The CQUniversity Australia Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 is now open for eligible domestic and international students who want to pursue a research higher degree in Australia.
Funded by the Australian Government, the RTP Stipend Scholarship provides financial support to postgraduate research students undertaking higher degree research programmes at CQUniversity. The scholarship helps cover living expenses during the research period and also includes tuition fee support for eligible students.
The programme is designed for students pursuing advanced research studies such as PhD and research master’s degrees in various academic fields aligned with CQUniversity’s research priorities.
The scholarship remains open throughout the year, with assessment rounds usually conducted around April and September, depending on funding availability.
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About the Central Queensland University RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government initiative that supports high-quality research training at Australian universities.
At CQUniversity, RTP Stipend Scholarships are awarded to outstanding research students based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the university’s research strengths.
The scholarship aims to support students contributing to research in areas including:
- Health and medical research
- Engineering and technology
- Environmental sustainability
- Education and social sciences
- Business and economics
- Regional development
- Digital innovation
- Agriculture and resource industries
Selected students will undertake research under the supervision of experienced academic staff at CQUniversity.
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Scholarship Value and Benefits
The RTP Stipend Scholarship provides significant financial support for research students.
Selected applicants will receive:
1. Annual Living Stipend
Recipients will receive:
- AUD $38,000 per annum
- Fortnightly payments through the university payroll system
2. Tuition Fee Support
Domestic students awarded the RTP Stipend Scholarship will also receive:
- RTP Fees Offset Scholarship
- Full tuition fee coverage during the scholarship period
A separate application for the tuition fee offset is not required.
3. Research Support Environment
Students will also benefit from:
- Access to CQUniversity research facilities
- Academic supervision
- Research training support
- Professional development opportunities
- Collaboration with research communities
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Scholarship Duration
The RTP Stipend Scholarship is awarded for:
- Up to 3 years for eligible research degree students
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the RTP Stipend Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the eligibility conditions under the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017.
Applicants must:
- Be a domestic or international student
- Be enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree (RHD) programme at CQUniversity
- Meet university admission requirements for research degrees
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
Applicants must also not:
- Receive another income source supporting general living costs that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend value
- Hold another Commonwealth-funded scholarship designed to offset tuition fees
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Selection Criteria
The scholarship is merit-based and highly competitive.
Applications are assessed using the following criteria:
1. Academic Achievement and Writing Skills
- Academic performance
- Research capability
- Quality of written submissions
2. Research Project Quality
Assessment includes:
- Strength of the proposed research topic
- Alignment with CQUniversity research priority areas
- Research relevance and innovation
3. Motivation and Research Experience
Reviewers consider:
- Previous research experience
- Academic motivation
- Research environment and supervision support
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Number of Scholarships Available
CQUniversity will award:
- 5 RTP Stipend Scholarships
The number of scholarships may vary depending on available funding.
Application Process
There is no direct application process for the RTP Scholarship.
Interested students must first discuss their research interests and scholarship opportunities with a proposed supervisory team at CQUniversity.
Based on supervisor recommendations, eligible applicants may be invited by the School of Graduate Research to submit a formal scholarship application.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants may need to provide:
- Written submission
- Academic transcripts
- Research proposal
- Supporting academic documents
- Evidence of research experience
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Timeline
Scholarship Opens
31 December 2025
Scholarship Deadline
31 December 2026
CQUniversity may conduct multiple assessment rounds during the year, depending on scholarship availability.
Applicants are usually assessed during rounds scheduled around:
- April
- September
Why the RTP Scholarship Matters
Australia remains one of the leading destinations for postgraduate research education.
The RTP Scholarship helps talented students focus on advanced research without significant financial pressure. It also supports international research collaboration and innovation across multiple disciplines.
Students selected for the programme gain access to:
- Australian research networks
- Advanced laboratory and research facilities
- Academic mentorship
- International research opportunities
- Career pathways in academia, industry, and government sectors
Research Career Opportunities After Graduation
Graduates from research higher degree programmes may pursue careers in:
- Universities and academia
- Government research institutions
- Public policy and advisory roles
- Private research organisations
- Technology and innovation sectors
- Healthcare and science industries
- International development organisations
How to Apply
Students interested in the RTP Stipend Scholarship should first identify a suitable research area and connect with a potential supervisor at CQUniversity.
Official scholarship details and application information are available on the university website.
Conclusion
The CQUniversity Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026 offers fully funded support for outstanding domestic and international students pursuing research higher degrees in Australia.
With an annual stipend of AUD $38,000, tuition support, and access to a strong research environment, the programme provides valuable opportunities for students aiming to build careers in research, innovation, and academia.
Students planning to pursue postgraduate research studies in Australia should consider applying for this Australian Government-funded scholarship opportunity.
