ANU Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship is funded through the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training, which provides funding to universities to award scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs. Australian National University includes the RTP in central scholarship rounds.

Australian National University conducts two annual central scholarship rounds that include the RTP. Round 1 is split into international and domestic candidates with separate deadlines, and it covers commencements from the following year (January through to the end of March) plus current candidates who have typically completed less than a year full-time equivalent. Round 2 has a deadline of 15 April and supports smaller-round commencements or take up up to the end of August.

Candidates are ranked using a competitive ranking process for scholarships awarded to top ranked candidates. Awards are subject to evidence they meet merit-based selection criteria and to confirmation of a qualified supervisor, space and resources being available, and an area of research aligned with Australian National University research strategy. The scholarship also requires ongoing eligibility based on academic performance.

Payments made for 3.5 years. Payments are made fortnightly, with continuation based on academic performance, and a 6 month extension available. In addition to the stipend, the scholarship provides travel and removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research program, a thesis allowance, dependant child allowance for international students, paid medical, maternity and parental leave, and OSHC reimbursement under the RTP Fee Offset benefit for international recipients who are eligible for OSHC reimbursement.

• Scholarship type: Academic
• Student type: Domestic, International
• Study level: Postgraduate research (HDR)
• Selection bases: Academic merit
• Award conditions based on the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017, which outline basic eligibility requirements
• Ongoing eligibility: Continuation based on academic performance
• Merit-based selection criteria: Evidence required
• Additional requirements for award: Confirmation of a qualified supervisor, space and resources being available, and an area of research aligned with ANU research strategy
• Indigenous or First Nations People: “Maximum Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rate” awarded as set by the Australian Government

• Value: $40,475 per annum (Full-time base RTP stipend rate 2027)
• Payments made fortnightly
• Travel and Removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research program
• Thesis allowance
• Dependant child allowance (International students only)
• Paid medical, maternity and parental leave
• International recipients: OSHC reimbursement under their RTP Fee Offset benefit
• Duration of payments: 3.5 years
• Extension: 6 month extension available

1. No separate application is required for prospective candidates; all eligible candidates are considered based on their admission application for an HDR program.
2. When completing the admission application for an HDR program, select to be considered for “Australia: ANU - Other Scholarship” to be considered for all eligible scholarships, including the RTP.
3. Submit a current HDR admission application in the relevant scholarship round timeframe, including all supporting documentation and referee reports, by the scholarship deadlines for the ranking process.
4. Current candidates (typically completed less than 1 year full-time equivalent) must submit the “Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR Scholarship” form to be considered for this scholarship.
5. For Round 1: International students are required to apply for admission by 31 August; domestic students are required to apply for admission by 31 October.
6. Referee reports are triggered and sent to nominated referees when submitting the program application; referees must submit their reports prior to the scholarship deadline for the application to be considered complete. The guidance recommends submitting in advance (2–3 weeks) prior to the deadlines to allow time for referee reports.

• Supporting documentation
• Referee reports
• For current candidates: “Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship” form