Victoria University Australia Graduate Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded Guide for International Students
Among Australia’s leading institutions, VictoAria University (VU) is famous for its Graduate Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships, designed to support both domestic and international students.
The 2026 RTP Stipend Scholarships at Victoria University provide fully funded opportunities for PhD and Masters by Research candidates, which includes a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee offset, and additional allowances. Incase you are an aspiring doctoral researcher or a motivated Masters candidate, this scholarship can significantly ease your academic and financial journey in Australia.
In this post, we will discuss comprehensive guidelines for applying this scholarship.
About the Victoria University Graduate Research RTP Stipend Scholarships
The Research Training Program (RTP) is an Australian Government initiative that provides funding to universities to support domestic and international higher degree research (HDR) students.
FYI, In 2026, Victoria University is offering multiple RTP-based scholarships, alongside institution-funded awards and Indigenous-focused scholarships. The number of scholarships varies each year depending on available university funds.
Scholarship Highlights (2026):
Host Institution: Victoria University (VU), Melbourne & Sydney campuses
Degree Levels: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Masters by Research
Eligible Applicants: Domestic & International students (newly commencing in 2026)
Annual Stipend Amount: AUD $35,006 – $47,736 (depending on scholarship type)
Duration: Up to 3.5 years for PhD, 2 years for Masters
Coverage: Tuition fee offset, living stipend, research allowances, relocation support, and health cover for internationals
Application Deadlines:
International students: 14 September 2025 (11:59pm AEST)
Domestic students: 28 September 2025 (11:59pm AEST)
Types of Scholarships Available
Victoria University offers multiple scholarship streams under the RTP framework. These include:
1. Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPSS)
Eligibility: Domestic & International PhD candidates
Value: AUD $35,006 annually (tax-free stipend) + tuition fee offset
Focus: Available across all research focus areas
2. VU Doctoral Research Access Scholarship
Eligibility: Domestic PhD/Masters candidates facing educational barriers due to disability, neurodiversity, or chronic illness
Value: AUD $42,900 annually
3. VU Doctoral Research Diversity Scholarship
Eligibility: Domestic PhD/Masters students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds (LGBTQIA+, refugees, carers, single parents, etc.)
Value: AUD $42,900 annually
4. Nigel Stepto Doctoral Research Scholarship
Eligibility: Domestic PhD students in health research (exercise physiology, women’s health, clinical interventions, etc.)
Value: AUD $40,006 annually
5. Vice Chancellor’s Graduate Research Award
Eligibility: Highest-ranked domestic PhD applicant
Value: AUD $10,000 (in addition to RTP stipend)
6. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship
Eligibility: Domestic Indigenous PhD/Masters candidates
Value: AUD $47,736 annually
7. Lisa Bellear Indigenous Research Scholarship
Eligibility: Indigenous students who are Australian citizens or permanent residents
Value: AUD $47,736 annually
8. Foley Collection Research Scholarship
Eligibility: Domestic & International PhD/Masters candidates focusing on Indigenous history research projects
Value: AUD $47,736 annually
Eligibility Requirements
For Domestic Applicants
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.
Must have achieved a minimum Distinction average (75% or above) in Honours or equivalent.
Must secure admission into a PhD or Research Masters program at VU.
Must nominate a Research Focus Outline (RFO).
Enrol full-time (part-time may be considered in special cases).
For International Applicants
Must be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
Must have achieved at least an H1 grade (80% or above) in their Honours or equivalent qualification.
Must be admitted into a full-time PhD or Masters by Research program at VU.
Must nominate a Research Focus Outline (RFO).
Must complete the online application with all required documents.
Scholarship Benefits
The Victoria University RTP Scholarships 2026 offer a complete funding package:
Living Stipend: AUD $35,006 – $47,736 annually (depending on the scholarship).
Tuition Fee Offset: Full tuition waiver (worth AUD $34,200 – $40,400 annually for international students).
Health Insurance (International students): Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC – Single).
Relocation Allowance:
Up to AUD $1,500 for domestic students relocating within Australia.
International students receive health cover but must cover travel costs.
Duration:
PhD: 3.5 years stipend + 4 years fee offset
Masters by Research: 1.5–2 years (depending on program)
Other Benefits:
Access to world-class research facilities
Professional development support
Fieldwork funding opportunities
Selection Criteria
Applicants are ranked competitively based on:
Academic Merit (grades, GPA, honours classification).
Research Experience (assistantships, projects, publications).
Publications & Creative Works (peer-reviewed articles, reports, conference papers).
Work, Leadership & Community Engagement (awards, impact, leadership roles).
Relative to Opportunity (consideration of personal challenges and circumstances).
The Scholarship Ranking Panel evaluates candidates and recommends successful applicants.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Choose a Research Focus Outline (RFO):
Select from VU’s approved list of research topics.Contact a Supervisor:
Discuss your suitability and research proposal with the designated supervisor.Prepare Required Documents:
Academic transcripts & certificates
Research proposal with RFO number & supervisor’s details
200-word personal statement
Updated CV with ORCID ID and top 5 publications (if any)
Two academic references and Prospective Supervisor Form
Submit Online Application:
Through the VU Graduate Research Application Portal.Deadlines:
International: 14 September 2025
Domestic: 28 September 2025
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Selection
Aim for high academic standing: GPA above 80% is often required for international PhD scholarships.
Show research alignment: Tailor your proposal to match VU’s research priorities.
Highlight publications: Even conference abstracts can strengthen your case.
Secure strong references: Academic referees with research supervision experience carry more weight.
Provide evidence of impact: Awards, leadership, or community contributions matter.
Apply early: Avoid last-minute technical issues with submissions.
Important Dates (2025–2026 Round)
Applications Open: July 2025
International Deadline: 14 September 2025 (11:59 pm AEST)
Domestic Deadline: 28 September 2025 (11:59 pm AEST)
Scholarship Results Notification: Within 2 months after closing date
Commencement of Studies: Monday, 16 February 2026
FAQs
1. Can I apply for both a PhD and a Research Masters scholarship?
No. You must choose one program, but several scholarships are available for both PhD and Masters by Research applicants.
2. Do I need an IELTS/TOEFL score?
Yes, international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency unless exempt.
3. Can I defer my scholarship if selected?
No. All recipients must commence their research in February 2026.
4. How competitive are these scholarships?
Highly competitive – applicants usually need an equivalent of 80–85% average to be considered.
5. Is employment allowed during the scholarship?
Yes, but limited to 8 hours of paid work per week during working hours.
Final Thoughts
The Victoria University RTP Stipend Scholarships 2026 represent one of the most comprehensive funding opportunities for graduate research in Australia. Covering tuition fees, living expenses, and additional support, they allow talented students from across the globe to pursue impactful research without financial burden.
If you are an aspiring researcher ready to take the next step, now is the time to prepare your documents, align your research proposal with VU’s focus areas, and apply before the deadlines.
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