If you are looking for a fully funded opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in Australia, the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and the Deakin University Postgraduate Research (DUPR) Scholarship at Deakin University are two of the most competitive awards available. The RTP is funded by the Australian Government, making it one of the most prestigious research grants in the country, while the DUPR is funded directly by Deakin University. Both offer generous financial support to help you focus entirely on your research without the burden of fees or living expenses.
These scholarships are available to both domestic and international students, which means no matter where you are coming from, you have a real shot at this opportunity. Whether you are pursuing a doctoral degree or a research masters, these scholarships cover your tuition fees, provide a living stipend, and offer additional support for relocation and health cover.
This post will walk you through everything you need to know, including eligibility requirements, benefits, required documents, how to apply, key deadlines, and practical tips to strengthen your application.
Scholarship Overview
| Field | Information |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Degree Level | Doctoral (PhD) and Research Masters |
| Funding Type | Full scholarship (tuition offset + stipend) |
| Deadline | Varies by round (see Key Dates section) |
| Who Can Apply | Domestic and international students |
| Benefits Summary | Stipend of $37,450/year (tax exempt) + tuition offset + relocation allowance + OSHC for internationals |
Eligibility
To be considered for either the RTP or DUPR Scholarship at Deakin University, you must meet the following criteria:
- Citizenship: Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. You do not need to be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to qualify, though note that only top-ranked applicants will be offered the RTP.
- Academic Qualifications: You must have completed at least four years of tertiary education studies. You must have achieved 80% or equivalent in the research component of your previous study, or demonstrate an equivalent level of academic attainment. This is assessed alongside previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, and other research experience.
- Enrolment Requirement: You must be enrolled in, or applying to enrol in, a graduate research course at Deakin University. Currently enrolled graduate researchers can also apply, but must not have completed more than three years of a doctoral course or two years of a research masters (or part-time equivalent).
- Work Experience: Relevant work experience and research publications may be considered as part of the competitive ranking process.
- Language Requirements: English proficiency requirements are not specified in the source material. Check Deakin University’s official HDR entry requirements page for details.
- Other Requirements: You must meet all minimum entry requirements as outlined in Deakin’s Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Admission, Selection and Enrolment Procedure. Candidates receiving a stipend will be enrolled as on-campus full-time students.
Eligible Countries
This scholarship is open to both domestic and international candidates. While the source material does not list specific eligible countries, the international round is open to students from anywhere in the world, subject to meeting Deakin University’s general entry requirements.
Eligible Fields of Study
This scholarship is open to all fields of study offered through Deakin University’s graduate research programs, provided the proposed research aligns with a Deakin faculty or institute that can supervise your project.
Benefits
The RTP and DUPR scholarships are among the most generous research funding packages in Australia. Here is what successful candidates receive:
- Stipend: A tax-exempt living stipend of $37,450 per annum. This is designed to cover your day-to-day living costs while you focus on your research.
- Tuition Fees Offset: For doctoral candidates, the tuition fees offset runs for up to four years. For research masters candidates, it covers up to two years. This offset removes the cost of tuition entirely during that period.
- Relocation Allowance: If you are moving from interstate or overseas to study at Deakin, you can receive a one-time relocation allowance between $500 (single candidate) and $1,500 (family). This helps cover the practical costs of your move to Australia.
- Health Insurance (International Candidates Only): International students will receive a single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for the full duration of their student visa. This is a mandatory requirement for student visas in Australia, and having it covered is a significant saving.
Duration
For doctoral (PhD) degree candidates: Three years for the stipend and four years for the tuition fees offset.
For research masters candidates: Two years for both the stipend and tuition fees offset.
Required Documents
While specific document checklists may vary depending on your faculty, you should prepare the following when applying:
- Completed application form (online portal or current enrolled researcher form as applicable)
- Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
- Evidence of degree completion (graduation certificates or equivalents)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting academic background, research experience, and publications
- Research proposal outlining your intended project
- Evidence of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- Proof of at least four years of tertiary study
- Evidence of 80% or equivalent in the research component of your degree
- Two or more academic or professional references
- Any relevant research publications or work experience documentation
Note: Currently enrolled graduate researchers must complete a specific application form (linked in the official source). Prospective researchers apply through Deakin’s standard research degree application process.
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit Deakin University’s official research degrees webpage and read the entry requirements carefully to confirm you are eligible for a graduate research degree.
Step 2: Identify your field of research and find a suitable supervisor within a Deakin faculty or institute who can support your proposed project.
Step 3: Prepare your research proposal. This is a critical document that demonstrates the significance, methodology, and feasibility of your intended research.
Step 4: Gather all required documents including transcripts, CV, degree certificates, and any evidence of publications or research experience.
Step 5: If you are a prospective student, submit your graduate research degree application through Deakin’s online portal and indicate your intention to be considered for an RTP or DUPR Scholarship.
Step 6: If you are a currently enrolled graduate researcher, download and complete the “Currently Enrolled Graduate Researcher Scholarship Application Form” from Deakin’s website and submit it through the specified process.
Step 7: Ensure your application is submitted before the closing date of the relevant round. Late applications will not be considered.
Step 8: After submission, your application will be assessed by your Faculty or Institute using Deakin’s Graduate Research Scholarship Ranking Guidelines. The top-ranked applicants will be offered the RTP, while others may be offered the DUPR.
Step 9: If shortlisted, cooperate with any additional requests from the Researcher Development Academy.
Step 10: Await notification of the outcome and, if successful, follow the onboarding process provided by Deakin to confirm your scholarship acceptance and enrollment.
Key Dates and Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
| 2026 Domestic Round Opens | 20 January 2026 |
| 2026 Domestic Round Closes | 13 March 2026 |
| 2026 Domestic Round Intake | July 2026 |
| 2027 International Round Opens | 6 July 2026 |
| 2027 International Round Closes | 23 August 2026 |
| 2027 Domestic Round Opens | 6 July 2026 |
| 2027 Domestic Round Closes | 25 October 2026 |
| 2027 Intake (International and Domestic) | February 2027 |
| Shortlisting and Results Notification | To be Determined |
Application Deadline
For the 2026 domestic round, the application deadline is 13 March 2026. For the 2027 international round, the deadline is 23 August 2026. For the 2027 domestic round, the deadline is 25 October 2026.
Applications submitted after the relevant round closing date will NOT be accepted.
Selection Criteria
Getting shortlisted for these scholarships goes beyond simply meeting the minimum entry requirements. Here is what the selection panel evaluates:
- Academic Excellence: Your overall academic performance is central to the ranking. A minimum of 80% or equivalent in the research component of your previous degree is required, but the most competitive applicants will significantly exceed this benchmark.
- Research Experience: Practical research experience, lab work, fieldwork, or involvement in research projects will strengthen your ranking. The selection process considers the depth and relevance of your research background.
- Publications and Contributions: Any published or peer-reviewed work will be viewed favorably. Even co-authored papers or conference presentations can improve your standing in the ranking.
- Research Proposal Quality: A well-developed, clearly articulated research proposal that aligns with Deakin’s research strengths signals your readiness and commitment.
- Supervisor Support: Having a confirmed or strongly interested supervisor within Deakin before applying significantly increases your chances of progressing through the process.
- Ranking Guidelines: The full ranking criteria are available in Deakin’s Graduate Research Scholarships 2025 Ranking Guidelines document, downloadable from the official Deakin website.
Important Tips
- Contact a supervisor first. Before formally applying, reach out to potential supervisors at Deakin whose research aligns with yours. A supervisor’s support can make a meaningful difference in how your application is assessed.
- Read the ranking guidelines carefully. Deakin publishes its scholarship ranking criteria. Download the Graduate Research Scholarships Ranking Guidelines PDF from their website and use it to benchmark your own profile.
- Aim well above 80%. The 80% threshold is a minimum, not a target. The most competitive candidates typically have outstanding academic records across the board.
- Tailor your research proposal. Write a focused, compelling proposal that connects your research goals with Deakin’s existing research strengths and your proposed supervisor’s expertise.
- Apply in the right round. Domestic and international applicants have different deadlines and intake periods. Apply in the round that matches your situation to avoid missing your opportunity.
- Currently enrolled students, act early. If you are already a Deakin graduate researcher, remember you cannot apply after completing three years of a doctoral degree or two years of a research masters. Plan ahead.
- Do not underestimate the relocation allowance. If you are moving from overseas or interstate, factor the relocation allowance into your planning. It is a practical benefit that can ease your transition significantly.
- Reach out to the Researcher Development Academy. If you have questions about the process, email deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au. Getting clarity directly from the source prevents costly mistakes in your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply for the RTP Scholarship?
Yes, the RTP Scholarship is open to both domestic and international students. However, only the top-ranked applicants will be offered an RTP. Others may be offered a DUPR Scholarship instead.
What is the difference between the RTP and the DUPR Scholarship?
The RTP is funded by the Australian Government and is awarded only to the highest-ranked applicants. The DUPR is funded by Deakin University and is awarded to other strong candidates who do not receive the RTP. Both provide similar financial benefits including stipend and tuition offset.
Is the $37,450 stipend taxable?
No. The stipend of $37,450 per annum is tax exempt, meaning you receive the full amount without income tax deductions.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled at Deakin?
Yes, currently enrolled graduate research candidates can apply. However, you must not have completed more than three years of a doctoral course or two years of a research masters course at the time of application.
Does the scholarship cover my family’s health insurance?
The OSHC policy provided to international students covers a single person only. If you are bringing family members, you will need to arrange additional health cover for them.
Can I study part-time while on this scholarship?
No. Candidates receiving an RTP or DUPR Stipend must be enrolled as on-campus full-time students.
What happens if I miss the application deadline?
Applications submitted after the round closing date will not be considered. You would need to apply in the next available round.
How do I know if my academic results meet the 80% equivalent requirement?
Deakin assesses qualifications from different countries on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Researcher Development Academy at deakin-hdr-as@deakin.edu.au to confirm how your results will be interpreted.
Official Link
For full details and to begin your application, visit the official Deakin University Research Scholarships page: https://www.deakin.edu.au/research/research-degrees/scholarships
