Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

Are you a student aspiring to pursue a higher degree by research in Australia? If so, you may be eligible for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, a prestigious initiative offered by participating universities in Australia. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key details of the RTP scholarship, including its background, benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Background:

Prior to 1st January 2017, the International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) was available for research students in Australia. However, it was later replaced by the Research Training Program (RTP) to offer enhanced support for both domestic and international students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDRs).

Host Institutions:

The RTP Scholarship is offered by various participating universities in Australia that provide Masters by Research or Doctorate Degree programs.

Scholarship Benefits:

Under the RTP, eligible students can receive different types of support:

1. RTP Fees Offset: This covers the tuition fees for the higher degree by research (HDR) program that the student would have otherwise paid.
2. RTP Stipend: Designed to assist students with their living expenses while pursuing their research degree.
3. RTP Allowances: These help cover additional costs associated with the HDR, such as relocation expenses, thesis printing, academic publication costs, and health cover for recipients and their dependents.

Duration of the Scholarship:

For a research masters degree, the RTP scholarship is available for a maximum of two years. However, for a research doctorate degree, it can be awarded for a minimum of three years, with the possibility of extension up to four years at the discretion of the Higher Education Provider (HEP).

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the RTP Scholarship, students must be enrolled in an accredited HDR course at an Australian Higher Education Provider. The specific eligibility requirements can be found in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.

Application Process:

Prospective candidates should apply directly to the participating universities offering the RTP Scholarships. Each university has its own application and selection process. The application deadlines generally fall between April and October each year. It is advisable to visit the official scholarship website and the chosen university’s website for detailed information on how to apply.

Conclusion:

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for students who wish to pursue higher degrees by research in Australia. By offering financial support and covering various expenses, the RTP enables scholars to focus on their academic journey without the burden of financial constraints. If you meet the eligibility criteria, consider applying for this prestigious scholarship and take a step closer to fulfilling your research aspirations. For further information and application details, visit the official scholarship website provided in the article. Best of luck in your academic pursuits!