Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP)

Scholarship details
How to apply
Find a supervisor
Help and support

Southern Cross University offers competitive scholarships under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) supporting domestic Higher Degree Research (HDR) candidates.

These scholarships recognise academic excellence, research potential, and experience by providing financial support to help students focus on impactful research.

Applications are now open

RTP Domestic Scholarship

Value: AU$35,550 per annum (2027 rate, indexed annually)
Duration: Up to 3 years 3 months
Payment: Tax-free, paid fortnightly
Eligibility: Domestic HDR candidates enrolled full-time

Apply now

RTP International Scholarship

International RTP Stipend Scholarships are not available in the current scholarship round. A future round for international applicants may be offered, and updates will be published on this website as they become available.

Generous Financial Support

Receive a tax-free living stipend (AU$35,550/year).

Research Excellence & Expert Supervision

Join a vibrant research community with access to experienced supervisors and strong industry connections.

Fair, Transparent Selection

Applications are assessed on clear, merit-based criteria—rewarding your academic achievements, research potential, and proposal quality.

Research/Industry fellow Dr James Sippo and Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Damien Maher at Boat Harbour.

How to apply

Check that you meet the eligibility criteria requirements for the RTP Scholarship and your chosen degree. Identify and contact a potential Principal Supervisor and Co-Supervisor in your research area - both must agree to supervise you and sign your application.

Pictured: Dr James Sippo (PhD Student) and Professor Damien Maher (supervisor) from the University's Faculty of Science and Engineering have played a major role in the development of the world's first blue carbon accounting model (BlueCAM)

Learn more about their research.

Find a Supervisor

Write a 1–2 page research proposal.
Gather certified copies of your academic transcripts, qualifications, and proof of citizenship or residency.
Prepare evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
Collect supporting documents for any publications, awards, or prior scholarships.

Further information for applicants can be downloaded below, along with Australian Government RTP Scholarship Scoring Guidelines that explains exactly how your application will be assessed and ranked. Each application is reviewed by a scholarship committee and scored across several key areas including;

Academic qualifications (such as honours or research degrees)
Academic merit (your GPA, especially in relevant fields)
Research publications (peer-reviewed journal articles)
Quality of your research proposal (clarity, methodology, and potential impact)
Supervisor support (a strong statement from your proposed supervisor)
Alignment with SCU’s research strategy (as assessed by the Associate Dean Research)

Download the RTP Information for Applicants

Fill out the RTP Application Form electronically (handwritten forms are not accepted).
Ensure all sections are complete and all required documents are attached.
Have your supervisory team complete and sign their section.

Download the form

Email your completed application and all supporting documents to hdrscholarships@scu.edu.au by the closing date (midnight, 31 October 2026).
Retain a personal copy of your application and documents for your records.

Submit your application