Australia Government Southern Cross University RTP Scholarship

Southern Cross University offers competitive scholarships under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) supporting domestic Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates. Southern Cross University states the scholarships provide financial support so students can focus on impactful research, recognising academic excellence, research potential, and experience.

The scholarship is aimed at domestic HDR candidates enrolled full-time. The page includes an RTP Domestic Scholarship and an RTP International Scholarship section; it states International RTP Stipend Scholarships are not available in the current scholarship round, with possible future updates published on the website.

Southern Cross University states applications are assessed on clear, merit-based criteria, rewarding academic achievements, research potential, and proposal quality. Each application is reviewed by a scholarship committee and scored across academic qualifications, academic merit (GPA), research publications, quality of the research proposal, supervisor support, and alignment with SCU’s research strategy (as assessed by the Associate Dean Research).

For the RTP Domestic Scholarship, Southern Cross University states the duration is up to 3 years 3 months, with a tax-free living stipend of AU$35,550 per annum (indexed annually). Payment is described as tax-free and paid fortnightly. No obligations after support are stated in the page text.

• Domestic HDR candidates
• Enrolled full-time
• Must meet eligibility criteria requirements for the RTP Scholarship and the chosen degree
• A potential Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor must agree to supervise and both must sign the application

• Tax-free living stipend: AU$35,550 per annum (indexed annually)
• Duration: up to 3 years 3 months
• Payment: tax-free, paid fortnightly

1. Confirm eligibility and find a supervisor: check that you meet the eligibility criteria requirements for the RTP Scholarship and your chosen degree; identify and contact a potential Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor in your research area; both must agree to supervise you and sign your application.
2. Prepare your application documents: write a 1–2 page research proposal; gather certified copies of academic transcripts, qualifications, and proof of citizenship or residency; prepare evidence of English language proficiency (if required); collect supporting documents for any publications, awards, or prior scholarships; review the RTP Information for Applicants and RTP Scholarship Scoring Guidelines.
3. Complete the RTP Application Form: fill out the RTP Application Form electronically (handwritten forms are not accepted); ensure all sections are complete and required documents are attached; have the supervisory team complete and sign their section; download the form.
4. Submit your application: email the completed application and all supporting documents to [email protected] by the closing date (midnight, 31 October 2026); retain a personal copy for your records.

• 1–2 page research proposal
• Certified copies of academic transcripts
• Certified copies of qualifications
• Proof of citizenship or residency
• Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)
• Supporting documents for publications, awards, or prior scholarships
• RTP Application Form (completed electronically)
• Supervisory team completion and signatures (Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor)