University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship. The University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship 2026 is an excellent opportunity for students who wish to pursue a Master by Research, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at one of Australia’s top-ranked universities. Funded by the Australian Government and the University of Melbourne, this prestigious scholarship supports both domestic and international students by covering tuition fees and offering generous financial assistance.
If you’re planning to advance your academic career through research, the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship provides access to world-class research facilities, expert supervision, and a vibrant academic environment. Successful applicants may receive a full tuition fee offset, an annual living stipend, relocation support, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.
One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is that new applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible graduate research degree, meaning there is no separate scholarship application for most students.
University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is one of Australia’s most prestigious graduate research scholarships. It is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the University of Melbourne to support outstanding research students.
The scholarship is designed to help talented researchers complete higher degrees by providing financial assistance and access to high-quality research resources. Students selected under the program work alongside experienced academic supervisors while conducting innovative research across various disciplines.
The RTP Scholarship is available for:
- Master by Research
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship 2026
| Scholarship Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Australia |
| Host University | University of Melbourne |
| Scholarship Name | Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship |
| Funded By | Australian Government & University of Melbourne |
| Study Level | Graduate Research |
| Degree Programs | Master by Research, MPhil, PhD |
| Scholarship Type | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic & International Students |
Benefits of the University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship 2026
The University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship provides comprehensive financial support to help students focus on their research studies.
Successful applicants may receive:
Full Tuition Fee Offset
The scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees for the approved duration of the graduate research program.
Annual Living Stipend
Selected students receive an annual living allowance of AUD 39,500 (2026 full-time rate) to help cover everyday living expenses.
Relocation Allowance
Students relocating to Melbourne may receive:
- AUD 2,000 for students moving from another Australian state or territory.
- AUD 3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Eligible international students receive Single Membership Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their studies.
Paid Leave
Scholarship recipients are entitled to various leave benefits, including:
- Sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Parental leave
- Other approved leave according to the University’s scholarship policy
World-Class Research Experience
Students benefit from:
- Expert academic supervision
- Advanced research facilities
- International research collaboration
- Professional development opportunities
- Strong global research reputation
Available Study Programs
The RTP Scholarship supports students enrolled in eligible graduate research degrees, including:
- Master by Research
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
These programs are available across a wide range of academic disciplines offered by the University of Melbourne.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Apply for or already be enrolled in an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- Apply for a Master by Research, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), or PhD program.
- Meet all admission requirements for the chosen research program.
- Be either a domestic or an international student.
- Demonstrate excellent academic performance and strong research potential.
The RTP Stipend and Fee Offset Scholarship is highly competitive, and awards are based on academic excellence and research achievements.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare the following documents before applying:
- Completed online admission application
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Research proposal (if required by the faculty)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Passport copy (international applicants)
- Academic referee reports
- Any additional documents required by the selected department
Document requirements may vary depending on the research program.
How to Apply for the University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship
Follow these simple steps to apply:
- Choose an eligible graduate research program, such as:
- Master by Research
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Review the admission requirements for your selected program.
- Prepare all required supporting documents.
- Submit your online application for admission to the University of Melbourne.
- New applicants will automatically be considered for the RTP Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required.
- Applicants who have deferred their research offer or are already enrolled in a graduate research program must submit the Graduate Research Scholarships Application separately.
- Successful candidates will receive an official scholarship offer from the University.
Scholarship Selection Process
Applications are assessed based on several factors, including:
- Academic excellence
- Research achievements
- Research potential
- Quality of previous qualifications
- Supporting documents
- Faculty recommendations (where applicable)
Only the highest-ranked applicants are selected for the RTP Stipend Scholarship.
Important Deadline
There is no separate application deadline for the RTP Scholarship.
Instead, applicants are automatically considered when applying for admission to an eligible graduate research program.
The application deadline depends on the closing date of your chosen research degree, so applicants should check the relevant program deadlines before applying.
Why Choose the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne is recognized as one of Australia’s leading universities and offers an outstanding research environment.
Benefits of studying at the University include:
- Globally recognized qualifications
- Leading research facilities
- International research partnerships
- Distinguished academic staff
- Modern laboratories
- Strong graduate employability
- Diverse multicultural campus
- Excellent career development opportunities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship fully funded?
Yes. Selected students receive a full tuition fee offset, a living stipend, relocation support, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.
Who can apply for the RTP Scholarship?
Both domestic and international students applying for eligible graduate research programs at the University of Melbourne are eligible to apply.
Do I need a separate scholarship application?
No. New applicants are automatically considered for the RTP Scholarship when they apply for admission to an eligible graduate research degree.
What degrees are covered?
The scholarship supports:
- Master by Research
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
What is the annual living stipend?
Selected scholarship recipients receive AUD 39,500 per year (2026 full-time rate).
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students are eligible and may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) if selected.
Conclusion
The University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship 2026 is one of Australia’s most prestigious fully funded research scholarships for both domestic and international students. Offering full tuition coverage, an annual living stipend of AUD 39,500, relocation assistance, health insurance for eligible international students, and access to world-class research facilities, it provides an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers. Since eligible new applicants are automatically considered for the scholarship when applying for admission, students should focus on submitting a strong graduate research application before their chosen program’s deadline.
