market
support collaboration between HEPs and industry and other research end-users.

Students can be offered RTP scholarships for one or more of the following:

An RTP Fees Offset pays for the tuition fees of a higher degree by research (HDR) student that would otherwise have been paid by the student. This requires that a university to fully offset tuition fee applicable for a student. This is not a stipend.
An RTP Stipend to assist students with their living costs while undertaking a higher degree by research.
RTP Allowances to assist students with ancillary costs of a higher degree by research (HDR). This includes relocation costs to undertake a HDR, HDR thesis printing and academic publication costs and health cover costs for recipients and their dependents.

From 1 January 2017, the RTP replaced the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS), and the Research Training Scheme (RTS).

RTP scholarship periods of support

RTP scholarships are available for a minimum of 3 years and up to a maximum of 4 years at the discretion of the HEP for students undertaking a research doctorate at a full-time student load, and for a minimum of 6 years up to a maximum of 8 years for research doctorate students studying at a part-time student load.

For students undertaking research masters, RTP scholarships are available for up to 2 years for students studying at a full-time student load, and for up to 4 years for those studying at a part-time student load.

RTP scholarship applications

RTP scholarships are administered by individual HEPs who each have their own application and selection processes. Students need to contact HEPs directly to discuss how to apply for an RTP scholarship. Prospective students may choose to apply for an RTP scholarship at more than one HEP.

RTP Stipend rate

As of 2024, the Full-time base RTP stipend rate is $32,192 and Full-time max RTP stipend rate is $50,291

How to apply for an RTP place?

Applications for a new RTP stipend, allowance or fees offset need to be made directly to a eligible university. are responsible for managing the RTP application, selection and offer process. Students need to approach the scholarship office at their chosen university for direction on how to apply for the RTP and key deadline dates.

The Guidelines provide the legislative basis for universities to deliver the RTP scheme.

Information on commencing a postgraduate research degree and university course choices can be found on the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website. The Study Assist website is another source of information for students seeking Australian Government assistance for financing tertiary study.