University Of Sydney Research Training Program Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — University of Sydney
⚠️ This scholarship's deadline has passed and it's no longer accepting applications.
Studying a PhD abroad without a funded scholarship is rarely realistic for most international students, which is exactly the gap the Research Training Program Scholarship at the University of Sydney is designed to close. Backed by Australian Government funding and administered by the university, it is one of the main entry points for international researchers aiming to complete a doctorate at a top-30 world university.
About the Scholarship
The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at the University of Sydney supports both domestic and international students undertaking a PhD or a research Masters degree. It is funded jointly by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program and university resources, and it remains one of the largest sources of funded higher degree research places at the institution each year.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fee offset for the standard duration of the research degree
- An annual living allowance stipend, indexed yearly and tax-free for most recipients
- Overseas Student Health Cover for the scholarship holder for the length of the award
- Relocation allowance for students moving to Sydney from overseas
- Thesis allowance to help cover costs such as printing, binding, and submission in the final year
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be applying for, or already enrolled in, a PhD or research Masters degree at the University of Sydney
- Open to both domestic Australian applicants and international applicants from any country
- Must meet the academic entry requirements for the specific research degree and faculty
- Must have a confirmed or proposed supervisor willing to support the research project
- Must not already hold an equivalent scholarship of similar value from another source
Fields of Study Covered
The RTP Scholarship spans the full range of research disciplines offered at the University of Sydney, including medicine and health sciences, engineering, information technology, arts and social sciences, law, business, veterinary science, and agriculture.
Required Documents
- Completed higher degree research application form
- Certified transcripts from all previous tertiary qualifications
- A detailed research proposal matched to an identified supervisor
- English-language proficiency test results, where required
- Academic CV outlining research background and any publications
- Two confidential academic referee reports
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Search the university’s research supervisor connect tool to find an academic whose work matches your interests
- Contact potential supervisors directly to discuss your proposed project before submitting a formal application
- Submit your higher degree research application along with a research proposal through the university’s online portal
- Indicate your interest in the RTP Scholarship within the same application, since no separate scholarship form is needed
- Submit before the relevant research period deadline, noting that periods 1 and 2 for 2027 close on 11 September 2026
- Track your application status through the applicant portal and respond quickly to any follow-up requests
Selection Process
A faculty research committee reviews each application against academic record, research potential, and the strength and feasibility of the proposed project. Scholarship recommendations are made alongside admission decisions, and successful applicants receive both an offer of candidature and a funding outcome at the same time.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Secure supervisor agreement before submitting your application, since an unconfirmed supervisor is one of the most common reasons strong applications stall
- Align your research proposal closely with the supervisor’s current research interests and the faculty’s funded priority areas
- Apply for the earliest available research period rather than waiting, since later periods in the cycle often have fewer remaining places
- Students comparing Sydney against Melbourne’s equivalent program often read about the Melbourne Research Scholarship for a side-by-side view of funding and stipend differences
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship only for Australian citizens?
No, it is open to both domestic and international applicants from any country, subject to meeting the university’s academic entry requirements.
Do I apply for the scholarship separately from my PhD application?
No, the RTP Scholarship is applied for as part of your higher degree research application, not through a separate form.
What is the current stipend rate?
The stipend is indexed annually; applicants should check the university’s scholarships page for the exact rate confirmed for the 2027 intake.
How long does the PhD scholarship last?
Standard PhD funding runs up to three and a half years, with research Masters funding typically running up to two years.
Can international students bring family members on this scholarship?
The scholarship does not directly fund dependents, though they can be included on an appropriate student dependent visa application separately.
What if my preferred supervisor is unavailable?
The university’s researcher directory lists multiple academics per discipline, so applicants are encouraged to contact two or three potential supervisors before applying.
Are there multiple deadlines throughout the year?
Yes, the University of Sydney runs several research period intakes annually, so missing one deadline does not necessarily mean waiting a full year to reapply.
Does holding another scholarship disqualify me?
Generally, applicants cannot hold two scholarships of equivalent value simultaneously, and this must be disclosed during the application process.