Deakin University RTP Scholarship 2026 – Research Training Program (Fully Funded)

Scholarship Description

The Deakin University Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship offered to domestic and international students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at Deakin University, Australia. The RTP is funded by the Australian Government and administered by Deakin University to support outstanding research candidates.

Deakin University is a world-class research institution consistently ranked among the top universities globally. With campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool, Deakin offers a vibrant research environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry connections. The RTP scholarship enables scholars to focus entirely on their research while receiving comprehensive financial support, including a generous tax-exempt stipend, tuition fee offset, relocation allowance, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students.

The scholarship is available for both Doctoral (PhD) degrees and Research Masters degrees across all disciplines offered at Deakin University. Scholars are expected to contribute to Deakin's research excellence and impact, producing research that addresses real-world challenges and benefits society.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Deakin University, Australia. Deakin has multiple campuses:

• Melbourne Burwood Campus (major campus in Melbourne's eastern suburbs)
• Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus (regional Victoria)
• Geelong Waterfront Campus (city centre location)
• Warrnambool Campus (coastal regional city)
• Cloud Campus (online research options available for some programs)

Scholarship Deadline

Deakin University has multiple application rounds for the RTP scholarship throughout the year.

Host Institution

Deakin University – a leading Australian public university established in 1974. Deakin is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings, THE World University Rankings). The university is known for its excellence in research, innovation, and graduate employability. Deakin has a strong focus on interdisciplinary research addressing global challenges in health, environment, society, technology, and business.

Level and Fields of Study

Levels: Doctoral degree (PhD) and Research Masters degree.

Fields: All research disciplines offered at Deakin University are eligible, including but not limited to:

• Health and Medicine (Public Health, Nursing, Medicine, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences)
• Science, Engineering and Built Environment (Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Engineering, IT, Cybersecurity, AI)
• Business and Law (Economics, Finance, Management, Marketing, Law)
• Arts and Education (Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, Communication, Creative Arts)
• Frontier Materials and Life & Environmental Sciences

Prospective candidates should identify a research supervisor at Deakin before applying.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students. Domestic students include Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents. International students from all countries are eligible to apply. The scholarship aims to attract high-achieving research candidates who demonstrate exceptional research potential.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Duration:

• Doctoral degree (PhD): Up to 3 years for stipend, up to 4 years for tuition fee offset
• Research Masters degree: Up to 2 years for both stipend and tuition fee offset

Scholarship benefits include:

• Stipend: $37,450 per annum (tax-exempt) – indexed annually
• Relocation allowance: $500 to $1,500 (depending on single to family) for candidates moving from interstate or overseas to study at Deakin
• Tuition fee offset (RTP Fees Offset): Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Single policy for international candidates for the duration of the student visa
• Research support funding: Additional funding for research-related expenses (varies by faculty)

Scholarship Eligibility

General eligibility criteria for RTP Stipend, RTP Fees Offset, RTP Allowance, and DUPRS:

• Applicant must be a domestic or international student enrolled in (or applying for) a graduate research course at Deakin University.
• For RTP Fees Offset, applicants must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Commonwealth designed to offset graduate research fees.

Academic requirements:

• Completed at least four years of tertiary education studies
• Achieved 80% or equivalent in the research component of their previous study, OR an equivalent level of academic attainment taking into account previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, and other research experience
• Met all other minimum entry requirements according to the Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Admission, Selection and Enrolment Procedure

Currently enrolled candidates:

• Currently enrolled graduate research candidates can apply for an RTP or DUPRS Stipend and will be assessed by the Faculty/Institute.
• Currently enrolled graduate researchers may NOT apply after they have completed more than three years of their doctoral course or two years of their masters course (or part-time equivalent).

Enrolment requirement: Candidates receiving an RTP or DUPRS Stipend will be enrolled as on-campus full-time students.

Application Procedure

1. Identify a research supervisor – Visit the Deakin University website to explore research areas and identify potential supervisors. Contact supervisors to discuss your research proposal and confirm supervision availability.
2. Prepare a research proposal – Develop a detailed research proposal aligned with Deakin's research strengths and the supervisor's expertise.
3. Check entry requirements – Ensure you meet all HDR admission requirements, including English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5+ or equivalent for international students).
4. Gather required documents – Prepare the following:
   • Academic transcripts and degree certificates (all tertiary studies)
   • Research proposal
   • Curriculum vitae (CV) including publications, research experience, and work history
   • Two academic referee reports
   • English language proficiency test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc. for international students)
   • Evidence of research component grade/percentage (80% or equivalent)
5. Submit application online – Apply through the Deakin University Research Degree Application portal. Indicate your interest in being considered for an RTP or DUPRS scholarship.
6. Scholarship selection process – Applications are assessed through a competitive process. Ranking guidelines consider academic merit, research potential, publications, and alignment with Deakin's research priorities.
7. Receive outcome notification – Successful applicants receive a scholarship offer letter and enrolment information.
8. Accept offer and enrol – Accept the scholarship offer and complete enrolment as a full-time on-campus graduate researcher.

Important notes: The RTP and DUPRS Stipends are awarded as a result of a competitive process. For information about the RTP Fees Offset selection process and the offer process for all scholarships, refer to the Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Scholarships Procedure on the Deakin University website.

Official Website & Application Links

Deakin University – RTP and DUPRS Scholarship Official Page

Research Degree Application Portal: Available via the Deakin University website.

Contact: Prospective applicants should contact the Deakin University Graduate Research Office or their intended faculty for specific guidance.