Australian National University Research Scholarships

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship provides funding that the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training provides to universities to award scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs. Australian National University (ANU) includes the RTP in its centrally managed scholarship rounds.

ANU runs two annual central scholarship rounds. Round 1 is split into one for international candidates and one for domestic candidates, and includes commencements from January through to the end of March. Round 2 has a deadline of 15 April and is described as a smaller round with commencement or take up up to the end of August. Applicants submit an admission application for an HDR program and can select interest in the RTP.

Candidates are ranked and scholarships are awarded through a competitive ranking process to the top ranked candidates. Awards are subject to evidence meeting merit-based selection criteria and confirmation of a qualified supervisor, space and resources being available, and research alignment with ANU research strategy.

Payments are made for 3.5 years and are provided fortnightly. Continuation is based on academic performance, with a 6 month extension available. The scholarship also includes items such as travel and removal allowances (for relocation to Canberra), thesis allowance, dependant child allowance for international students, and paid medical, maternity and parental leave.

• Scholarship type: AcademicStudent type: Domestic, InternationalStudy level: Postgraduate research (HDR)Selection bases: Academic meritConditions of award follow the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 for research training program conditions and basic eligibility requirementsOngoing eligibility: Continuation based on academic performanceIndigenous or First Nations People: Candidates who identify as Indigenous or First Nations People will be awarded the maximum Research Training Program (RTP) stipend rate as set by the Australian Government

• RTP stipend: $40,475 per annum (Full-time base RTP stipend rate 2027)Payments: fortnightlyTravel and Removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research programThesis allowanceDependant child allowance (International students only)Paid medical, maternity and parental leaveInternational recipients: OSHC reimbursement under their RTP Fee Offset benefit

1. Prospective candidates: No separate application is required; eligible candidates are considered based on the HDR admission application.
2. In the HDR admission application, select the scholarship you want to be considered for, including RTP (via the option for Australia: ANU - Other Scholarship to be considered for all eligible scholarships).
3. Current candidates (typically completed less than 1 year full-time equivalent): Submit the 'Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship' form to be considered for this scholarship.
4. For Round 1 scholarship consideration: international students are required to apply for admission by 31 August; domestic students by 31 October; applications must be complete by the scholarship deadline, including supporting documentation and referee reports.
5. Referee reports: Referee report requests are triggered and sent to nominated referees when the program application is submitted; referees must submit reports prior to the scholarship deadline for the application to be considered complete.
6. Applicants are encouraged to make contact with the relevant HDR Convener or a prospective supervisor before lodging an application to discuss the proposed research topic.

• Supporting documentationReferee reportsRequest for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR scholarship form (current candidates)