Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships

To apply for an RTP scholarship for a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at Curtin University, you’ll need to start by obtaining an Invitation to Apply from a registered Curtin supervisor.

Scholarship application process timeline

1. RTP scholarship round opens – 1 July
   Open to current and prospective domestic and international applicants. You can explore listed research projects or propose your own. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – 1 July to 18 August
   To be considered for a project, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) between 1 July and 18 August. EOIs should be directed either to the advertised project lead or to a level 1 research supervisor if you are proposing your own project. You may be asked to discuss your proposed project with the principal supervisor before receiving a formal Invitation to Apply. Response times to EOIs can vary depending on the supervisor’s availability and workload. While prompt responses are encouraged, some supervisors may finalise EOIs after the RTP EOI deadline of 18 August. Important notes:
   • You can only be shortlisted once.
   • If you receive multiple project nominations, only the first nomination will be considered for scholarship ranking. Choose your preferred project and project lead carefully.
   • Your Invitation to Apply will include details for submitting referee information. It is strongly recommended that you arrange a second referee report to support your scholarship application.
3. Submit your admission application – no later than 31 October
   You can find detailed application instructions for HDR degrees on the ‘How to apply’ page.
4. Scholarship outcomes – November
   The central scholarship selection committee will award RTP scholarships to support HDR students. You’ll receive notification of outcomes via email.
5. Enrolment period – no later than 31 March
   Successful scholarship recipients must enrol and start their HDR course by this date. Current Curtin HDR students will start their scholarships from 1 January.

Additional requirements for current Curtin HDR students

To be eligible for centrally supported scholarships, current Curtin HDR students must:

• Not currently receive a HDR base stipend
• Have confirmed support from their principal supervisor
• Maintain a Good Standing academic status
• Have not exceeded 18 months of full-time equivalent enrolment as of 1st July

For more information, please visit the scholarship website.

RTP Scholarship Procedures

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Procedures detail the processes and conditions for RTP Scholarships. They cover:

• Student eligibility requirements
• Scholarship types, rates and periods of support
• Application, selection, ranking and offer process.

All Australian Government RTP Scholarship recipients and applicants are required to familiarise themselves with these procedures.

If you’re receiving an RTP Scholarship, you should also read the related associated Conditions of Award (CoA).

More information

For more information about the RTP, view the Department of Education and Training’s frequently asked questions or visit the Australian Government website.