The Australian National University (ANU) Research Training Program (RTP) is a premier fully funded scholarship opportunity for high-achieving scholars. As one of Australia’s most prestigious research institutions, ANU offers these government-backed awards to support both domestic and international students pursuing Master of Research or PhD degrees in Canberra.
The program is designed to cover all aspects of a researcher’s life, from tuition fees to daily living expenses and relocation costs.
Scholarship Overview: ANU RTP 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Institution | Australian National University (ANU) |
| Number of Awards | Approximately 600 per year |
| Stipend Value | $36,652 per annum (2026 estimated base rate) |
| Degree Levels | Master by Research, PhD |
| Main Deadline | 31 March 2026 (for Round 2/S2 intake) |
Comprehensive Scholarship Coverage
The ANU RTP provides a full financial package to ensure researchers can focus entirely on their projects:
- Tuition Fee Offset: Full coverage of tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Fortnightly Stipend: A tax-free living allowance paid to assist with general living costs.
- Duration: * PhD: Up to 3.5 years (3 years base + 6-month standard extension).
- Master of Research: Up to 2 years.
- Relocation Allowance: Up to $3,000 for international students to assist with the costs of moving to Canberra.
- Thesis Allowance: Support for costs associated with the production and submission of the final thesis.
- Paid Leave: Provisions for sick leave, maternity/parental leave, and holiday leave.
Selection and Eligibility Criteria
Selection for the RTP at ANU is highly competitive and primarily merit-based. The university uses a specific rating scale to rank applicants.
- Academic Record: A strong Honours degree (First Class) or a Master’s degree with a significant research component.
- Research Potential: Evaluated through your research proposal, prior publications, and research experience.
- Referee Reports: Two academic references are required to validate your research capability.
- English Proficiency: Must meet the ANU English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 with no band below 6.0).
Available Research Fields
ANU offers research opportunities across seven specialized colleges:
- Arts & Social Sciences: Anthropology, History, Sociology, Philosophy.
- Asia and the Pacific: International Relations, Strategic Studies, Pacific History.
- Business and Economics: Actuarial Studies, Management, Economics.
- Engineering & Computer Science: Artificial Intelligence, Cybernetics, Robotics.
- Law: International Law, Environmental Law, Legal Theory.
- Science: Astronomy, Physics, Biology, Earth Sciences.
- Health & Medicine: Population Health, Psychology, Biomedical Sciences.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Applying for an RTP scholarship at ANU is integrated into the application for admission to a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program.
- Find a Supervisor: You must identify and contact a potential supervisor at ANU. You cannot apply without an expression of interest or support from a faculty member.
- Draft a Proposal: Work with your potential supervisor to refine your research question and methodology.
- Submit Online: Complete the ANU Online Application. In the scholarship section, tick the box indicating you wish to be considered for the Research Training Program (RTP).
- Documentation: Upload certified transcripts, CV, research proposal, and ensure your referees submit their reports by the deadline.