Application timeline and key dates
When are applications open?
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) does not have specific application open or close dates. To be considered for an RTP scholarship, you must apply for admission to your postgraduate research degree and submit all required documents by the submission deadline of the RTP application and award timeline for your preferred round.
For details on application for admissions deadlines and requirements, please contact your supervisor and the admissions team.
Can I apply for research scholarships after I commence my research?
Yes, you can apply here.Once your documents are submitted, your application will be assessed according to the RTP application and award timeline.
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Eligibility
What are the document submission requirements?
1. Transcripts and Qualifications
- Provide your official transcript and qualification with your name and marks.
- Provide the grading system information related to your qualification. The grading system information is generally on the last or reverse pages of the transcript.
- Provide an official translation of your transcript if your transcript is in a language other than English (if applicable).
2. Research Experience (RE) – Optional
- Use theResearch Experience Evidence Templateto provide information about your research outputs. Follow the instructions, criteria and examples provided in theResearch Experience Information and Appendix Guide.
I'm currently an international student but I've applied for Australian permanent residency. Can I apply for an RTP?
You can apply for RTP scholarships. If you are awarded, your scholarship will be adjusted to match your residency status.
I previously held a scholarship for a now completed master's candidature, and am now starting a new PhD candidature. Can I apply for an RTP?
Yes, you are eligible to apply.
Do I need to compile a research experience appendix?
If you have scholarly publications, significant output in the art or music areas and/or relevant professional or direct research experience, you need to compile and attach aresearch experience evidence template (docx, 99KB)to your application.
I recently submitted my RTP application, but I’ve since had a journal article accepted for publication. Can I add this to my application?
Please upload an updatedresearch experience evidence template (docx, 99KB)to our online portal by the submission deadline for your preferred round accordingly to the RTP application and award timeline. Applications submitted after the deadline will be considered in the next available round.
I am still waiting on the final result of my current studies. Can I still apply for an RTP Scholarship?
Yes.You may submit your application without your final official transcript and qualification. However, your application will not be assessed until these documents are received. Once we have your final transcripts and qualification, we will refer to the RTP application and award timeline and assess your application for the relevant round based on when the documents are received.
Can I apply for an RTP scholarship without applying for admission?
No, RTP scholarship applications are assessed in conjunction with the admission application and the applicant's residency status. You must apply for admission to be considered for an RTP scholarship.
What type of degree can an RTP be awarded for?
Applicants for the RTP must undertake a postgraduate research degree, ie. a master's by research or a research doctorate (PhD). Students who intend to enrol in a postgraduate coursework degree which has a research component are not eligible for RTP Scholarships.
I received second class honours from another university, but if I’d gotten the same mark at the University of Sydney I would have received first class honours. Can my result be considered as first class honours?
No,your result remains second class honours.
I received a second class honours result but there were mitigating circ*mstances. Can I apply for special consideration of my RTP application?
No,your result remains second class honours.
I don’t have first class honours or equivalent, can I apply for an RTP based on financial need?
The RTP are awarded on academic merit and research potential only.Financial Support Serviceat the University provides short term financial relief to students who experience financial hardships.
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Outcome
When will I find out if my RTP application has been successful?
You should receive the outcome as per the information on our website.
What is the likelihood of my RTP application being successful?
The Scholarships Office cannot pre-assess your RTP application. Only a submitted application can be assessed against published eligibility requirements and ranked against applicants for the intake(s) under consideration. The outcome of application will only be released following the committee meeting.
I’m going overseas just before the RTP results will be released. Can I get my result a little bit earlier?
No, the Scholarships Office does not release results early.
My application for an RTP was unsuccessful. Can I get some feedback?
The University does not provide specific ranking outcomes apart from notifications to successful and unsuccessful applicants. Applicants are encouraged to refer to selection criteria and related documents for questions related to scholarship award process.
How can I improve my application next round?
We strongly recommend reviewing the following guides if you plan to reapply for an RTP scholarship in the next round.
- https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/scholarships/e/rtp-upa-information-pack.pdf
- https://www.sydney.edu.au/content/dam/corporate/documents/scholarships/e/hdr-selection-process.pdf
- http://sydney.edu.au/scholarships/docsschols/Research_Experience_Information_and_Appendix_Guide.pdf
What is the rate of RTP stipend scholarship in 2025?
We do not have the RTP rate at this time. The USYD RTP rate is determined by the indexation rate as provided by the DESE:
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Deferrals and transfers
I hold an APA/RTP at another university but I want to transfer my candidature to the University of Sydney. Can I directly transfer my scholarship?
No, The RTP funds were awarded to your original university and do not transfer with you. You will need to follow the University of Sydney’s RTP application process to apply for funding.
Can I apply for an RTP now and then defer it if my application is successful?
Scholarships can only be deferred within the calendar year of award.Deferral to the next calendar year is not permissible.
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If I am not successful in gaining an RTP, what other scholarship options are available?
There are many scholarship options available beyond the RTP. Browse postgraduate research scholarships for domestic and international students.
