Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026

The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship provides financial support to domestic and international students undertaking Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs at ANU. The scholarship covers a full-time stipend of $39,069 per annum, paid fortnightly, for up to 3.5 years with a possible 6-month extension.

Candidates are considered based on academic merit, alignment of their research with ANU’s research strategy, and confirmation of a qualified supervisor and available resources. Selection is competitive, and ongoing eligibility is based on satisfactory academic performance.

Summary

1. Application Deadline: 15 April 2026
2. Value: $39,069 per annum (2026 base RTP stipend rate)
3. Study Level: Postgraduate Research (Master's by Research / PhD)
4. Sponsor: Australian Government / ANU
5. Eligible Country: All Countries

Eligibility Criteria for Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026

1. The Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017 set the basis for the conditions of award and outline the basic eligibility requirements for this scholarship.
2. 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.

Candidates are ranked and scholarships are awarded based on a competitive ranking process to the top-ranked candidates, subject to evidence that they meet merit-based selection criteria and subject to confirmation of a qualified supervisor and space and resources being available in an area of research that is aligned with ANU research strategy.

Benefits of Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026

1. Stipend scholarship for three and a half years, with the possibility of an extension for the following reasons:
2. All internships that are longer than 60 days, Full-time equivalent (FTE) and that are not with a Higher Education Provider (HEP) or international equivalent are eligible for up to 6 months of scholarship extension up to the maximum duration of support.
3. All other internship types are eligible for 3 3-month extensions up to the maximum duration of support on the grounds of academic delay. Research visits and internships with an HEP (or international equivalent) are excluded.
4. Travel and removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to commence their research program.
5. Thesis allowance
6. Dependent child allowance (International students only).
7. Paid medical, maternity, and parental leave (See sections 97-110 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure).
8. Suspension of Scholarship (See sections 73-78 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure).

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) 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. International recipients will be eligible for OSHC reimbursement under their RTP Fee Offset benefit.

How to Apply

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.

Income from other sources:

1. See sections 79-82 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure.

For more information, kindly visit ANU scholarship webpage.

Application Deadline

April 15, 2026

Application Link(s)

• Apply for Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026