Dreaming of a fully funded PhD or research master's in Australia? The University of Sydney's Research Training Program (RTP) and equivalent University scholarships cover full tuition, a living stipend and more for international higher-degree-by-research students. The most urgent international round closes on 11 September 2026. Youth Works Hub has set out the funding, the eligibility and how to apply below.
About the RTP Scholarships
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is funded by the Australian Government as a block grant to universities. The University of Sydney administers it under the heading "RTP and equivalent University scholarships", combining RTP-funded and university-funded equivalent scholarships in a single application. The scholarships cover the standard duration of a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) — that is, a PhD or a Master's by Research (not coursework degrees).
What International Students Receive (Fully Funded)
💯 100% tuition fees (for up to 14 research periods, roughly 3.5 years)
💶 A living stipend — AUD 44,293 per year for 2027
🩺 Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
📦 A relocation allowance and a thesis allowance
Domestic students receive the stipend and allowances only (they are already exempt from tuition through a separate mechanism), so this listing focuses on the fully funded international package.
Application Rounds and Deadlines
International rounds:
🗓️ Research Periods 1 & 2, 2027 → 11 September 2026 (the most urgent, closing soon)
🗓️ Research Periods 3 & 4, 2027 → 18 December 2026
🗓️ Research Periods 1 & 2, 2028 → 10 September 2027
The scholarships are awarded per intake, so applying to the earliest relevant round gives you the best timing.
Who Can Apply
🎓 You must have applied for, be commencing, or be enrolled in an HDR (PhD or Master's by Research) — both new and current students can apply
🏆 An outstanding record of academic achievement and previous research experience; research experience is a weighted factor, and you complete a "Research experience evidence template" as part of the application
🌍 The international scholarships are open to international students, with no country exclusion, so applicants worldwide can be considered
Note that specific numeric academic thresholds and English requirements are set at the admission/faculty level rather than on the scholarship page.
🎓 Interested in another funded postgraduate route? Take a look at the DAAD-EPOS scholarship in 🇩🇪 Germany for the MSc Environmental Governance → https://youthworkshub.org/21039
How to Apply
📝 The scholarships are not automatic: first apply for (or be enrolled in) an HDR at the University of Sydney, then submit the separate scholarship application form. Selection is competitive, ranked on academic achievement and research experience.
🎓 Prefer a graduate scholarship in North America? See the Glendon Chase McCormick Award at Dalhousie University in 🇨🇦 Canada → https://youthworkshub.org/21037
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does it cover for international students? 100% tuition, a living stipend (AUD 44,293/year in 2027), health cover, and relocation and thesis allowances.
❓ Which degrees are eligible? HDR only — PhD and Master's by Research.
❓ Is the scholarship automatic? No, you apply for admission first, then submit a separate scholarship application.
❓ Can international students apply? Yes, there is no country exclusion.
❓ When is the nearest deadline? 11 September 2026 for Research Periods 1 & 2, 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 11 September 2026 (International, Research Periods 1 & 2, 2027)
Links
🔗 Apply (scholarship form): https://sydneyuniversity.formstack.com/forms/rtpapp
🔗 International RTP page: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program/rtp-international.html
More fully funded scholarships like this are gathered, in plain language, on Youth Works Hub.
⚠️ Important Notice
Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.
