Scholarships in Australia
Unlocking the Potential of Research: A Comprehensive Guide to the Research Training Program (RTP)

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The Research Training Program (RTP)
The Research Training Program (RTP) is a prestigious initiative by the Australian Government to support domestic and international students pursuing higher degrees by research (HDRs) at Australian higher education providers (HEPs). The program aims to provide flexible funding arrangements, deliver graduates with essential skills, and foster collaboration between HEPs and industry.
About the RTP
The RTP seeks to:
- Provide flexible funding arrangements to support training domestic and overseas students undertaking HDRs at Australian HEPs
- Deliver graduates with the skills required to build careers in academia and other sectors of the labor 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:
- Tuition fees offset
- Stipend for general living costs
- Allowances related to the ancillary cost of HDRs
Scholarship Periods and Applications
RTP scholarships are available for various durations, depending on the student's load and research degree:
- Research doctorate: 3-4 years (full-time) or 6-8 years (part-time)
- Research masters: up to 2 years (full-time) or up to 4 years (part-time)
Students need to contact HEPs directly to discuss RTP scholarship applications, which are administered individually by each HEP. The application process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, research proposals, and letters of recommendation.
RTP Stipend Rates and Industry Internship Weighting
The RTP Stipend Rates Are Indexed Annually, With The Base And Maximum Rates Announced By October 1 Each Year. The Current Stipend Rates Are:
- 2024: $32,192 (base) and $50,291 (max)
- 2023: $29,863 (base) and $46,653 (max)
- 2022: $28,854 (base) and $45,076 (max)
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The Government has introduced the RTP industry internship weighting to incentivize early engagement between industry, HEPs, and research doctorate students. This initiative aims to strengthen links between research and industry innovation, providing a pipeline of highly skilled research doctorate students for employment in industry-based, non-academic roles.
Eligible industry internships must be at least 3 months long, consist of 60 full-time equivalent days of engagement, and be agreed upon in writing between the student, HEP, and research end-user within 18 months of course commencement for full-time students or within 36 months for part-time students.
HDR Grievance Factsheet and Enquiries
The HDR grievance factsheet provides information for HDR students, including RTP scholarship recipients, on the avenues available to pursue a grievance in regard to issues with their HEP.
For more information, refer to the RTP FAQs for students and administrators, RTP industry internship weighting FAQs, or email RBGrants@education.gov.au.
Additional Resources
The RTP provides a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills, collaborate with industry, and advance knowledge in their chosen field. By understanding the RTP and its benefits, students can unlock their full potential and contribute to groundbreaking research in their field. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided valuable insights into the RTP and its opportunities.
Pro-tips for research scholarship applications:
- General Masters/PhD scholarship requirements to study in Australia
- How to apply for research Masters/PhD scholarships and admissions
- How to apply successfully to scholarships abroad
- How to contact potential supervisors when asking for a Masters or PhD Studentship position
- How to write a captivating research proposal for scholarship applications
- Research Proposal Guide for Successful Admission/Scholarship applications


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