The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government scheme that channels block grants to higher education providers across Australia so they can support students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDRs) — that is, research Masters and research Doctorate (PhD) degrees. It replaced the former International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) from 1 January 2017.
What makes the RTP attractive for African students is that it is open to both domestic and overseas students. If you secure admission into a research Masters or doctoral program at a participating Australian university, you may be considered for tuition support, a living stipend, or help with research-related costs.
Because the funding flows to the universities themselves, there is no single central application. Each university runs its own RTP selection process, so your route into this scheme is through the institution where you want to do your research.
Scholarship benefits
- RTP Fees Offset — covers the tuition fees a higher degree by research student would otherwise pay, fully offsetting applicable tuition (this is not a stipend).
- RTP Stipend — assists with living costs while you pursue your higher degree by research.
- RTP Allowances — help with ancillary costs such as relocation to undertake the HDR, thesis printing, academic publication costs, and health cover for recipients and their dependents.
- Duration: up to a maximum of two years for a research Masters; for a research doctorate, a minimum of three years up to a maximum of four years, at the discretion of the higher education provider.
Eligibility checklist
- ✔ You must be a domestic student or an overseas student (international students are eligible).
- ✔ You must be enrolled in an accredited higher degree by research (HDR) course of study at an Australian higher education provider.
- ✔ Your program must be a research Masters or a research Doctorate offered by a participating Australian university.
- ✔ You must meet the basic eligibility criteria set out in Section 1.5 of the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.
Application tips for African students
- Start by identifying participating universities and a research area that fits your background — then approach a potential supervisor early, since strong research projects often hinge on supervisor support.
- Have your transcripts and degree certificates certified, and arrange certified English translations in advance if your documents are in another language.
- Check each university’s English-language requirement (commonly IELTS or TOEFL) and book your test early, allowing time to retake it if needed before the university’s closing date.
- Build a focused research proposal or statement that clearly shows your research question, methods, and why you are a good fit — this carries real weight in research-degree selection.
- Line up strong academic referees who know your research ability, and give them plenty of notice before deadlines.
- Because deadlines vary by university (roughly April to October), confirm the exact closing date for your chosen institution and apply well ahead of it.
- Prepare for student-visa requirements and health cover in good time, and keep proof-of-funds and supporting documents organized.
How to apply
There is no central application for the RTP. You apply directly to a participating Australian university, each of which runs its own application and selection process. Contact your chosen university to discuss how to apply under the RTP scheme, and read the FAQs and the institution’s own pages carefully. Deadlines vary but generally fall between April and October each year. For full details, see the official page: https://www.education.gov.au/research-training-program.
Frequently asked questions
Can international students from Africa apply?
Yes. The RTP supports both domestic and overseas students, so international students enrolled in an accredited HDR course at an Australian higher education provider may be eligible.
What degrees does the RTP cover?
It covers higher degrees by research — specifically research Masters degrees and research Doctorate (PhD) degrees offered by participating Australian universities.
What does the scholarship pay for?
Depending on the university, support may include an RTP Fees Offset for tuition, an RTP Stipend for living costs, and RTP Allowances for costs like relocation, thesis printing, academic publications, and health cover for you and your dependents.
How long does the funding last?
Up to two years for a research Masters, and a minimum of three up to a maximum of four years for a research doctorate, at the discretion of the higher education provider.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary by university and generally fall between April and October each year. Check the exact date with the institution you plan to apply to.
Where do I submit my application?
Applications go directly to the participating university, not to a central body. Contact your chosen university to learn about its specific process.