Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship 2027

Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship 2027

PhD, Masters

Selected courses offered by the university

Last Date 07 October 2026

IRTP Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded Research Opportunity

The International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP) 2027 offers international students an opportunity to pursue higher degree research in Australia with significant financial support. Funded by the Australian Government, the program is administered through participating Australian universities and is designed to attract high-achieving international researchers to doctoral and research-based postgraduate study.

IRTP funding can include tuition fee coverage, a living stipend and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), although the exact value, duration and application deadline depend on the university administering the scholarship. For example, the University of Technology Sydney currently lists a 2027 IRTP round with a tax-free living allowance of AUD 40,500 per year, along with tuition and OSHC support.

IRTP Scholarship 2027 Overview

The IRTP is not a single university scholarship with one nationwide application deadline. Australian universities administer their own IRTP rounds, so applicants should check the scholarship page of their chosen institution for the current intake and requirements.

What Is the International Research Training Program?

The International Research Training Program is an Australian Government-funded research scholarship framework supporting international students undertaking higher degree research. Participating universities use the program to provide funding to selected international postgraduate researchers.

The scholarship is aimed at applicants who demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential. Depending on the university, IRTP support can be available for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Master’s by Research. UTS, for example, lists IRTP support for up to 3.5 years for a PhD and up to two years for a Master by Research.

Because universities administer their own scholarship rounds, students should carefully check whether their preferred university offers IRTP funding for their intended research degree.

IRTP Scholarship Benefits

One of the most important advantages of the IRTP is its combination of tuition and living support. At participating institutions, successful international applicants may receive a tuition fee scholarship or offset, a living allowance and OSHC.

At UTS, the 2027 IRTP listing provides a living allowance of AUD 40,500 per year tax-free, with support for up to 3.5 years for PhD students and two years for Master by Research students. The scholarship also covers tuition fees and standard OSHC for the scholarship holder and eligible family members.

Other universities may publish different stipend rates. For example, the University of Sydney lists an international RTP stipend of AUD 44,293 per year for 2027, together with a 100% tuition fee offset for eligible recipients and OSHC.

This difference demonstrates why applicants should always check the individual university's current scholarship conditions rather than assuming that every IRTP award has identical benefits.

Who Can Apply?

IRTP scholarships are intended for international students undertaking higher degree research. Applicants must first satisfy the admission requirements of the university and research program they wish to enter.

Selection is competitive and may consider academic achievement, research experience, research potential, the quality of the proposed research and alignment with the university's research strengths. UTS confirms that its graduate research scholarships are awarded through a merit-based competitive process.

Applicants should also check individual university rules concerning previous scholarships, current enrolment, English-language requirements, research experience and other funding.

For example, UTS states that applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an accredited higher degree by research and cannot receive an equivalent Commonwealth award intended to offset research degree fees.

Eligible Research Degrees and Fields

The IRTP can support research-based postgraduate study rather than standard taught Master's programs. Eligible degrees may include:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

• Master of Philosophy

• Master by Research

• Other approved higher degree research programs

Research fields depend on the participating university. Applicants can find opportunities across areas such as computer science, engineering, health, medicine, business, social sciences, environmental sciences, natural sciences, humanities and other disciplines.

Students should therefore begin by identifying a suitable research degree and supervisor before selecting the appropriate scholarship round.

Required Documents

The exact document requirements differ between universities, but applicants for research scholarships commonly need to prepare:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates

• Curriculum vitae or résumé

• Research proposal

• Evidence of research experience

• Proof of English proficiency

• Academic referee reports or recommendation letters

• Passport identification page

• Evidence of publications, where applicable

• Additional documents required by the selected research school

Some universities require applicants to identify or contact a potential supervisor before submitting the formal research degree application. Applicants should follow the specific procedure published by their chosen institution.

How to Apply for the IRTP Scholarship 2027?

The application process depends on the participating university. In many cases, students first identify a suitable research degree and supervisor and then submit an application for admission and scholarship consideration.

At UTS, prospective research students can indicate that they wish to be considered for IRTP and associated scholarships within the admission application rather than completing a separate IRTP form.

The University of Sydney, in contrast, requires commencing students to apply for admission and submit the scholarship application according to the published scholarship timeline.

Therefore, applicants should not rely on a single application procedure for all Australian universities. The correct process is determined by the institution offering the research place.

IRTP Scholarship Deadline 2027

There is no single national IRTP deadline for 2027. Each participating university establishes its own application rounds.

For example, UTS currently lists October 7, 2026 as the closing date for its 2027 Research Session 2 international scholarship round.

The University of Queensland has also published an international scholarship round for students commencing in Research Quarter 4 of 2027 or early 2028, with applications closing October 19, 2026.

Applicants should therefore confirm the deadline, scholarship value, and eligibility requirements directly with their selected Australian university before submitting an application.

Final Thoughts

The International Research Training Program Scholarship 2027 provides international researchers with an opportunity to pursue advanced research in Australia while receiving substantial financial assistance. Depending on the participating university, funding can include tuition fee support, a tax-free living stipend, and health insurance.

The program is particularly relevant to students planning a PhD or research-based Master's degree and who have strong academic records and research potential. However, IRTP funding is administered by individual universities, meaning scholarship amounts, deadlines, application procedures, and eligible research programs can differ.

Applicants should first choose an Australian university and suitable research program, review its admission requirements, identify a potential supervisor where required, and then apply within the university's scholarship deadline. Early preparation is recommended because research scholarship applications often require detailed proposals and supporting academic documents. Apply Now