Fully Funded RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 in Australia Now Open for Applications

If you’re planning to pursue a research degree in Australia and need financial support for your living expenses, the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 offers an excellent opportunity. Funded by the Australian Government, this prestigious scholarship provides eligible research students with an annual stipend of AUD $38,000 to help cover living costs while completing a higher degree by research.

The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students enrolled in eligible research programs at CQUniversity Australia.

Scholarship Overview

Host Country

Australia

University

CQUniversity Australia

Scholarship Name

Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship

Funding Type

Research Scholarship

Annual Value

AUD $38,000

Duration

Up to 3 Years

Number of Awards

5 Scholarships

Application Status

Open

Application Deadline

31 December 2026

What is the RTP Stipend Scholarship?

The Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship is an Australian Government initiative designed to support postgraduate research students by providing financial assistance throughout their studies.

Rather than covering tuition alone, the scholarship primarily helps recipients manage their daily living expenses, allowing them to focus on producing high-quality research without significant financial pressure.

For eligible domestic students, an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship is also provided, eliminating tuition fee obligations without requiring a separate application.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive several valuable benefits, including:

AUD $38,000 annual living allowance

Payments made fortnightly through the university payroll system

Funding available for up to three years

Opportunity to focus on full-time research with financial support

Domestic recipients also receive an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship, covering eligible tuition costs

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, applicants must:

Be either a domestic or international student

Be enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree (RHD) program at CQUniversity

Meet the eligibility requirements under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program guidelines

Applicants should also note that they may not qualify if they already receive another income source intended to support living expenses that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend value.

Similarly, candidates already receiving an equivalent Commonwealth tuition scholarship are not eligible for an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship.

Selection Criteria

The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and research potential. Applications are evaluated using a scoring system across three key areas:

1. Academic Excellence and Writing Ability (20 Points)

Strong academic records and high-quality written work are essential indicators of research capability.

2. Research Proposal Quality (15 Points)

Applicants should present a well-developed research project that aligns with CQUniversity’s research priorities.

3. Motivation and Research Experience (15 Points)

Selection committees also consider:

Research experience

Motivation for undertaking the project

Strength of the proposed research environment

Only the highest-ranking candidates will receive scholarship offers.

How to Apply

Unlike many scholarships, there is no direct application process for the RTP Stipend Scholarship.

Instead, prospective students should follow these steps:

Step 1

Discuss your interest in pursuing a Research Higher Degree scholarship with your potential supervisory team.

Step 2

Receive a recommendation from your supervisors.

Step 3

If recommended, the School of Graduate Research will invite you to submit a formal scholarship application.

Step 4

Submit all required supporting documents before the assessment round closes.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants should ensure that their submission includes:

A written statement or submission

All requested supporting documentation

Incomplete applications will not be considered during the assessment process.

Assessment Rounds

Although applications remain open throughout the year, CQUniversity generally conducts scholarship assessment rounds based on available funding.

These rounds are typically held around:

End of April

End of September

However, the number and timing of assessment rounds may vary depending on funding availability.

Successful applicants will be notified via email after the evaluation process.

Why You Should Apply

The RTP Stipend Scholarship is one of Australia’s most competitive research funding opportunities. Beyond providing generous financial assistance, it allows students to dedicate their time and energy to impactful research while minimizing financial stress.

Whether your goal is academic advancement, innovation, or solving real-world challenges through research, this scholarship can provide the support needed to achieve your ambitions.

Summary 

For students planning to undertake a Research Higher Degree in Australia, the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity to receive substantial financial support while studying at CQUniversity.

Since applications are considered through supervisor recommendations rather than direct submission, interested candidates should engage with potential research supervisors as early as possible to strengthen their chances of selection.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR APPLICATIONS

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