Research Training Scholarship 2026 Opens at University of Sydney

Students planning to pursue advanced research degrees in Australia now have a new opportunity to secure one of the country’s most competitive government-funded scholarships. The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of Sydney has opened its call for applications, inviting talented domestic and international candidates to undertake Higher Degree by Research (HDR) studies with significant financial support.

Backed by the Australian Government, the RTP scholarship is designed to help promising researchers focus fully on their academic projects by covering living costs, relocation support, and thesis production expenses. The program attracts applicants from across the world who aim to pursue Master’s by Research or PhD programs at the University of Sydney—one of Australia’s leading research universities known for global impact and innovation.

Successful recipients gain access not only to financial support but also to Sydney’s extensive research ecosystem, laboratories, academic mentors, and international collaboration opportunities. For students with strong academic records and research ambitions, the RTP scholarship represents a clear pathway to conducting high-impact research in Australia.

Funding Blueprint: What the RTP Scholarship Covers?

The Research Training Program scholarship is structured to ensure that selected researchers can concentrate on their academic work without financial pressure. The financial package supports both living costs and essential research-related expenses.

Scholarship benefits include:

• Annual stipend of $41,753 per year (2025 rate), indexed annually
• Relocation allowance up to $1,485 for travel to Sydney at the start of the degree
• Return travel allowance up to $1,485 after successful completion of the research program
• Thesis allowance of up to $420 for Master’s research candidates
• Thesis allowance of up to $840 for doctoral candidates
• Paid recreation leave of up to 20 working days per year
• Paid sick leave of up to 10 working days per year
• Provisions for extended sick leave and parental leave where applicable

The number of awards available each year may vary depending on funding allocations and the number of qualified applicants selected through the University of Sydney’s competitive research scholarship ranking process.

Who Can Compete for This Scholarship Research Award?

The RTP scholarship targets academically strong students with clear research potential who wish to undertake higher degree research programs at the University of Sydney.

Applicants should meet the following requirements:

1. Be domestic or international students applying for or currently enrolled in an HDR program
2. Demonstrate an outstanding academic record and strong research potential
3. Be enrolled full-time in a Master’s by Research or PhD program (part-time study may be approved under exceptional circumstances)
4. Not have previously completed an HDR program at the same level
5. Not have previously received an Australian Government or University scholarship for an HDR degree at the same level

Candidates are usually assessed on academic merit, research proposal strength, publications, and recommendations from supervisors.

Step-by-Step Application Journey for the RTP Scholarship

Applying for the University of Sydney RTP scholarship follows a structured process connected to admission into a Higher Degree by Research program. Applicants should begin by preparing their research proposal and required documents before submitting their application through the university portal.

First, prospective candidates must apply for admission to a Master’s by Research or PhD program at the University of Sydney and indicate their interest in being considered for the RTP scholarship. Next, applicants should upload all required supporting documents including academic transcripts, research proposal, curriculum vitae, and any additional documents required by the university’s scholarship office. After submission, applications undergo academic and scholarship committee evaluation based on research potential and academic excellence. Finally, shortlisted applicants will receive official notification of the scholarship outcome via email from the University of Sydney Scholarships Office

The last date to apply for the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of Sydney depends on the research intake period. For applicants targeting Research Periods 1 and 2 of 2027, the application deadline is 12 September 2026. Meanwhile, candidates planning to commence their HDR studies in Research Periods 3 and 4 of 2027 must submit their applications by 19 December 2026 to be considered for the RTP scholarship funding round.