Take your academic career to the next level with the Australian National University (ANU) Research Training Program Scholarship — a fully funded scholarship opportunity for ambitious researchers pursuing a Master’s by Research scholarship or a PhD scholarship in Australia. With over 600 competitive scholarships available, this elite program offers a direct path into world-class research funding and a genuinely transformative study abroad experience — all without relying on a student loan, education loan, or international tuition financing to fund your research career.
Backed by the Australian Government and administered through the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training, the ANU Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a high-value award supporting both domestic and international students pursuing Higher Degree Research (HDR). Alongside the AGRTP Scholarship, ANU also offers additional prestigious awards such as the University Research Scholarship and other centrally managed research funding programs — all aimed at fostering innovation, academic excellence, and debt-free postgraduate research in Australia.
For students who have been comparing PhD funding options abroad, weighing research scholarship vs education loan decisions, or researching fully funded PhD programs without student debt, the ANU RTP Scholarship offers access to state-of-the-art research facilities, expert academic mentorship, and a vibrant international research community at one of Australia’s top-ranked universities — combining government-backed financial security with world-class research infrastructure and strong long-term career and salary prospects for PhD graduates.
ANU Research Training Program Scholarship 2027 – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host University | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Host Country | Australia |
| Number of Scholarships | 600+ |
| Degree Level | Master’s by Research, PhD by Research |
| Funded By | Australian Government / Commonwealth Department of Education and Training |
| Financial Coverage | Fully Funded |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic and International Students |
| Application Deadline | 31st August |
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Scholarship Coverage / Benefits
One of the biggest advantages of the ANU Research Training Program Scholarship is the breadth and depth of its financial coverage — making it one of the most comprehensive alternatives to student loans for international postgraduate study anywhere in the world. Unlike scholarships that only cover tuition and leave students to independently manage living costs, travel, and healthcare, the ANU RTP Scholarship is structured to support the entire research journey from start to finish.
- Stipend funded for 3 years, providing consistent and predictable income throughout the core research period, with possible extensions:
- A standard 6-month extension, giving students additional time to complete research without financial interruption
- An additional 6-month extension if eligible under Item 15 (Period of Support) of the AGRTP Procedure — particularly useful for students facing unforeseen research delays
- Travel and removal allowances for students relocating to Canberra to begin their research program — significantly reducing relocation costs for international students, overseas moving expenses, and the financial shock of an international move
- Thesis allowance to help cover research-related production costs, printing, binding, and other thesis completion expenses that often catch students off guard financially
- Dependant child allowance (for international students) — a rare benefit among research scholarships that helps ease family relocation expenses abroad for students who are also parents, making international postgraduate study far more accessible for those with families
- Paid medical, maternity, and parental leave (see sections 51–68 of the Research Training Program Scholarships procedure) — benefits that are comparable to employer-sponsored health benefits in professional jobs, and which significantly reduce dependence on private health insurance for international students or overseas student health cover top-ups
Taken together, these benefits mean that students accepted into this program can realistically plan their entire research period — including housing, healthcare, family needs, and academic costs — without needing to supplement their funding through part-time work visas, international student credit cards, or personal loans for living expenses abroad.
Fields of Study Available at ANU
The ANU Research Training Program Scholarship is available across all major academic colleges at the university, giving applicants exceptional flexibility regardless of their research specialization or career goals:
- College of Arts & Social Sciences — ideal for students pursuing research in humanities, social policy, and cultural studies
- College of Asia and Pacific — a globally recognized hub for regional studies, international relations, and policy research
- College of Business and Economics — particularly relevant for students exploring fully funded MBA research scholarships, finance PhD funding in Australia, or advanced economic policy research
- College of Engineering & Computer Science — highly relevant for students researching fully funded tech PhD scholarships abroad, artificial intelligence, data science, and engineering innovation
- College of Law — suited to students pursuing advanced legal research, international law, or comparative legal systems
- College of Science — covering a wide range of disciplines from natural sciences to applied research, ideal for students seeking fully funded STEM PhD programs
This wide academic coverage means that regardless of whether a student’s background is in the sciences, humanities, business, law, or technology, there is very likely a research pathway at ANU that aligns with both their academic interests and this scholarship’s eligibility criteria.
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Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the ANU Research Training Program Scholarship 2027, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Must hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification as a minimum academic requirement; however, applicants with honours degrees, master’s degrees, or relevant research experience may have a stronger competitive position
Must be either a domestic student (Australian citizen/permanent resident) or an international student from any country — there are no nationality restrictions for this program
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis, with selection committees evaluating:
- The applicant’s overall academic record and grades
- Prior research output, including publications, theses, or research projects
- Demonstrated research experience, such as internships, research assistant roles, or independent projects
Applicants must meet ANU’s English Language Requirements, typically demonstrated through standardized tests such as IELTS or TOEFL for non-native English speakers
Because this scholarship is highly competitive — with 600+ scholarships awarded across the entire university rather than per program — applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure their application materials, including research proposals and academic transcripts, are as strong and well-presented as possible.
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How to Apply — Step-by-Step Process
Step 1 — Review Eligibility and Research Programs:
Before applying, carefully review the eligibility criteria above and explore which ANU college and research program best aligns with your academic background and research interests. Since this scholarship spans multiple colleges, taking time to identify the right supervisor and research area can significantly strengthen your application.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Academic Documents:
Gather all required documents, including your bachelor’s degree certificate, academic transcripts, evidence of English language proficiency, and any supporting documents that demonstrate prior research experience or publications.
Step 3 — Complete the Online Application:
The entire application process for the ANU Research Training Program Scholarship is conducted online through the official ANU portal. Applicants will need to create an account, complete the relevant forms, and upload all required documentation.
Step 4 — Submit Before the Deadline:
Ensure that your complete application — including all supporting documents — is submitted well before the 31st August deadline. Given the high volume of applicants for 600+ scholarships, early submission is strongly recommended to avoid technical issues or last-minute document delays.
Step 5 — Await Outcome and Respond Promptly:
After submission, applications are reviewed competitively based on academic merit and research potential. Successful applicants should be prepared to respond promptly to any follow-up requests, confirm their enrolment, and begin planning their relocation to Canberra if selected.
To apply, visit the official ANU Scholarship page.
For more details, check the official source here.
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