The Government of Australia Research Training Scholarship Program is a prestigious initiative designed to support high-achieving international and domestic students pursuing postgraduate research degrees at Australian universities. This program aims to enhance the quality of research in Australia by attracting talented scholars from around the world and providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to conduct advanced research.
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, and they cover a wide range of benefits to support recipients throughout their research journey. These benefits typically include tuition fee offsets for international students, stipends to assist with living costs, and allowances for other expenses such as relocation, academic publication, and health cover. By alleviating the financial burden associated with postgraduate research, the RTP Scholarships enable students to focus entirely on their studies and research activities.
One of the core objectives of the RTP Scholarships is to promote research excellence across various disciplines. The program is open to candidates in a wide array of fields, ranging from science and engineering to humanities and social sciences. This inclusivity ensures that diverse research projects receive support, fostering a rich academic environment where innovative ideas and interdisciplinary collaborations can thrive.
The RTP Scholarships also emphasize the development of research skills and professional growth. Recipients are encouraged to engage in comprehensive research training programs offered by their universities. These programs typically include workshops, seminars, and training sessions on research methodologies, academic writing, data analysis, and project management. Such opportunities help scholars build a strong foundation in research and prepare them for successful careers in academia, industry, or other sectors.
In addition to individual benefits, the RTP Scholarships contribute significantly to Australia’s research landscape. By attracting top-tier international talent, the program enhances the global reputation of Australian universities and promotes international collaboration in research. Scholarship recipients often bring diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to their research fields, enriching the academic community and driving advancements in various disciplines.
The selection process for the RTP Scholarships is rigorous, ensuring that only the most outstanding candidates receive support. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research potential, and the quality of their proposed research projects.
Each year the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training provides funding to Universities to award scholarships to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research programs.
ANU currently conducts two annual central scholarship rounds which includes the AGRTP, the University Research Scholarship and a few other centrally managed scholarships.
Round 1 is split into two parts, one for international candidates and one for domestic candidates with separate deadlines (31 August for international candidates and 31 October for domestic candidates each year). Round 1 is for commencements from the following year (January through to the end of March), however current candidates who recently commenced (enrolled typically for less than a year full-time equivalent) can also be considered by completing the ‘Request for a current ANU student to be considered for a HDR Scholarship form‘.
Benefits
- Stipend scholarship for three years, with the possibility of:
- Six month standard extension; and
- Another six month extension if the reason for request falls within the additional eligibility criteria under Item 15. Period of Support, of the AGRTP Procedure.
- 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 (See sections 51-68 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure).
- Suspension of Scholarship (See sections 43-48 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure).
Requirements For The Government of Australia Research Training Scholarship Program
The Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 set the basis for the conditions of award and outline the basic eligibility requirements for this scholarship.
The ANU has established an RTP Policy & Procedure which outlines the standards, processes and conditions for this scholarship. These documents are available from the reference document section of this page.
Selection Process
Candidates are ranked and scholarships are awarded based on a competitive ranking process, to the top ranked candidates, subject to evidence they meet merit-based selection criteria, and subject to confirmation of a qualified supervisor, space and resources being available, in an area of research that is aligned with ANU research strategy.
Method of Application
Commencing students: No application is required specifically for this scholarship as all eligible candidates will be considered. Note to ensure you are considered please ensure you select the appropriate boxes in the admissions application form to note that you are interested in being considered for any available scholarships.
Continuing students: Please complete and return the “Request for a Current ANU Student to be Considered for a HDR Scholarship” form to your Academic College.
Working outside the eligible HDR program
Students notify their Delegated Authority and Chair of Panel in writing of the extent of working arrangements they are undertaking alongside their eligible HDR program, upon commencement at ANU or within 20 working days of commencing working arrangements. See section 72 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure.
Reference document:
- Australian Government Research Training Program Policy (PDF, 86.68 KB)
- RTP Scholarship Ranking Principles (PDF, 131.29 KB)
Use contact details to request an alternative file format.
Application Deadline: August 31, 2024.
For More Information,
