The Australian Government Research Training Program scholarships are Australian government-financed scholarships available to domestic and international students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Research and a Doctorate degree in research at the university. It replaced the Australian Postgraduate Awards, Research Training Scheme and International Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
The scholarship, which has come to the aid of hundreds of thousands of outstanding students, covers tuition fees and provides stipends to students as well as the additional cost that comes with research degrees.
The Research Training Program (RTP) helps equip students with the necessary expertise to excel in their fields.
Why RTP?
The Australian Government Research Training Program was introduced to assist international students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research at any of the 42 participating Australian universities. The program assists HDR students, both domestic and international, by providing them with some form of financial aid.
Additionally, the program aims to equip students to excel in their respective fields.
Types of RTP Scholarships and Benefits
- Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset
The RTP Fees Offset settles or cancels the full tuition fees of a higher degree by research (HDR) student. This form of scholarship is not an allowance given to the student but rather prevents scholars from paying fees entirely.
An accredited university is expected to fully take away the scholar’s tuition fees.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend
This form of scholarship provides allowances to cater for expenses such as transportation, food, accommodation, and other needs of HDR students.
- Research Training Program (RTP) Allowances
The RTP Allowances is there to cater for the secondary costs of HDR Students. Examples of such additional expenses are the cost of relocating to start a Higher Degree by Research, the printing of HDR thesis, the cost of publishing academic work, etc.
In the case of married international students, the RTP Allowances provides an international Student Health Cover policy that protects both the student and their spouse and children.
NB: Students can be offered either one or more of the above scholarships.
Duration of RTP Support
- A maximum of two (2) years for students pursuing a Master’s Degree in Research. NB; certain universities have extended the support period to 2 years and 6 months due to the outbreak of covid-19.
- A minimum of three (3) years and a maximum of four (4), depending on the university for students pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Research. Certain universities have temporarily increased the maximum duration of support to 4 years and 6 months due to covid-19.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a domestic or international student
- Must be admitted for a Higher Degree by Research at any of the 42 participating universities.
- You can only be eligible for an RTP Stipend if you don’t receive any other stipend from elsewhere to cater for your living costs.
- You can only be eligible for an RTP Fees Offset if you are not benefitting from a similar scholarship for HDR students in relation to tuition fees from the Commonwealth.
- Students from all countries in the world are eligible.
How To Apply
The process students must follow to apply for an RTP scholarship varies from university to university. Participating universities have the remit to select qualified scholars using their own application process.
Interested applicants of the scholarships must first find out from their preferred university what the application process is.
Application Deadline
Find out from your university what the application deadline is. This is because applications’ opening dates and closing dates vary from one university to the other.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q1. Are international students eligible for the RTP?
Yes! The Australian Government Research Training Program is available to both domestic and international students.
Q2. Is there a limit on the number of times I can apply for the RTP?
No! There is no limit on the number of times and universities one can apply for a Research Training Program (RTP). You are at liberty to apply to as many universities as you want.
Q3. Is it possible to keep my RTP funding after transferring to another university?
You can always transfer to another university if you wish to. However, the decision to either continue the RTP or not depends solely on the university you are transferring to.
Q4. How do I apply for the Australian Government RTP?
Applications for RTP must be made directly to any of the 42 participating universities. Hence find out from your university on how to apply for either an RTP Fees Offset, Stipend or Allowance.
Also, find out from your university the deadline dates for applications as dates vary from university to university.
Q5. Am I entitled to leave while on an RTP support?
Yes! Students on RTP support are entitled to sick, and recreation leave each year. Twenty days for recreation leave and ten days for sick leave.
However, students should note that leave approval depends on the university; hence, they must consult the university’s research office on how to go about it.