Australia continues to attract aspiring scholars from around the world with its excellent education system and welcoming research environment. Among the top funding opportunities available, the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship at Deakin University stands out as a fully funded award tailored for high-performing students pursuing Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) such as PhD or Master by Research.
This in-depth blog post will guide you through everything you need to know about the Deakin RTP Scholarship, including eligibility requirements, application procedures, benefits, and tips to increase your chances of securing the award.
1. Introduction to the RTP Scholarship
The Research Training Program (RTP) is a funding initiative by the Australian Government, designed to support both local and overseas students enrolled in research-based postgraduate programs. Administered through individual universities, the RTP scheme offers financial support for tuition and living expenses during your research degree.
2. Why Choose Deakin University?
Situated in the state of Victoria, Deakin University is known for its progressive research programs, cutting-edge facilities, and student-friendly campuses in Melbourne, Geelong, and Warrnambool. Recognized globally, Deakin ranks within the top 1% of universities worldwide and is highly regarded for its research excellence, practical learning, and graduate employability.
3. What is the Deakin RTP?
The RTP Scholarships at Deakin are prestigious awards offered to high-achieving research students. These scholarships are merit-based and cover both tuition fees and living costs. They are open to both domestic and international applicants, with a strong focus on academic potential and research alignment.
4. RTP vs DUPR – What’s the Difference?
Deakin offers two major types of research scholarships:
| Feature | RTP Scholarship | DUPR Scholarship |
|---|---|---|
| Funding Source | Australian Government | Deakin University |
| Tuition Coverage | Yes (for international students) | Not always included |
| Stipend/Allowance | Yes | Yes |
| Eligibility | Domestic and international | Domestic and international |
| Competition Level | Very high | High |
International candidates are often awarded RTP Fee Offset + RTP or DUPR Stipend combinations.
5. Who is Eligible?
To apply for the RTP scholarship at Deakin, you must:
- Be applying for a PhD or Master by Research
- Meet Deakin’s English language requirements
- Hold a Bachelor’s Honours (first class) or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate research potential, such as through publications or relevant experience
Additional notes for international students:
- You should be eligible for or hold an appropriate student visa
- Applicants with prior research output or industry experience are at an advantage
6. Available Research Fields
RTP Scholarships are available across a wide range of disciplines at Deakin, including:
- Medicine and Health Sciences
- Engineering and Technology
- Law and Business
- Information Systems
- Social Sciences and Humanities
- Environmental Science
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
Aligning your research interests with Deakin’s strategic research themes can improve your chances of success.
7. Scholarship Inclusions
The RTP scholarship at Deakin offers extensive benefits to help students focus on their research:
Key Inclusions:
- Annual Living Allowance: AUD $34,400 (tax-free, 2025 rate)
- Full Tuition Fee Coverage for international students
- Relocation Grant: Up to AUD $1,540 for international students
- OSHC (Overseas Student Health Cover) for the duration of the visa
- Research Support: Access to advanced labs, facilities, and software
Duration:
- PhD: 3 years (plus 6-month extension)
- MPhil: 2 years
8. Important Dates
Deakin usually conducts two major application rounds annually:
| Round | Deadline | Outcome Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | February – March | May – June |
| Round 2 | August – October | November – December |
Make sure to check Deakin’s official scholarship page for updated deadlines each year.
9. Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for the Deakin RTP involves submitting your HDR application with scholarship consideration included.
Here’s how:
- Choose your research area and identify a project
- Find a potential supervisor and secure their in-principle agreement
- Draft a research proposal (usually 1–2 pages)
- Gather all necessary documents (see below)
- Apply via Deakin’s online application portal
There is no separate scholarship application—it is integrated with your course application.
10. Necessary Documents
Ensure you prepare the following:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Certified academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
- Research proposal
- Copies of published work (if any)
- Two referee reports (academic or professional)
- Copy of passport
- Statement of Purpose
All documents must be in English and certified if they originate from non-English-speaking countries.
11. How to Approach a Supervisor
One of the most critical steps is obtaining approval from a supervisor.
Finding a supervisor:
- Use Deakin’s Find a Researcher tool
- Browse faculty or research centre webpages
- Read academic profiles and look for topic alignment
- Reach out by email with:
- A brief introduction
- Your CV
- A short research proposal or area of interest
Tip: Personalize your email and demonstrate how your interests align with their research work.
12. Ways to Improve Your Application
Make your application stand out with the following strategies:
- Craft a strong research proposal: Clearly outline objectives, methodology, and potential impact.
- Secure supervisor support early: This significantly strengthens your application.
- Showcase research experience: Prior publications or research assistant roles help.
- Tailor your CV for research: Highlight relevant skills and academic achievements.
- Choose referees wisely: Ask for detailed and honest recommendations from people familiar with your academic work.
13. Life as a Deakin Researcher
Deakin fosters a research culture that promotes innovation, collaboration, and impact. As a research student, you’ll benefit from:
- Access to world-class facilities
- Regular training workshops and development programs
- Opportunities to present at conferences
- Dedicated HDR support teams
- Flexible study arrangements and online resources
You’ll also be part of a vibrant student community, with support networks and social activities that enhance the international study experience.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Do I need to submit a separate RTP scholarship application?
No. Scholarship consideration is automatically included in your HDR application.
❓ Can I apply without a confirmed supervisor?
Technically, yes. But it’s highly recommended to secure one beforehand.
❓ Can Master’s by Coursework students apply?
No. Only those enrolled in a research degree (HDR) are eligible.
❓ How competitive is the scholarship?
Very competitive. Selection is based on academic excellence, research potential, and proposal quality.
❓ Can I apply for multiple scholarships?
Yes, you may apply for others. If awarded more than one, you’ll usually be required to select one.
15. Conclusion
The Deakin RTP Scholarship presents a phenomenal opportunity for students looking to advance their academic careers through research. With full financial support, access to state-of-the-art resources, and a thriving academic environment, it’s ideal for ambitious researchers worldwide.
Applying for this scholarship requires careful planning, strong academic credentials, and a well-developed research proposal. By taking the time to prepare thoroughly and secure supervisor support, you’ll significantly improve your odds of success
