If you are an international or domestic applicant planning to pursue a Higher Degree by Research (Master of Research or PhD) in Australia, two major funding initiatives are currently accepting applications: the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR / RTP) and the Australian National University (ANU) Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship.
Both government and university-backed schemes cover 100% of tuition fees, provide generous tax-exempt annual living stipends up to $39,069 AUD, and include medical insurance for overseas candidates.
Quick Overview & Fee Comparison
| Feature | Deakin DUPR & RTP Scholarship | ANU RTP Stipend Scholarship |
| Host University | Deakin University | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Annual Tax-Free Stipend | $37,450 AUD / year | $39,069 AUD / year |
| Tuition Fee Offset | 100% Covered | 100% Covered |
| Overseas Health Cover (OSHC) | Provided for International Students | Provided for International Students |
| Relocation & Allowances | $500 – $1,500 Relocation Allowance | Travel, Thesis & Dependant Child Allowances |
| Eligible Degrees | MRes (2 yrs) & PhD / Doctoral (3–4 yrs) | Master’s by Research & PhD (3.5 yrs) |
| International Deadline | August 23, 2026 | August 31, 2026 |
1. Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR / RTP)
Overview: Funded jointly by Deakin University and the Australian Government, this award supports high-achieving domestic and international researchers enrolled in Master of Research (MRes) or PhD programs.
- Can Overseas / International Candidates Apply? YES. Open to candidates of all nationalities globally, as well as domestic students.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit (Standard university adult entry criteria apply).
- Living Allowance: $37,450 AUD per annum (tax-exempt).
- Relocation Support: $500 (single) up to $1,500 (family) for candidates moving to study at Deakin.
- Medical Cover: Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy provided for international candidates.
- Duration: 2 years for MRes; 3 to 4 years for PhD.
- International Application Deadline: August 23, 2026.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Completed at least 4 years of tertiary education.
- Achieve a First-Class Honours (H1) or an equivalent academic score (typically 80%+ in previous research components).
- Fulfill Deakin’s English language proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL).
- Official Link: Deakin Research Degree Application Portal
2. Australian National University (ANU) RTP Stipend Scholarship
Overview: Funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, ANU’s flagship Research Training Program (RTP) supports top-tier international and domestic Higher Degree by Research candidates.
- Can Overseas / International Candidates Apply? YES. Fully open to international applicants worldwide.
- Age Limit: No upper age limit (Standard university adult entry criteria apply).
- Living Allowance: $39,069 AUD per annum (tax-exempt, paid fortnightly).
- Additional Allowances: Relocation stipend, thesis allowance, dependant child allowance (international candidates), and paid medical/parental leave.
- Duration: 3.5 years for PhD candidates (with possible extensions under specific conditions).
- International Application Deadline: August 31, 2026.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Enrolled in or applying for an accredited Higher Degree by Research program (Master’s by Research or PhD) at ANU.
- Possess a First-Class Honours degree or equivalent research master’s degree.
- Meet ANU’s standard English language proficiency requirements.
- Official Link: ANU Research Degree Scholarships Portal
Hidden Charges & Out-of-Pocket Costs to Budget For
While both programs are classified as fully funded (covering 100% of tuition, living stipends, and health cover), international candidates must budget for the following out-of-pocket expenses:
- Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) Fee: While tuition and health insurance are covered, you must pay your own Australian visa processing fee directly to the Department of Home Affairs.
- Medical Exams & Biometrics: Required health screenings and police checks for Australian visa approval are paid by the applicant.
- Flight Cost Gaps: Relocation stipends ($500–$1,500 at Deakin) may not fully cover 100% of peak-season long-haul airfare or initial rental housing bonds upon arrival in Australia.
- Dependant/Family Health Insurance Upgrades: Deakin covers a Single OSHC policy. If you bring family members, you must pay out-of-pocket to upgrade to a Couple or Family OSHC policy.
🔔 Subscribe to Potenue for daily updates on verified international PhD scholarships, fully funded research grants, and university stipends!