PhD Scholarships in Australia for Indian Students: The Research Training Program and University Research Awards
The Research Training Program (RTP) is the federal fund behind most research scholarships in Australia. The government gives it to universities, which award scholarships to domestic and overseas students for a PhD (three years full time, up to four) or a research master's (up to two years). An RTP scholarship can cover a tuition offset, a living stipend and allowances.
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RTPopen to overseas students
3–4 yearsPhD funding period
2 yearsresearch master's
No limiton PhD students' work hours
How to win one
RTP scholarships are competitive and ranked on your research record: an honours or master's thesis, publications, a first-class or distinction result and a supervisor who backs your proposal. Indian applicants with a research master's or an integrated M.Tech are well placed. Contact supervisors months before the scholarship round with a two-page proposal that fits their work.
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Tuition and the visa living funds, counted in rupees
A scholarship removes tuition of ₹30–40 lakh (A$45,000–60,000) a year; the stipend covers living costs; you can work without a limit; your family can come; and the four-year 485 that follows is the longest any graduate can get. A doctorate also earns 20 points on the skilled migration test. See the PhD in Australia.
Questions from Indian students: PhD scholarships in Australia
Can international students get RTP scholarships?
Yes. The Research Training Program funds scholarships for both domestic and overseas research students, awarded by each university.
How do I apply for a PhD scholarship in Australia?
Through the university, not the government: find a supervisor, apply for admission to the research degree and indicate you want to be considered for scholarships in the same round.
What does an RTP scholarship cover?
It can include a tuition fee offset, a stipend for living costs and allowances such as relocation or thesis costs. Each university decides the package.
Does the University of Melbourne fund international PhD students?
Its Research Training Program Scholarship is open to domestic and international research students, among more than 1,200 scholarships and prizes the university lists.
Can my family come with me during a PhD?
Yes. Doctoral students are exempt from the October 2026 rule that stops most students from including family, and family members of research students have no work limit.
