Deakin Research Training Program Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — Deakin University
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Melbourne-based doctoral research gets fully funded through this Deakin University program, built to support candidates pursuing original research across a wide range of disciplines.
About the Scholarship
The Research Training Program Scholarship, often paired with Deakin’s own University Postgraduate Research Scholarship, funds graduate researchers undertaking a PhD or research master’s at Deakin. Rounds open each year for a February intake, drawing applicants from across the world.
Deakin has built a strong reputation in digital innovation, health sciences, and engineering research, and this scholarship is the university’s primary vehicle for recruiting high-performing international doctoral candidates into those programs.
Scholarship Benefits
- Annual stipend at the 2026 rate of AUD 37,450, indexed yearly
- Tuition fee offset for the duration of candidature
- Relocation allowance for eligible international candidates
- Health cover support where applicable
Eligibility Criteria
Open to both domestic and international students enrolled or seeking enrollment in a Deakin graduate research course. Applicants need an honours degree at first-class or upper second-class level, or a master’s degree with a significant research component, along with a confirmed or proposed supervisor and research topic aligned with a Deakin research priority area.
Fields of Study Covered
Research disciplines across Deakin’s faculties, including health, engineering, information technology, business, and the arts and education, provided a suitable supervisory team is available.
Required Documents
- Academic transcripts and degree certification
- Research proposal or statement of research interest
- Two academic or professional references
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- CV outlining prior research or publication record
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
1. Identify a research topic and a potential Deakin supervisor in advance.
2. Apply for admission into a Deakin graduate research degree.
3. Submit the scholarship application within the same portal before the round closes.
4. Attach the research proposal, transcripts, and reference details.
5. Wait for the outcome, generally issued alongside the admission decision.
Selection Process
A faculty research committee ranks applications on academic merit, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research, and supervisor availability. Only a limited number of scholarships are awarded each round, so competition for popular research areas is strong.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Reach out to a prospective supervisor well before the round closes to discuss the proposal. Students comparing Victorian universities may also look at the Monash International Merit Scholarship for a coursework alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as the Deakin Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship?
No, the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship supports coursework students, while this scholarship is specifically for PhD and research master’s candidates.
Can I apply without a confirmed supervisor?
A proposed supervisor is strongly recommended, and most successful applications have at least an in-principle agreement in place before submission.
How long is the scholarship awarded for?
Standard duration covers up to three years for a PhD, with a possible short extension in some circumstances.
Does the stipend increase over time?
The stipend is indexed annually, so the rate paid in later years of candidature will typically be higher than the starting rate.
Are international students treated differently from domestic students?
Both groups compete for the same pool of scholarships, though international candidates also receive a relocation allowance not typically provided to domestic students.
What happens if my research topic changes after enrollment?
Significant changes to a research topic should be discussed with the supervisor and graduate research office, since funding is tied to the approved proposal.
Is there a quota by faculty?
Yes, each faculty manages its own allocation of scholarships within the overall university quota per round.
Can I defer my scholarship start date?
Deferral is sometimes possible for documented reasons such as visa delays, though it must be approved by the graduate research office in advance.
Can I hold this scholarship alongside an external stipend top-up?
Many Deakin research students do receive additional top-up funding from industry or government partners alongside their RTP stipend, provided the combined support does not exceed Deakin policy limits.
What happens if I do not finish within the funded period?
Candidates who need extra time beyond the funded period can apply for a short unfunded extension, though ongoing financial support after the standard scholarship term is not guaranteed.
Will Deakin help with visa applications for RTP recipients?
Deakin’s international student office provides guidance on student visa requirements once a scholarship offer is confirmed, including documentation needed to show sufficient funding for the Department of Home Affairs.