University of Sydney Research Training Program (RTP) 2025 (Fully Funded)

The Research Training Program (RTP) at the University of Sydney offers fully funded scholarships for PhD and Master’s by Research students commencing in 2025. The program is supported by the Australian Government and provides a tax-free living stipend, tuition fee offset for eligible international students, and additional allowances for relocation and thesis costs.
 

Funding Details

• All successful recipients will receive a tax-free annual stipend of AUD 41,753 (2025 rate), paid quarterly.
• International students awarded the RTP Stipend will also receive a 100% tuition fee waiver for up to 14 research periods (approximately 3.5 years for a PhD).
• The scholarship also includes Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international recipients.
• Relocation and thesis production costs are reimbursed within the allowed limits.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be commencing or currently enrolled in a PhD or Master’s by Research program at the University of Sydney
• Have an outstanding academic record and demonstrate strong research potential
• International students must be awarded the RTP Stipend to be eligible for the tuition fee offset

Duration of Scholarship

• PhD candidates: up to 14 full-time research periods (around 3.5 years)
• Master’s by Research: up to 7 full-time periods
• Extensions are not allowed under this scheme

Application Process

Step 1: Apply for HDR Admission

• Apply to a PhD or Master’s by Research program via the University of Sydney’s admission system
• Include a strong research proposal describing your topic, significance, objectives, and methods
• Contact and confirm a supervisor in your research area by sharing your CV, transcripts, and proposal. Follow this guide on how to make a research proposal.

Step 2: Apply for the RTP Scholarship

• New students: select the RTP option during the admission application
• Current HDR students: fill out the separate RTP scholarship application form

You will need to submit the following:

• Academic transcripts
• CV
• Research proposal
• Evidence of research experience (e.g., publications or projects)
• Two referee reports
• Proof of English proficiency (for international applicants)

Important Dates (2025 Deadlines for 2026 Entry)

•    Round 1 & 2: Apply by 12 September 2025, results by early December 2025
•    Round 3 & 4: Apply by 19 December 2025, results by March 2026
NOTE: Applications for HDR admission are open year-round, but to be considered for the RTP scholarship, you must meet one of these round deadlines.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence (grades, awards, honors)
• Quality and clarity of your research proposal
• Supervisor support and fit
• Strength of the research environment
• Evidence of prior research output, such as publications, papers, or conference presentations

Additional Notes

• You may receive other scholarships or income, but not exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend amount (excluding unrelated work)
• Any publications from your RTP-funded research must include an official acknowledgment of the RTP support
• For full terms, conditions, and entitlements of the RTP program, refer to: RTP Scholarship Terms and Conditions (International)