Funded by the Australian government and valued at up to $124,000, the Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships provide a tuition fee offset and a living-costs stipend to high quality international postgraduate students.

Highlights

Value Eligibility Open date Close date
$35,629 p.a.
  • International postgraduate research student
N/A N/A

How to apply

Apply per key deadlines.

RTP stipend scholarships are awarded in February and November. Therefore, you must submit all required documentation for your admission application, and Research Experience evidence (if applicable) to be considered in the relevant award timeline. Please note that you may be notified of your RTP scholarship outcome at a different time to receiving your offer of study.

Refer to the application and award timeline table below for details.

RTP scholarships are based on academic merit and are highly competitive. You will generally need to have an outstanding academic record, and any research publications will also be highly regarded.

Current students can apply here.

Commencing students should select the check box to be considered for research scholarships when completing the admission application for your postgraduate research degree. A separate application is not required.

Refer to the documents for applicants for details of selection criteria, process, and additional documentation required if applicable.

Benefits

The RTP stipends are valued at $35,629 per annum (2021 rate). The RTP International Scholarship provides a stipend to assist with living costs and overseas health cover as well as tuition fees offsets (i.e. no tuition fees are applicable).

Who’s eligible

You must:

  • be a commencing or enrolled international postgraduate research student
  • have an outstanding record of academic achievement and research potential
  • have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a master’s by research or PhD at the University of Sydney.
Eligibilities

1. Applicants must be an international student at the time of award.

2. Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend International Scholarship (‘the Scholarship’) holders are expected to enrol in a full-time postgraduate research degree.  Subject to visa conditions, the University may approve a part-time Scholarship* where the University is satisfied that there are special circumstances beyond the student’s control (for example medical conditions, financial hardship, carer’s responsibilities).

*A part-time scholarship may have tax implications and student should seek tax advice from registered tax agents.

Tenure

3. The Scholarship may be held for 3.5 years (full time) for Research Doctorate studies, or for two years for Research Masters studies if commenced prior 1 January 2019, or 1.75 years if commences on or after 1 January 2019. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the award will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the award.

4. No extensions are possible.

5. A student is expected to commence the Scholarship by the census date of their commencing intake, and during the year the Scholarship is awarded. If a student has commenced their studies, the scholarship may commence immediately. Deferment of scholarship to next calendar year is not allowed.

Stipend and Allowances

6. Holders of the Scholarship who enrol full time will receive a stipend of $35,629 per annum, indexed annually on 1 January.

7. A student who relocates from countries outside Australia to take up the Scholarship may claim a relocation allowance. The value of the allowance is up to $1,250 travel from their home country to Sydney at the commencement of studies and up to $1,250 for travel to return to their home country after successful completion of studies.

8. Students who had commenced their postgraduate research degree studies in Australia prior to the scholarship being awarded are not entitled to claim relocation allowance for travel to Australia. Students who become a permanent resident of Australia are not entitled to claim travel allowance to return to their home country.

9. Reimbursement of up to $420 for Masters candidates and up to $840 for Doctoral candidates will be made for eligible claims for direct costs of producing a thesis in accordance with the University’s thesis allowance claim information.  The claim must be lodged with the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC – hdrac.scholarships@sydney.edu.au) within one year of submission of the thesis and no more than two years after termination of the award. Costs associated with printing a thesis are not eligible as printed thesis is no longer required for submission and examination.

10. Holders of the Scholarship may receive a concurrent award, scholarship or salary to undertake their research degree provided such award, scholarship or salary provides a benefit less than 75% of the Scholarship.  The Scholarship will be terminated if this limit is exceeded.  Salary for work unrelated to the student’s research is not subject to this limit.

Leave Arrangements

11. Holders of the Scholarship receive up to 20 working days recreation leave every 12 months of the Scholarship and this may be accrued.  Any unused leave when the Scholarship is terminated or completed will be forfeited.  Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading. The supervisor’s agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

12. Holders of the Scholarship may take up to 10 working days sick leave every 12 months of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship.  Students with carer responsibility may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carers leave on presentation of medical certificate/s.  Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

13.  Holders of the Scholarship may receive additional paid sick leave of up to a total of twelve weeks during their scholarship for medically substantiated periods of illness where the student has insufficient sick leave entitlements available under Clause 12 above.  Students applying for additional paid sick leave must do so at the start of absence or as soon as practicable.  Periods of additional paid sick leave are added to the duration of the Scholarship.

14. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, once female holders of the Scholarship have completed twelve months of their award, are entitled to a maximum of twelve weeks paid maternity leave during the tenure of the Scholarship, if she is the person who gives birth.  Students applying for paid maternity leave should do so at least four weeks prior to the expected date of confinement.  Periods of paid maternity leave are added to the duration of the Scholarship. Holders of the Scholarship who have not completed twelve months of their award may access unpaid maternity leave through the suspension provisions.

15. For non-birth giving scholarship holders, upon completed twelve months of their award, they are entitled to a maximum of 5 days paid paternity leave. Periods of paid paternity leave are added to the duration of the Scholarship. Holders of the Scholarship who have not completed twelve months of their award may access unpaid maternity leave through the suspension provisions. Holders of the Scholarship receive up to 20 working days recreation leave every 12 months of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. Any unused leave when the Scholarship is terminated or completed will be forfeited. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading. The supervisor’s agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

Research Overseas

16. Holders of the Scholarship may not normally conduct research overseas within the first 6 months of an award.

17. Holders of the Scholarship may conduct up to 12 months (18 months for students of Anthropology and other special cases) of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student’s supervisor, and Head of department/School, and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student’s candidature. Students must remain enrolled at the University and receive approval to Count Time Away.

Conversion between Research Masters and Research Doctorate degrees

18. Holders of the Scholarship may convert from a Research Masters degree to a Research Doctorate degree or vice-versa provided such change in candidature is approved by the Faculty/University School. The conversion from Research Doctorate to Research Masters degree may result in termination of the scholarship. Should the Scholarship holder be approved to retain the scholarship, the maximum duration of a converted Scholarship becomes that for the new candidature.

Transfer

19. The Scholarships are not transferrable to another university. Should the holder of the scholarship transfer to another faculty, school, or supervisor within the University of Sydney, the duration of the scholarship will not be extended.

Suspension

20. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, holders of the Scholarship cannot suspend their award within the first six months.

21. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, holders of the Scholarship may apply for up to 4 research periods suspension for any reason during the tenure of their award. Periods of suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval to suspend must be given by the Head of the Department/School concerned. Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

22. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, female holders of the Scholarship are entitled to up to an additional 4 research periods suspension (less any period of paid maternity leave) following each birth. The Scholarship holder should apply for the suspension within four weeks of the expected date of confinement.

23. Whenever a student suspends his/her studies the university must report the suspension to immigration authorities and the student may be obliged to return to their home country for the duration of the suspension. Therefore, if a student wishes to remain in Australia during a period of suspension of studies, they must contact the closest Australian immigration office within 28 days of the approval notice to seek approval to remain in Australia during the suspension.

Changes in Enrolment

24.  Holders of the Scholarship must notify Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade.  If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

25. Students who obtain Australian Permanent Residence status during the course of their enrolment at the University of Sydney (or prior to enrolment at the University) must notify the HDRAC immediately when their Australian Permanent Resident visa is issued. In this case, students must bring their passport to the Student Centre as soon as possible so that the University can adjust their residency status.  Subject to satisfactory progress, students will be eligible to continue with the Scholarship.

Termination

26. The Scholarships will be terminated on resignation or withdrawal of the student, upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award, whichever occurs first. The Scholarships will be terminated before this time if after due enquiry the University concludes that a student has not carried out the course of study with competence and diligence or in accordance with the offer of the Scholarship, or fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or has committed serious misconduct. Stipend payment will be suspended throughout the duration of the enquiry/appeal process.

Appeal

27. The University recognises the right of any student to appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) against any decision affecting the award or tenure of the Scholarship.

Eligibilities

1. Applicants must be an international student at the time of award.

2. Research Training Program (RTP) Tuition Fee Offset International Scholarship (‘the Scholarship’) holders are expected to enrol in a full-time postgraduate research degree.  Subject to visa conditions, the University may approve a part-time Scholarship* where the University is satisfied that there are special circumstances beyond the student’s control (for example medical conditions, financial hardship, carer’s responsibilities).

*A part-time scholarship may have tax implications and student should seek tax advice from registered tax agents.

Tenure

3. The Scholarship may be held for 14 research periods (full time) for Research Doctorate studies, or for 7 research periods for Research Masters studies.  No extensions are possible.  Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the award will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the award.

4. A student is expected to commence the Scholarship by the census date of their commencing intake, and during the year the Scholarship is awarded. If a student has commenced their studies, the scholarship may commence immediately. Deferment of scholarship to next calendar year is not allowed.

Benefits

5. Full tuition fees as set by the University of Sydney.

6. Reimbursement of Visa application fee.

7. The cost of a standard Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the student. The policy duration will be for the course duration at the time of award, and it will be organised by the University.  Policy purchased by the student will not be reimbursed.

8. Holders of the Scholarship may not concurrently hold another scholarship that provides support for tuition fees.

Commencement of Studies/Deferral of Commencement

9. Recipients of the Scholarship must enrol in their offered course and commence research at the University by the census date of their course intake. Request to defer the Scholarship for personal reasons may not be considered and the University reserves the right to withdraw the Scholarship offer if the recipient fails to gain an appropriate student visa or is unable to enrol and commence research at the University by the deadline.

Research Overseas

10. Holders of the Scholarship may not normally conduct research overseas within the first 6 months of an award.

11. Holders of the Scholarship may conduct up to 12 months (18 months for students of Anthropology and other special cases) of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student’s supervisor, and Head of department/School, and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student’s candidature. Students must remain enrolled at the University and receive approval to Count Time Away.

Conversion between Research Masters and Research Doctorate degrees

12. Holders of the Scholarship may convert from a Research Masters degree to a Research Doctorate degree or vice-versa provided such change in candidature is approved by the Faculty/University School.  The conversion from Research Doctorate degree to Research Masters degree may result in termination of the scholarship. Should the Scholarship holder be approved to retain the scholarship, the maximum duration of a converted Scholarship becomes that for the new candidature.

Transfer

13. The Scholarships are not transferrable to another university. Should the holder of the scholarship transfer to another faculty, school or supervisor within the University of Sydney, the duration of the scholarship will not be extended.

Suspension

14. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, holders of the Scholarship cannot suspend their award within the first six months.

15. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, holders of the Scholarship may apply for up to 4 research periods suspension for any reason during the tenure of their award.  Periods of suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the scholarship being terminated.  Approval to suspend must be given by the Head of the Department/School concerned.  Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

16. Subject to relevant VISA conditions, female holders of the Scholarship are entitled to up to an additional 4 research periods suspension (less any period of paid maternity leave) following each birth.  The Scholarship holder should apply for the suspension within four weeks of the expected date of confinement.

17. Whenever a student suspends his/her studies the university must report the suspension to immigration authorities and the student may be obliged to return to their home country for the duration of the suspension. Therefore, if a student wishes to remain in Australia during a period of suspension of studies, they must contact the closest Australian immigration office within 28 days of the approval notice to seek approval to remain in Australia during the suspension.

Changes in Enrolment

18. Holders of the Scholarship must notify Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature variations.  Students who obtain Australian Permanent Residence status during the course of their enrolment at the University of Sydney (or prior to enrolment at the University) must notify the HDRAC immediately when their Australian Permanent Resident visa is issued. In this case, students must bring their passport to the Student Centre as soon as possible so that the University can adjust their residency status.

Termination

19. The Scholarships will be terminated on resignation or withdrawal of the student, upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award, whichever occurs first. The Scholarships will be terminated before this time if after due enquiry the University concludes that a student has not carried out the course of study with competence and diligence or in accordance with the offer of the Scholarship, or fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or has committed serious misconduct. Stipend payment will be suspended throughout the duration of the enquiry/appeal process.

False or Misleading Information

20. The University of Sydney reserves the right to reassess a student’s scholarship entitlements if it believes the student has provided false or misleading information to the university in relation to their application for admission or the scholarship award

Appeal

21. The University recognises the right of any student to appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) against any decision affecting the award or tenure of the Scholarship.

For more information please open this link
Apply Here

https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/e/australian-government-rtp-scholarship-international.html

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