If you are going to do a Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia, the largest issue is often affording your living expenses. CQUniversity’s (CQU) Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship provides a great option with a tax-free living allowance of $38,000 per year so you can focus totally on your research .
This fellowship is funded by the Australian Government to assist outstanding research candidates with general living costs whilst undertaking an authorized Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at CQUniversity.
Also check: Western Sydney University Project Scholarships 2026/27 – Full List & How to Apply
Scholarship Overview
| Key Detail | Information |
| Scholarship Value | $38,000 per annum (tax-free stipend, paid fortnightly) |
| Duration | Up to 3 years |
| Number Available | Approximately 5 (subject to funding availability) |
| Funding Type | Australian Government Funded |
| Study Level | Research Master’s or PhD (Higher Degree by Research) |
| Eligibility | Domestic and International students |
| Application Status | Open (Applications accepted year-round; assessment rounds typically close in April and September) |
What is covered by the scholarship?
The main benefit of the RTP Stipend Scholarship is a living allowance stipend. This is paid directly to you on a fortnightly basis through the University’s payroll system and helps you pay for things like rent, groceries, transit and other day-to-day costs.
Domestic students (Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens) earning the RTP Stipend are also automatically eligible for an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship. This covers all your tuition fees for the term of the scholarship, meaning you do not pay for your research degree.
Note: The stipend is available to international students to help pay the cost of living expenses, however, this particular grant does not cover tuition prices.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the RTP Stipend Scholarship, you must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolment: You must be a domestic candidate or an overseas candidate enrolled in (or applying for) an accredited Research Higher Degree (RHD) course at CQUniversity .
- Income Restriction: You must not be receiving income from another source to support your general living costs that exceeds 75% of the RTP Stipend rate. Income unrelated to your course of study or income specifically for course-related costs (not living expenses) is not counted .
- Fees Offset (Domestic Only): To be eligible for the associated tuition fee offset, you must not be receiving an equivalent Commonwealth scholarship designed to offset RHD tuition fees .
How Are Recipients Selected? (Merit-Based Assessment)
This is a highly competitive, merit-based scholarship. CQUniversity uses a specific Scholarship Assessment Scale to rank eligible applicants. The scoring is broken down into three key categories :
- Academic Achievement and Writing Skills (0–20 points): This is based on your academic transcripts (e.g., First Class Honours or equivalent) and evidence of your writing ability, such as publications or the quality of your research proposal.
- Quality of Research Project and Alignment with CQUniversity Research Priority Areas (0–15 points): Your proposed research must be feasible and demonstrate a clear connection to CQU’s current research strengths and strategic priorities.
- Evidence of Motivation, Research Experience, and Research Environment (0–15 points): This includes your research philosophy, career goals, prior research experience, and the support of your proposed supervisory team.
How to Apply: There Is No Direct Application
One of the most important things to understand about this scholarship is that you cannot simply fill out a form to apply. The process is tied to the research degree admission process.
Here are the steps you need to take:
- Find a Supervisor: The first and most crucial step is to identify and contact potential supervisors at CQUniversity whose research interests align with yours.
- Discuss Your Interest: Discuss your research proposal and your interest in the RTP Scholarship with your prospective supervisory team.
- Receive an Invitation: If the supervisory team supports your application and recommends you, the School of Graduate Research will invite you to complete a formal scholarship application .
- Submit Supporting Documents: When invited, you will need to provide supporting documentation, including a written submission. Incomplete applications will not be considered
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED APPLICATION GUIDES.
Important Dates
Applications remain open throughout the year. However, assessment rounds are typically scheduled to close at the end of April and September. The timing and number of rounds can vary, so it is best to discuss timelines with your potential supervisor .
Final Thoughts
The CQUniversity RTP Stipend Scholarship is an excellent opportunity for research students who want financial security while completing their higher degree. With a substantial annual stipend and the possibility of a tuition fee offset for domestic students, it allows you to concentrate on what matters most: your research.
If you are ready to take the next step, start by exploring CQUniversity’s research areas and reaching out to potential supervisors today.
Official Source: For the most up-to-date and detailed information, always refer to the CQUniversity RTP Stipend Scholarship page.
