The Research Training Program (RTP) is the Australian Government's flagship funding scheme for supporting postgraduate research students undertaking Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs at eligible Australian universities. It provides financial assistance to both domestic and international students enrolled in research master's and doctoral degrees. RTP funding is distributed to eligible universities, which then administer scholarships to students through their own selection processes. 

SCHOLARSHIP COVERAGE

• Living allowance for the duration of the scholarship.
• Full tuition fee waiver for the duration of the scholarship. 
• Additional allowances for relocation.
• Overseas Student Health Cover.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Although requirements vary by university and program, applicants generally must meet the following requirements.
1.    Applicants must be a domestic or international student enrolled in an accredited research doctorate or research master’s degree (higher degrees by research (HDRs) at an eligible Australian university. 
2.    Degree type: Must be enrolled in an eligible Research Master’s or Research Doctorate, also known as a Higher Degree by Research. 
3.    RTP Fees Offset: Applicants must not be receiving an equivalent Australian Government award or scholarship intended to offset HDR tuition fees. 
4.    Meeting the RTP eligibility requirements does not guarantee a scholarship since each university conducts its own competitive selection process and application requirements under RTP scholarship policies
5.    Eligible students should apply through their chosen Australian university, following its specific RTP application and selection procedures.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

1.    Application Form for eligible university under Research Training Program (RTP). 
2.    Applicants are required to submit a clear scanned copy of the information page of their ordinary passports. 
3.    Recently take digital passport size photo. 
4.    Academic Certificates: Degree Certificate (from the undergraduate program onwards). Text in languages other than English must be attached with notarized English translations.
5.    Academic transcripts that must be attached with notarized English translations if they are in foreign languages other than English.
6.    Complete Curricular Vitae – CV.
7.    Study and Research Plan or Research Proposal that needs to specify the previous research background, research achievements, prospective research field, research plan, etc. 
8.    Generally, two referee reports or recommendation letters from professors. The content shall describe the applicant's study objectives, comprehensive abilities, and evaluation of future development.
9.    English language proficiency evidence, where university may have their own requirements. 
10.    Supervisor information and evidence of supervisor support from preferred university, where required by the university.  
11.    Evidence of relevant published papers, research achievements, rewards or certificates, where required. 

APPLICATION PROCESS
1.    Choose an eligible Australian higher education provider offering research Master’s or research Doctorate. 
2.    Check the university’s official Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship policy for its eligibility requirements, application process, selection criteria, deadlines. 
3.    Prepare the documents specified by the university, which may include academic records, research documents, referee reports, English language evidence, and other supporting documents. The exact requirements are university specific. 
4.    Apply to the university through its designated application system, following its instructions for research degree admission.
5.    Professor findings and research alignment: An applicant may require to find the suitable supervisor as per the research interest. Students are highly recommended to get the supervisor approval letter before submitting an application. 
6.    Follow the university’s specific procedure for RTP scholarship consideration. Depending on the university, RTP consideration may be integrated with the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) application or require a separate scholarship application. 
7.    Individual universities set their own RTP deadline, therefore, check the specific university’s current deadline. 
8.    If required, an applicant may require to attend the interview and the research presentation organized by the professor or the university. 
9.    The university assesses eligible applicants according to its own RTP selection criteria. It may consider factors such as previous study, research experience, publications, referee reports, and other relevant criteria. 

10.    The university makes the scholarship offer to successful applicants. RTP support may include a tuition fee offset, stipend, allowances, or a combination of these, depending on the scholarship offered.

OFFICIAL LINK: https://www.education.gov.au/research-block-grants/research-training-program#toc-research-training-program-rtp-scholarship-applications