Studying for a research master’s degree or PhD in Australia can be expensive, especially for international students who must consider tuition fees, accommodation, food, transportation, health insurance and other living costs. However, there are scholarship opportunities designed to help talented researchers study without carrying the full financial burden themselves. One of the most notable options is the Research Training Program (RTP).
If you have searched for how to Get paid AUD $40,475 to study in Australia with an RTP scholarship, it is important to understand exactly what this figure represents. At The Australian National University (ANU), the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship is currently listed at AUD $40,475 per year as the full-time base RTP stipend rate for 2027.
This is not a salary for working at the university. Instead, it is a living-cost stipend paid to eligible higher-degree research students. Depending on the scholarship and university, RTP support may also include tuition fee offsets and other allowances.
In this guide, you will learn what the RTP scholarship is, who can apply, how much funding is available, what ANU offers, the documents you may need, how the selection process works, and how prospective international students can apply.
What Is the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship?
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government funding program that supports universities in providing scholarships to students undertaking higher degrees by research (HDR).
An HDR generally includes research-focused postgraduate programs such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Rather than applying directly to the Australian Government for an RTP scholarship, students normally apply through an eligible Australian university. Each university determines how it administers its RTP scholarships and selects successful candidates.
The RTP can provide several types of support, including:
- RTP Stipend: Financial support for general living expenses.
- RTP Fee Offset: Support that can remove or offset eligible tuition fees.
- Additional allowances: Depending on the university and award, these may include research, thesis, relocation, travel or other approved costs.
Therefore, when you see an advertisement saying you can Get paid AUD $40,475 to study in Australia with an RTP scholarship, you should understand that the $40,475 refers to a stipend, rather than a conventional employment salary.
This distinction is important because the money is intended to help you live while undertaking your research degree.
Get Paid AUD $40,475 to Study in Australia with an RTP Scholarship at ANU
The Australian National University is one of the Australian universities that administers RTP-funded research scholarships.
For 2027, ANU lists the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship at AUD $40,475 per annum for a full-time student. Payments are made fortnightly.
The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and the competitive selection process.
ANU describes the award as a postgraduate research scholarship, meaning it is not designed for undergraduate students or ordinary taught master’s programs.
The opportunity is therefore particularly relevant to students who want to pursue research in areas such as:
- Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Computing
- Economics
- Business
- Social sciences
- Humanities
- Public policy
- Law
- Environment
- Agriculture
- Other research disciplines offered by ANU
However, having a strong academic background does not automatically guarantee the scholarship. ANU ranks candidates competitively, and applicants must also satisfy the requirements for admission to an eligible research program.
What does AUD $40,475 mean?
The amount can be easier to understand when broken down:
| Scholarship feature | ANU RTP information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Australian Government RTP Stipend |
| University | Australian National University |
| Study level | Postgraduate research |
| Eligible students | Domestic and international |
| 2027 base stipend | AUD $40,475 per year |
| Payment frequency | Fortnightly |
| Duration listed by ANU | 3.5 years |
| Selection | Competitive, academic merit |
| Research degree | Higher Degree by Research |
| Separate RTP application | No, for prospective candidates |
| Main international Round 1 deadline | 31 August |
The AUD $40,475 amount should not be interpreted as guaranteed for every RTP scholarship in Australia. Universities can offer different stipend amounts within the applicable RTP range.
For example, another Australian university may advertise a different annual stipend. The important point is that RTP is a national funding framework administered through participating universities, rather than one single scholarship with identical benefits at every institution.
Get Paid AUD $40,475 to Study in Australia with an RTP Scholarship: Who Can Apply?
The ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship is aimed at students undertaking postgraduate research, including eligible doctoral and research master’s programs.
International applicants can be considered, which makes the opportunity particularly relevant to students searching for fully or substantially funded research opportunities in Australia.
Generally, a competitive applicant should have a strong academic record and demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research.
ANU states that candidates are ranked according to merit and that selection is also subject to factors such as confirmation of a qualified supervisor, available research space and resources, and alignment with the university’s research priorities.
Academic background
Your previous academic qualifications should normally demonstrate that you are prepared for advanced research.
Depending on your chosen program, this could include:
- A relevant bachelor’s degree
- A relevant master’s degree
- Previous research training
- A substantial research project or thesis
- Strong academic results
The exact academic requirements depend on the ANU research program you choose.
Research potential
Academic grades are important, but research scholarships are not simply academic-performance competitions.
Your application should demonstrate that you have a meaningful research direction and the ability to develop a substantial research project.
A well-prepared research proposal can help demonstrate:
- The problem you want to investigate
- Why the problem matters
- What existing research says
- What gap your research will address
- Your proposed methodology
- The expected contribution of your research
Potential supervisor
For research degrees, identifying a suitable supervisor can be an important part of the application process.
A prospective supervisor can help you determine whether your research idea fits the academic expertise and resources available within the university.
ANU strongly encourages applicants to contact the relevant HDR Convener or prospective supervisor before submitting an application.
What Does the ANU RTP Scholarship Cover?
The biggest attraction of the opportunity is the annual stipend, but the financial support can extend beyond the regular living allowance.
ANU’s current RTP scholarship information lists additional benefits that may include:
Living stipend: The 2027 full-time base rate is AUD $40,475 per year.
Fortnightly payments: The stipend is paid on a fortnightly basis rather than as one large annual payment.
Travel and removal allowance: Eligible recipients relocating to Canberra to begin their research program may receive support for approved relocation-related costs.
Thesis allowance: A thesis-related allowance may be available under the scholarship conditions.
Dependent child allowance: International recipients may be eligible for a dependent child allowance where applicable.
Paid leave: The scholarship includes provisions for medical, maternity and parental leave.
Health insurance support: International recipients can be eligible for Overseas Student Health Cover reimbursement through the relevant RTP fee-offset arrangement.
These benefits make the scholarship more comprehensive than a simple tuition discount.
However, applicants should carefully read their scholarship offer and conditions because not every benefit necessarily applies in the same way to every student.
Is the AUD $40,475 RTP Scholarship Fully Funded?
This is one of the most important questions applicants should ask.
The answer depends on what you mean by “fully funded.”
The RTP stipend provides money to help with living expenses. An RTP fee-offset scholarship can also cover eligible tuition fees.
At ANU, international research students may be considered for RTP-related fee support as part of the university’s scholarship arrangements.
Therefore, an eligible student may receive a combination of:
- Living-cost stipend
- Tuition fee support
- Overseas Student Health Cover-related support
- Research-related allowances
- Relocation or travel support where applicable
However, applicants should not assume that every expense associated with moving to Australia will automatically be covered.
Costs such as flights, visa-related expenses, accommodation deposits, personal expenses and other costs can vary.
Before accepting an offer, carefully review the scholarship conditions and your university admission documents.
What Are the Study Levels Covered by the RTP?
The RTP is primarily intended for higher-degree-by-research students.
This means the opportunity is generally relevant to:
Research Master’s Degrees
A research master’s degree is designed for students who want to develop advanced research skills and complete a significant research project.
It differs from many conventional coursework master’s programs because the research component is central to the degree.
PhD Programs
PhD candidates conduct advanced original research under academic supervision.
For international students interested in Australia, an RTP-supported PhD can provide a pathway to complete doctoral research while receiving financial support for living costs.
This makes the program especially attractive to students who already have research experience and want to build an academic, scientific, professional or research-based career.
How Competitive Is the RTP Scholarship?
The fact that you meet the minimum requirements does not mean you will automatically receive the scholarship.
ANU states that candidates are competitively ranked.
The selection process can consider factors such as:
- Academic record
- Research potential
- Quality of the proposed research
- Research experience
- Referee reports
- Suitability of the research project
- Availability of an appropriate supervisor
- Available research facilities and resources
- Alignment with relevant research priorities
This means applicants should treat the scholarship application as seriously as they would a competitive international fellowship.
A weak or rushed application can reduce your chances even if you technically satisfy the admission requirements.
Documents You May Need for an RTP Application
Exact requirements vary according to the ANU research program, but prospective applicants should be prepared to provide several important documents.
These may include:
Academic transcripts
Provide official or appropriately certified academic records showing your previous studies and results.
Academic certificates
You may need evidence of your completed degrees or qualifications.
Research proposal
For many research programs, the research proposal is one of the most important parts of the application.
It should clearly explain your proposed project and show that you understand the research area.
Referee reports
ANU indicates that referee reports form part of the scholarship assessment process.
Because referees need time to submit their reports, applicants should not wait until the final deadline before starting the application.
English-language evidence
International applicants may need to demonstrate that they satisfy the English-language requirements for their chosen program.
The exact requirement depends on the program and the applicant’s circumstances.
Curriculum vitae
A research-focused CV can help demonstrate academic achievements, research experience, publications, conference participation, professional experience and other relevant achievements.
How to Apply for the AUD $40,475 RTP Scholarship
One useful feature of the ANU RTP scholarship is that prospective students do not normally submit a separate RTP scholarship application.
Instead, eligible candidates are considered through their application for admission to an ANU higher-degree-research program.
The basic process is:
- Choose an eligible ANU research degree.
- Identify a suitable research area.
- Research potential supervisors and contact the relevant academic area.
- Prepare your research proposal and supporting documents.
- Submit your complete HDR admission application.
- Select the appropriate scholarship consideration option during the application process.
- Ensure referee reports and other supporting documents are submitted before the scholarship deadline.
- Wait for the university’s admission and scholarship assessment.
For international applicants seeking consideration in ANU’s main Round 1 for commencement in the following year, the current scholarship page lists 31 August as the application deadline.
Applicants should submit well before the deadline because referee reports and supporting documentation must also be completed.
Important application tip
Do not wait until the final week to submit your application.
ANU recommends submitting applications two to three weeks before the scholarship deadline to give nominated referees enough time to provide their reports.
This is particularly important because an application that is incomplete by the relevant scholarship deadline may not be considered in the scholarship ranking process.
Get Paid AUD $40,475 to Study in Australia with an RTP Scholarship: How to Improve Your Chances
Winning a competitive research scholarship requires more than simply submitting an application.
Start by selecting a research topic that matches your academic background and genuine interests.
Your proposal should not be unnecessarily complicated. Instead, it should demonstrate that you understand the research problem and can explain why your proposed study matters.
Build a strong research proposal
A strong proposal should answer several basic questions:
What is the research problem?
Clearly identify the issue you want to investigate.
Why does it matter?
Explain the academic, scientific, social, economic or practical importance of the research.
What is missing from existing research?
Identify a research gap rather than simply describing a broad topic.
How will you investigate it?
Explain your proposed methodology and research approach.
What could your research contribute?
Show the potential value of your findings.
Choose referees carefully
Select academic referees who understand your abilities and can provide meaningful evidence of your research potential.
Give them sufficient time to prepare their reports.
Find the right research environment
A good research topic should fit the expertise available at the university.
Contacting an appropriate potential supervisor before applying can help you determine whether the proposed research is realistic and suitable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
Applicants can make several avoidable mistakes when pursuing research scholarships.
Mistake 1: Assuming the stipend is a salary
The AUD $40,475 is a scholarship stipend, not an employment salary.
It is designed to help with living expenses while you undertake your research degree.
Mistake 2: Applying for the wrong type of degree
The RTP is designed for higher-degree research programs.
If you are applying for a standard coursework master’s program, you should look for scholarships specifically designed for coursework students.
Mistake 3: Submitting an incomplete application
A scholarship application may require academic documents, referee reports and other supporting information.
Make sure everything is completed before the applicable deadline.
Mistake 4: Choosing a research topic without checking supervisor fit
A good idea on paper may not be suitable if the university does not have the appropriate academic expertise or resources to support it.
Mistake 5: Waiting until the deadline
Research applications often require more preparation than ordinary course applications.
Begin several weeks or months in advance.
Get Paid AUD $40,475 to Study in Australia with an RTP Scholarship: Application Guide
If you are interested in this opportunity, the application route is straightforward:
Step 1: Choose an eligible ANU postgraduate research program.
Step 2: Check the program’s academic and English-language requirements.
Step 3: Develop a strong research proposal.
Step 4: Identify and, where appropriate, contact a potential supervisor.
Step 5: Prepare your transcripts, certificates, CV, proposal and referee information.
Step 6: Submit your ANU HDR admission application before the applicable scholarship deadline.
Step 7: Select the scholarship consideration option during the application process.
Step 8: Make sure your application and referee reports are complete before the deadline.
For prospective students, there is no separate RTP scholarship form in the normal ANU application process. Scholarship consideration takes place through the HDR admission application.
Is This Scholarship Suitable for International Students?
Yes. The ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship lists international students as eligible student types, subject to meeting the applicable academic, research and scholarship requirements.
This is particularly useful for students outside Australia who are looking for funded research opportunities.
However, international applicants should think beyond the stipend.
Before travelling to Australia, consider:
- Visa requirements
- Accommodation
- Living expenses
- Health insurance
- Travel costs
- Dependants, if applicable
- Research expenses
- University admission conditions
- Scholarship conditions
The stipend is substantial, but your personal financial situation will determine whether it comfortably covers your individual expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AUD $40,475 RTP scholarship?
The AUD $40,475 figure refers to the 2027 full-time base RTP stipend rate listed by ANU. It is a living-cost scholarship payment for eligible postgraduate research students, rather than a salary.
Can international students apply for the RTP scholarship?
Yes. ANU lists both domestic and international students as eligible student types for its RTP Stipend Scholarship, provided they meet the relevant requirements and are successful in the competitive selection process.
Is the RTP scholarship available for undergraduate students?
No. The RTP is intended for higher-degree research programs, such as eligible research master’s and doctoral programs. Undergraduate students should search for undergraduate scholarships instead.
Do I need a separate RTP scholarship application at ANU?
For prospective students, ANU states that there is no separate scholarship application. Eligible candidates are considered based on their HDR admission application, provided the application is submitted by the relevant scholarship deadline.
Does the RTP scholarship cover tuition fees?
RTP support can include a tuition fee offset. At ANU, international research students can also be considered for RTP fee-offset support. The exact scholarship package should be checked carefully in the offer and applicable conditions.
How long can the scholarship last?
ANU currently lists the RTP Stipend Scholarship as providing payments for 3.5 years. The exact period and conditions are governed by the scholarship terms and the student’s research program.
Can I receive other financial support?
The Australian Government’s current RTP framework does not automatically prohibit recipients from receiving additional financial support. However, students must consider the conditions of their particular scholarship and any other funding they receive.
Final Thoughts: Get Paid AUD $40,475 to Study in Australia with an RTP Scholarship
The opportunity to Get paid AUD $40,475 to study in Australia with an RTP scholarship can be highly valuable for students planning a research master’s degree or PhD.
At ANU, the advertised AUD $40,475 annual stipend is the 2027 full-time base RTP rate, and eligible recipients can receive the money to help cover general living expenses while undertaking postgraduate research.
The scholarship is not an automatic award, however. Candidates are competitively ranked, and a strong academic background, research potential, suitable research proposal, appropriate supervisor and complete application can all play important roles.
International applicants should also pay close attention to application deadlines. For the main Round 1 scholarship consideration, ANU currently lists 31 August for international applicants, with applications needing to be complete, including supporting documentation and referee reports.
If you have strong academic results and are serious about pursuing postgraduate research in Australia, this is an opportunity worth investigating carefully.
Start by choosing your ANU research program, preparing a strong research proposal and submitting your complete HDR admission application for scholarship consideration.
