Higher Degree by Research Scholarships 2026: Fully Funded RTP Scholarship Opportunities at CDU
Are you an aspiring researcher looking to advance your academic career in Australia? The 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships at Charles Darwin University (CDU) offer a fully funded pathway for domestic and international students to pursue Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs, including doctoral and research Master’s degrees. With generous stipends, relocation allowances, and additional benefits like paid sick and maternity leave, this competitive scholarship supports exceptional researchers in achieving their academic and professional goals. In this guide, we’ll explore the scholarship details, eligibility criteria, application process, and tips to help you secure this opportunity.
Why Choose the CDU RTP Scholarship?
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a prestigious initiative funded by the Australian Government. It supports students who have exceptional research potential. Administered by Charles Darwin University, this scholarship provides financial help for living costs, allowing students to focus on important research. Key reasons to apply include:
– Fully Funded Stipend: Tax-free stipends of up to AU$34,190 per year for full-time students to cover living expenses.
– Additional Benefits: Includes paid sick leave, maternity leave, and relocation allowances of up to AU$2,500 for international students.
– Research Excellence: Study at CDU, a university known for its innovative research in fields like environmental science, Indigenous studies, and health.
– Global Opportunity: Open to both domestic (Australian citizens, permanent residents, and New Zealand citizens) and international students.
– Flexible Study Options: Supports both full-time and part-time HDR students, with duration limits of up to three years for doctoral degrees and two years for Master’s degrees.
This scholarship is a popular choice for researchers looking to make a global impact through research in Australia.
Scholarship Overview
– Level of Study: Higher Degree by Research (HDR) – Doctoral and Research Master’s
– Institution: Charles Darwin University (CDU)
– Location: Australia
– Program Duration:
– Doctoral: Up to 3 years (full-time)
– Research Master’s: Up to 2 years (full-time)
– Application Deadlines:
– International Applicants:
– Admission Application: September 1, 2025
– RTP Scholarship Application: September 30, 2025
– Outcomes: Mid-November 2025
– Domestic Applicants:
– Admission Application: October 1, 2025
– RTP Scholarship Application: October 31, 2025
– Outcomes: Mid-December 2025
– Commencement Period: Between January 12 and March 27, 2026
Scholarship Benefits
The RTP Scholarship at CDU provides significant financial support to help students focus on their research. Key benefits include:
– Stipend:
– Full-Time Students: AU$34,190 per year (2025 rate), tax-free, paid in fortnightly installments.
– Part-Time Students: AU$17,095 per year (2025 rate), taxable, paid in fortnightly installments.
– Duration:
– Doctoral degrees: Up to 3 years full-time.
– Research Master’s degrees: Up to 2 years full-time.
– Additional Benefits:
– Paid Sick Leave: Support for health-related absences.
– Maternity Leave: Provisions for parental responsibilities.
– Relocation Allowance: Up to AU$2,000 for domestic students and AU$2,500 for international students (conditions apply).
– Research Support: Access to CDU’s modern facilities and academic resources to conduct impactful research.
These benefits ensure that scholars can dedicate their time and energy to producing high-quality research without financial stress.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the RTP Scholarship at CDU, applicants must meet the following criteria:
– Eligible Applicants:
– Domestic: Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens.
– International: Students from all other countries.
– Academic Requirements:
– Enrolled in an accredited HDR course (doctoral or research Master’s) at CDU.
– Demonstrate exceptional research potential, typically shown by academic records, research outputs, or referee reports.
– Supervisor Requirement: Must have a confirmed CDU supervisor for the proposed research project.
– Income Restrictions: Cannot receive additional income exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend rate to support living costs. Income unrelated to the course of study or for academic purposes (not living costs) is not counted.
– Complete Application: Must submit:
– At least two academic referee reports.
– English proficiency results (for international applicants, if necessary).
– Academic documents (transcripts, degree certificates).
– Supervisor confirmation email.
– Curriculum Vitae (CV).
– Research outputs (if applicable, such as publications or conference papers).
The competitive nature of the RTP Scholarship means only candidates with outstanding academic and research potential are selected.
How to Apply for the CDU RTP Scholarship
The application process for the RTP Scholarship has two main steps: applying for admission to an HDR program at CDU and submitting a scholarship application. Follow these steps to apply:
1. Secure a CDU Supervisor:
Identify and contact a CDU supervisor whose research aligns with your proposed project. Obtain a confirmation email from the supervisor agreeing to support your research. Visit the CDU website for a list of available supervisors and research areas.
2. Apply for Admission to an HDR Program:
Submit a complete admission application by the respective deadlines:
– International Applicants: September 1, 2025.
– Domestic Applicants: October 1, 2025.
Include the following in your admission application:
– Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
– English proficiency test results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL) for international applicants, if needed.
– CV detailing academic and research achievements.
– Research outputs (e.g., publications, if applicable).
– Two academic referee reports.
– Supervisor confirmation email.
3. Apply for the RTP Scholarship:
Submit your RTP Scholarship application by the respective deadlines:
– International Applicants: September 30, 2025.
– Domestic Applicants: October 31, 2025.
Ensure all required documents are included, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Review the RTP Scholarship Ranking Guidelines to understand the selection process.
4. Await Outcomes:
– International Applicants: Scholarship outcomes announced in mid-November 2025.
– Domestic Applicants: Scholarship outcomes announced in mid-December 2025.
5. Visit the Official Website:
For detailed information and to start your application, visit the CDU RTP Scholarships page.
Tips for a Competitive Application
To stand out in the competitive RTP Scholarship process, consider these strategies:
– Secure a Strong Supervisor: Engage with a CDU supervisor early to develop a strong research proposal that aligns with their expertise and CDU’s research priorities.
– Highlight Research Potential: Emphasize your academic achievements, research outputs (e.g., publications, presentations), and your potential to contribute to your field.
– Submit Early: Complete your admission and scholarship applications well before the deadlines to avoid technical issues or delays.
– Tailor Your Application: Align your research proposal with CDU’s strengths, such as Indigenous studies, environmental science, or health research.
– Strong Referee Reports: Choose referees who can provide detailed endorsements of your academic and research capabilities.
Why Charles Darwin University?
Located in Australia’s Northern Territory, Charles Darwin University (CDU) is a leader in research focused on regional and global challenges. CDU is known for its strengths in:
– Indigenous and Tropical Research: Addressing issues like Indigenous education, health, and environmental sustainability.
– Innovative Facilities: Access to modern research centers and resources.
– Supportive Community: A welcoming environment for domestic and international students, with personalized academic support.
The RTP Scholarship aligns with CDU’s mission to foster research excellence and create impactful solutions for a changing world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can international students apply for the RTP Scholarship?
A: Yes, the scholarship is open to international students from all countries, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Q: Is the stipend taxable?
A: The full-time stipend (AU$34,190) is tax-free, while the part-time stipend (AU$17,095) is taxable.
Q: Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
A: Yes, a confirmed CDU supervisor is required as part of the application process.
Q: What if I have other funding sources?
A: You are ineligible if you receive income exceeding 75% of the RTP stipend rate to support living costs. Income unrelated to living costs or for academic purposes is not counted.
Conclusion
The 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships at Charles Darwin University offer a fully funded opportunity for domestic and international students to pursue Higher Degree by Research programs. With generous stipends, relocation allowances, and additional benefits, this scholarship empowers researchers to focus on important projects without financial barriers. Apply for admission by September 1, 2025 (international) or October 1, 2025 (domestic), and submit your scholarship application by September 30, 2025 (international) or October 31, 2025 (domestic) to seize this opportunity.
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