If you want to study in Australia for free while receiving a monthly allowance to cover your living costs, the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at Deakin University is a golden opportunity. Funded by the Australian Government, this highly prestigious scholarship is awarded annually to high-achieving domestic and international students.
Below is an A-to-Z breakdown of everything you need to know, including eligibility, financial benefits, deadlines, and the step-by-step application process.
1. Key Highlights & Quick Overview
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: Deakin University
- Degree Levels: Masters by Research / PhD (Doctoral Degree)
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Target Audience: International & Domestic Applicants
2. Australian Government RTP scholarship stipend rate 2026 2027
The Deakin RTP is a fully funded scholarship that takes care of all your major academic and living expenses. The package includes:
- Full Tuition Fee Offset: Covers 100% of your tuition fees for the duration of your course (up to 2 years for a Masters and up to 4 years for a PhD).
- Living Stipend: A tax-free allowance of $37,450 AUD per annum to support your day-to-day accommodation, food, and personal expenses.
- Health Insurance: Full coverage via the single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy for international students.
- Relocation Allowance: A travel grant ranging from $500 to $1,500 AUD to assist with your relocation and flight expenses to Australia.
3. Eligibility Criteria
Admission into Deakin’s higher degree by research (HDR) programs is highly competitive. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Excellence: You should hold a qualification equivalent to an Australian First-Class Honours degree (typically 80% or higher / H1 Grade), with a significant research component or thesis in your previous degree.
- Educational Background: Completion of at least 4 years of tertiary education (e.g., a 4-year Bachelor’s degree or a combination of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees).
- English Proficiency: Meeting Deakin’s English language requirements (usually validated through IELTS or TOEFL). Note: An English proficiency waiver may occasionally be requested if your entire prior degree was taught in English, though having a valid test score strengthens your application.
- Research Alignment: Your proposed project must align with the current research strengths and faculties at Deakin University.
4. Deakin University PhD application deadline 2027 (Academic Intake)
Deakin University accepts research applications throughout the year across four distinct terms. However, the specific international scholarship round for the 2027 intake follows this timeline:
📅 International Round Opening Date: July 6, 2026
📅 International Round Closing Date: August 23, 2026
Crucial Advice: You must secure a supervisor and finalize your research proposal well before this closing date to successfully submit your scholarship application.
5. Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a research scholarship is different from standard course admissions. You must strictly follow these chronological steps:
- Find a Research Degree: Visit the Deakin website to find the specific Masters by Research or PhD program available in your field (e.g., Engineering, IT, Health, Business, or Science).
- Find and Contact a Research Supervisor: Browse the Deakin Faculty Directory to locate a professor whose research matches your interests. Write a professional email to them, attaching your CV and a brief summary of your research project, to secure their formal agreement to supervise you. (Note: For the Faculty of Business and Law, supervisors are assigned automatically during the application process).
- Prepare Your Documents & Proposal: Draft a comprehensive Research Proposal (collaborating with your supervisor if possible). Gather your official academic transcripts, updated CV, passport scan, and 2 Academic Recommendation Letters.
- Apply Online via the Portal: Register on Deakin’s online application system, ResearchPoint, and upload your complete application package. You do not need a separate scholarship form; simply check the “RTP Scholarship” box within the standard admission form.
6. How to apply for RTP scholarship Australia
You can access the official university portals to review detailed guidelines and submit your application via the links below:
- Official Scholarship Details: Deakin RTP & DUPRS Scholarship Page
- Step-by-Step Application Guide: Deakin Graduate Research Application Guide
For a complete visual walkthrough of the online system, you can also consult this detailed video guide on the Deakin University RTP Scholarship 2027 Application Process, which covers navigating the live portal, structuring your proposal, and emailing supervisors effectively.