If studying at one of the world’s top-ranked universities sounds like your dream, this might be your moment. The Australian National University (ANU) — ranked #1 in Australia and consistently among the top 30 universities globally — is offering the prestigious Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship for 2026. This scholarship supports domestic and international students pursuing Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs, including Masters by Research and PhD degrees.
With a generous annual stipend, travel support, thesis allowance, and more, the RTP scholarship at ANU is one of the most sought-after research funding opportunities in Australia. Read this complete guide before you apply.
🎓 Scholarship Overview
The RTP Stipend Scholarship is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training of Australia and administered directly by ANU. Each year, the university runs two central scholarship rounds for eligible HDR candidates. This scholarship is awarded purely on academic merit, making it competitive but absolutely achievable for strong candidates.
| Feature | Details |
| Scholarship Name | Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship |
| University | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Country | Australia 🇦🇺 |
| Degree Level | Postgraduate Research (Masters by Research / PhD) |
| Funding Type | Stipend (Living Allowance) |
| Open To | Domestic & International Students |
| Selection Basis | Academic Merit |
| Award Value | AUD $39,069 per year (2026 rate) |
🎓 Benefits / Funding
The RTP Stipend Scholarship at ANU is genuinely comprehensive. Here is what scholarship holders receive:
- Stipend: AUD $39,069 per year (2026 base rate), paid fortnightly
- Duration: 3.5 years (with possibility of extension)
- Extension: Up to 6 months extension for eligible internships (non-HEP, longer than 60 days FTE); 3-month extension available for other qualifying circumstances
- Travel & Relocation Allowance: For students relocating to Canberra to begin their research
- Thesis Allowance: Financial support toward thesis submission costs
- Dependent Child Allowance: Available for international students with children
- Paid Leave: Medical, maternity, and parental leave included under ANU’s RTP policy
- Scholarship Suspension: Available under specific circumstances if needed
- OSHC Reimbursement: International recipients are eligible for Overseas Student Health Cover reimbursement under the RTP Fee Offset benefit
- Indigenous/First Nations Bonus: Candidates who identify as Indigenous or First Nations People are awarded the maximum RTP stipend rate set by the Australian Government
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be applying for or currently enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at ANU
- Open to both domestic and international students
- Eligibility conditions are governed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017
- Must demonstrate strong academic merit (GPA, publications, research experience)
- Must have a confirmed or prospective qualified research supervisor at ANU
- Research topic must align with ANU’s research strategy and priorities
- Suitable space and resources in the research area must be available
English Language Requirements (for international applicants):
- IELTS: minimum overall 6.5 (with no band below 6.0)
- TOEFL iBT: minimum 80
- Or equivalent accepted English proficiency proof
- Some programs may require higher scores depending on the discipline
🎓 Who Should Apply
This scholarship is perfect for you if:
- You hold a strong bachelor’s (Honours) or master’s degree with a research component
- You want to pursue a PhD or Masters by Research at a world-class Australian university
- You have a clear research idea and ideally have already identified a potential supervisor at ANU
- You are passionate about advancing knowledge in your chosen field
- You want financial security throughout your research journey — without worrying about fees or living costs
You may want to reconsider if:
- You are applying for a coursework (taught) degree — this scholarship is for research degrees only
- Your academic record does not reflect strong research potential
- You have not yet contacted a potential ANU supervisor (highly recommended before applying)
🎓 Available Programs / Research Areas
ANU offers HDR programs across virtually every major discipline through its seven academic colleges. Some of the key research areas include:
- Science & Technology — Physics, chemistry, biology, computer science, engineering
- Business & Economics — Finance, economics, public policy, management
- Law — Legal theory, international law, human rights
- Arts & Social Sciences — History, philosophy, linguistics, media, cultural studies
- Health & Medicine — Medical science, biomedical research, public health
- Asia & the Pacific — Regional studies, development policy, international relations
- Environment & Society — Climate change, sustainability, environmental policy
ANU is especially strong in areas like astrophysics, public policy, political science, biology, and Asian studies, where it is ranked among the best globally.
🎓 Required Documents
When applying for HDR admission at ANU (which automatically considers you for the RTP), you will typically need:
- Online admission application (with scholarship interest boxes ticked)
- Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
- Degree certificates
- Research proposal (outlining your intended PhD/research project)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) / academic résumé
- At least 2 referee reports (submitted by referees before the scholarship deadline — submit your application 2–3 weeks early to allow time for this)
- English language proficiency certificate (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Evidence of contact with a prospective ANU supervisor
- Personal statement (some colleges may require this)
Note for continuing students: Complete the “Request for a Current ANU Student to be Considered for a HDR Scholarship” form and submit it to your Academic College.
🎓 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026:
- Identify a Supervisor — Reach out to a prospective ANU supervisor before applying. This is strongly recommended and significantly strengthens your application
- Prepare your documents — Gather transcripts, your research proposal, and contact your referees early
- Submit your HDR admission application via the ANU admissions portal — tick the boxes indicating you want to be considered for scholarships including the RTP
- Referees receive automatic notification — Once you submit your application, your nominated referees are sent a request for their reports. Make sure they complete this before the deadline
- Competitive ranking process — ANU ranks all eligible candidates. Top-ranked applicants who meet merit criteria and have confirmed supervisors receive scholarship offers
- Accept your offer — If selected, confirm your place and arrange your travel/visa (subclass 500 for international students)
🎓 Important Dates
ANU runs two scholarship rounds each year:
| Round | Deadline | Commencement |
| Round 1 – International | 31 August each year | January–March of the following year |
| Round 1 – Domestic | 31 October each year | January–March of the following year |
| Round 2 – International & Domestic | 15 April each year | By 31 August of the same year |
💡 Pro Tip: Submit your application at least 2–3 weeks before the deadline so your referees have enough time to complete and submit their reports before the closing date. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.
🎓 Why Apply to ANU?
The Australian National University is not just a top institution — it is a genuine research powerhouse and a life-changing environment for graduate researchers:
- Ranked #1 in Australia and consistently in the top 25–30 universities worldwide
- Located in Canberra — Australia’s capital city, close to government, policy makers, and national institutions
- World-class research infrastructure — labs, libraries, and research centres of international standing
- Highly collaborative environment — ANU actively partners with industry, government, and international institutions
- Strong alumni network — ANU graduates include Nobel laureates, heads of state, and global leaders
- Safe and welcoming campus — Canberra is one of Australia’s most liveable and student-friendly cities
- Generous funding — The RTP stipend rate for 2026 stands at AUD $39,069/year, making it one of the highest research stipends in Australia
🎓 Official Source
Apply and explore the full scholarship details on the official ANU website:
🔗 Scholarship Page: https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/australian-government-research-training-program-rtp-stipend
🔗 HDR Admissions Portal: https://study.anu.edu.au/apply/postgraduate-research
🔗 RTP FAQ (Australian Government): https://education.gov.au/research-training-program-frequently-asked-questions-students
🎓 Scholarship Summary
| Feature | Details |
| University | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Country | Australia |
| Degree | PhD / Masters by Research |
| Annual Stipend | AUD $39,069 (2026 rate) |
| Duration | 3.5 years + possible extension |
| Open To | Domestic & International Students |
| English Requirement | IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 80 |
| Round 1 International Deadline | 31 August |
| Round 1 Domestic Deadline | 31 October |
| Round 2 Deadline | 15 April |
| Application | Via ANU HDR Admissions Portal |
📌 More Australia Scholarships on Gradualin:
For a complete list of all fully funded scholarships in Australia for international students, visit our guide: Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia 2026
Looking for funded opportunities in other countries? Check these out:
