Victoria University Excellence Scholarship (RTP)

Victoria University provides international postgraduate research scholarships to support high-quality research. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and research potential, and are available for postgraduate research programs in Australia. RTP Stipend Scholarships – International are graduate-researcher scholarships with components including an RTP Fee Offset Scholarship, a living allowance, and overseas student health cover (single cover).

Eligibility for RTP Stipend Scholarship – International includes applicants who meet Victoria University’s academic and English-language requirements for enrolment in a research degree, and who are citizens of any country other than Australia or New Zealand. Applicants are considered international if they do not have Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian Permanent Residency. RTP Stipend Scholarship – International also requires commencing a research doctoral degree and enrolment as a full-time student.

Victoria University assesses eligibility as part of the course application for admission and does not require a separate application for the research scholarships described under the RTP Stipend Scholarships – International. Selection is competitive, with Victoria University estimating that applicants will require the equivalent of 85 to 90 on the VU grading scale to be considered for a PhD stipend scholarship. The number of stipend scholarships awarded depends on the University funds available.

The RTP Stipend Scholarship – International includes exemption from paying tuition fees via the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship for the recipient, and a living allowance of $35,707 per year rate). Overseas student health cover is provided as a single cover. The scholarship does not cover other costs such as English-language testing, bridging or English-language programs, or travel costs from overseas.

• be a citizen of any country other than Australia or New Zealand
• meet the University’s academic entrance requirements for enrolment into a research degree
• meet the University’s English-language proficiency requirements for enrolment in a research degree
• For RTP Stipend Scholarship – International: have a weighted average mark (WAM) or Honours year grade of H1 (VU Standard 85% or above) or equivalent in the most recent eligible qualification
• For RTP Stipend Scholarship – International: be commencing a research doctoral degree (Doctor of Philosophy)
• For RTP Stipend Scholarship – International: nominate a research-focus outline as part of your application
• enrol as a full-time student
• RTP Stipend Scholarship – International ineligible if the applicant is currently studying, or has recently studied, on an AIDAB or AUSAID scholarship and is applying immediately following the AIDAB/AUSAID funded studies
• Priority will be given to applicants who have not already obtained a PhD degree or equivalent if they are proposing to undertake another one
• Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously held an IPRS, VUIPRS or OPRS (unless it was for a Masters of Research degree, and you are applying to undertake PhD studies)

• RTP Fee Offset Scholarship exempting the recipient from paying tuition fees
• living allowance of $35,707 per year (2026 rate)
• overseas student health cover (single cover)

1. Applications for Research Period 1 2027 are now open.
2. Select your Research Focus Outline.
3. Contact the Principal Supervisor to discuss your interest in and suitability for the research topic.
4. Read the Application Guide for Graduate Research Stipend Scholarships.
5. Refer to the Apply for Graduate Research and follow the steps to submit your application.
6. Use the RFO number, supervisory panel, Institute, Course code and Field of Research (FoR) code from your selected Research Focus Outline to assist you with your application.
7. Please ensure you include all required documentation for admission and scholarship with your application.
8. A separate application is not required for RTP Stipend Scholarships – International; eligibility is assessed as part of your course application for admission.

• all required documentation for admission and scholarship with your application