ANU University

The ANU Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 offers an outstanding opportunity for talented domestic and international students to pursue postgraduate research in Australia. Funded by the Australian Government, this prestigious scholarship supports students enrolled in Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs at the Australian National University (ANU), including PhD and research-based master’s degrees.

The scholarship provides a generous tax-free annual stipend, helping researchers focus on their academic goals while studying at one of Australia’s leading universities. With financial support covering living expenses and a competitive selection process, the RTP Stipend Scholarship is among the most sought-after research scholarships in Australia.

Scholarship Overview

Degree Level

The ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 supports students pursuing the following Higher Degree Research programs:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Master’s by Research (MPhil or equivalent HDR programs)

Available Research Fields

Applicants may apply for research programs across a wide range of academic disciplines offered by ANU. The proposed research project must satisfy the following requirements:

• Align with the university’s research priorities.
• Be supervised by an approved academic supervisor.
• Have access to the required research facilities and resources.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants will receive a comprehensive financial package that includes:

• Tax-free annual stipend of AUD 39,069 (2026 rate).
• Financial support for living expenses.
• Fortnightly stipend payments.
• Funding for up to 3.5 years.
• Possible 6-month extension for eligible candidates.
• Opportunity to study at one of Australia’s top-ranked research universities.
• Access to world-class research facilities and academic support.

Eligible Nationalities

The scholarship welcomes applications from students worldwide, including:

• International students from all countries.
• Australian domestic students.
• Eligible current ANU Higher Degree Research students.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026, applicants must:

• Meet the requirements outlined in the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017.
• Apply for or already be enrolled in an ANU Higher Degree Research (HDR) program.
• Meet all academic admission requirements established by ANU.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance and strong research potential.
• Secure an eligible research supervisor.
• Ensure the proposed research aligns with ANU’s research priorities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the following steps:

1. Apply for admission to an ANU Higher Degree Research program.
2. Select the RTP Stipend Scholarship during the admission application process.
3. Most new applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application.
4. Current ANU research students should complete the required scholarship request form.
5. Upload all required supporting documents, including academic transcripts and the research proposal.

Selection Process

The scholarship is awarded through a highly competitive merit-based selection process.

Applications are assessed based on:

• Academic excellence.
• Research achievements and potential.
• Quality of the research proposal.
• Availability of an appropriate supervisor.
• Alignment with ANU research priorities.
• Availability of institutional research resources.

Scholarship Application Deadlines

ANU conducts two scholarship rounds each year.

Round One

• International Applicants: 31 August
• Domestic Applicants: 31 October
• Expected Commencement: By 31 March of the following year.

Round Two

• Application Deadline: 15 April
• Expected Commencement: By 31 August of the same year.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize their chances of securing supervision and scholarship consideration.

Ongoing Scholarship Requirements

Scholarship recipients must continue to meet the following conditions throughout their studies:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Remain enrolled full-time in an approved Higher Degree Research program.
• Comply with all scholarship conditions set by the Australian Government and ANU.

Why Choose ANU for Research?

The Australian National University is internationally recognized for its excellence in research, innovation, and graduate education. Through the Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship, students gain access to experienced supervisors, advanced research facilities, and a globally respected academic environment while receiving substantial financial support.

For students seeking a fully funded PhD scholarship in Australia or a research master’s scholarship at ANU, the RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026 represents an excellent opportunity to pursue world-class research without financial burden.