ANU Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 at Australian National University is a prestigious fully funded opportunity for both domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research degrees. Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship supports high-achieving candidates undertaking Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs such as PhD and research-based master’s degrees.

With a generous annual stipend and additional benefits, the RTP scholarship is one of the most competitive research funding options in Australia.

Scholarship Overview

• Host University: Australian National University
• Funded By: Australian Government
• Scholarship Type: Fully Funded (Stipend-Based)
• Degree Level: Postgraduate Research (PhD, Research Master’s)
• Eligible Applicants: Domestic & International Students
• Stipend Value: AUD $39,069 per year (2026 rate)
• Duration: 3.5 years (with possible 6-month extension)
• Payment Mode: Fortnightly

Recipients will receive:

• AUD $39,069 annual stipend (tax-free, subject to conditions)
• Financial support for living expenses
• Payments made fortnightly
• Funding for up to 3.5 years
• 6 month extension (if required)
• Opportunity to study at a globally ranked research university

The RTP Stipend Scholarship is available for:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master’s by Research (MPhil or equivalent HDR programs)

Students can apply for any research field offered at ANU, provided:

• The research aligns with ANU’s strategic priorities
• A qualified supervisor is available
• Necessary facilities and resources are accessible

• Open to all nationalities
• Includes both domestic and international students
• Current ANU research students may also apply (if eligible)

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Meet the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017
• Apply for or be enrolled in a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program
• Meet ANU’s academic admission requirements
• Demonstrate strong academic merit and research potential
• Secure a qualified research supervisor
• Ensure research aligns with ANU’s priorities

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Apply for admission to a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at ANU
2. During your application, select RTP scholarship as your funding preference
3. No separate application is required for most applicants
4. Current ANU students must submit a separate request form
5. Ensure all required documents (academic transcripts, research proposal, etc.) are submitted

Selection Criteria

• Selection is highly competitive
• Based on academic excellence and research potential
• Candidates are ranked on a merit-based system
• Final selection depends on:
  • Supervisor availability
  • Research alignment
  • Institutional resources

Scholarship Rounds & Deadlines

ANU offers two main scholarship rounds each year:

Round 1

• International Applicants Deadline: 31 August
• Domestic Applicants Deadline: 31 October
• Commencement: By 31 March (following year)

Round 2

• Deadline: 15 April
• Commencement: By 31 August (same year)

Ongoing Requirements

To continue receiving the scholarship, students must:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Remain enrolled in a full-time research program