Curtin University Rtp Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — Curtin University
Curtin University in Perth has built a strong reputation in engineering, mining, and health sciences research, and the Curtin RTP Scholarship is the main funding route international students use to study there at the research degree level. Backed by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program, it covers both the cost of study and daily living expenses for the length of the degree.
About the Scholarship
The Curtin RTP Scholarship supports eligible domestic and international applicants undertaking a Higher Degree by Research, meaning a Master’s by Research or a PhD, at one of Curtin University’s Australian campuses. The scholarship round is run jointly with university funding and remains one of the primary pathways for international researchers to study at Curtin without self-funding tuition and living costs.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee coverage for the standard length of the research degree
- An annual living stipend of approximately AUD 37,500, indexed yearly
- A relocation allowance for students moving to Perth from overseas
- Overseas Student Health Cover for the scholarship holder
- Access to Curtin’s research training workshops and career development support
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be applying for a Higher Degree by Research, either a Master’s by Research or a PhD, at a Curtin Australian campus
- Open to both domestic Australian applicants and international applicants from any country
- Must meet the academic entry requirements for the specific research degree and discipline
- Must have an identified supervisor and an approved research proposal
- Must not already hold an equivalent scholarship of similar value from another source
Fields of Study Covered
The RTP Scholarship at Curtin covers the university’s major research strengths, including mining and resources engineering, health sciences, information technology, the built environment, business, and humanities, since the award applies across Curtin’s full range of research degrees.
Required Documents
- Completed Higher Degree by Research application
- Certified academic transcripts from prior tertiary study
- A detailed research proposal matched to a confirmed supervisor
- English-language proficiency test results, if required
- Academic CV outlining research background and any publications
- Two confidential academic reference reports
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Search Curtin’s research profiles to find a supervisor whose expertise matches your intended project
- Contact potential supervisors to discuss your research idea and request their support before applying
- Submit a complete Higher Degree by Research application along with your research proposal
- Indicate interest in the RTP Scholarship within the same application form
- Submit before the published deadline of 31 October 2026 for the relevant intake
- Respond to any additional information requests from the graduate research school promptly
Selection Process
Curtin’s research committees assess applications on academic record, the quality and originality of the proposed research, and the strength of supervisor commitment. Scholarship recommendations are made alongside the admission decision, and successful candidates typically receive a combined offer of enrollment and funding together.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure supervisor agreement in writing before submitting your formal application, since this carries significant weight in the assessment
- Tailor your research proposal specifically to Curtin’s funded priority research areas rather than submitting a generic proposal
- Apply well before the 31 October 2026 deadline to allow time for any requested revisions to your documents
- Applicants also exploring regional study incentives alongside this scholarship often read about the Destination Australia Program, which adds extra funding for students at regional campuses
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Curtin RTP Scholarship only for Australian citizens?
No, it is open to both domestic and international applicants, provided they meet the academic entry requirements for the chosen research degree.
What is the current annual stipend amount?
The stipend is approximately AUD 37,500 per year, reviewed and indexed annually, though applicants should confirm the exact current rate on Curtin’s scholarships page.
Do I need a supervisor lined up before applying?
Yes, having a confirmed or strongly interested supervisor significantly improves an application, since supervisor support is a core part of the assessment.
How long does the PhD funding last?
Standard PhD funding typically runs for three to three and a half years, with research Master’s funding generally running for up to two years.
Can international students bring dependents to Perth on this scholarship?
The scholarship does not directly fund dependents, though they can be included on an appropriate visa application handled separately through immigration.
Is there more than one intake per year?
Curtin typically runs scholarship rounds more than once a year, so applicants who miss one deadline can often apply in a later round within the same year.
Does holding another scholarship disqualify me from applying?
Generally, applicants cannot hold two scholarships of equivalent value at the same time, and this should be disclosed clearly in the application.
Does the scholarship cover research-related travel or fieldwork costs?
The core RTP award covers tuition and stipend; additional research costs such as fieldwork or conference travel are usually funded separately through faculty grants.