Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026 in Australia

Charles Darwin University in Australia offers the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship for eligible higher degrees by research students.

This scholarship is designed for students undertaking research degrees such as a Doctor of Philosophy or Master by Research.

For 2026, CDU lists the RTP stipend as AU$35,489 per year tax-free for full-time students, paid in fortnightly instalments. The scholarship duration is normally three years full-time for a doctoral degree and two years for a research master’s degree.

Additional benefits may include paid sick leave, maternity leave, and relocation allowance. CDU states that relocation allowance for RTP stipend recipients may be up to AU$2,000 for domestic students and up to AU$2,500 for international students, subject to conditions.

Important warning: CDU states that RTP Scholarships are by invitation only. This means applicants must be invited by the CDU HDR team before applying and must submit a complete RTP scholarship application by the notified deadline.

This is not a normal “apply anytime” scholarship. Applicants should first check their research eligibility, academic background, English language requirements, supervisor or project fit, and required research documents.

Who Can Apply:

Domestic and international students may be eligible if they meet CDU’s academic and English language entry requirements, demonstrate strong research potential, and are invited to apply by the CDU HDR team.

Best For:

PhD applicants, Master by Research applicants, students with thesis experience, research background, publications, strong academic records, or a clear research proposal.

Not Suitable For:

Bachelor’s applicants, normal coursework master’s applicants, people without research preparation, or applicants looking for a quick general scholarship application.