Australian Government Research Scholarship 2027 (Fully Funded). Apply for fully funded scholarships from here. Studying in Australia on a fully funded research scholarship is one of the smartest moves an international student can make in 2027. The Australian Government Research Scholarship 2027 opens the door to world-class universities, generous stipends, and a clear visa sponsorship pathway for students who want to build a long-term future abroad. This guide breaks down everything from eligibility and tuition coverage to the student visa application process, post-study work visa options, and PR after study so you can plan with confidence.
Australian Government Research Scholarship 2027 Details:
| University: | Australian Universities |
| Degree level: | Masters, PhD |
| Scholarship coverage: | Fully Funded |
| Eligible nationality: | Domestic & International |
| Award country: | Australia |
| Last date: | Different for every University |
Thousands of applicants every year search for affordable study abroad routes, and this scholarship consistently ranks as one of the most reliable options for low competition admission combined with high career value. Whether you are exploring education financing options or comparing universities, this article gives you a practical roadmap.
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Securing sustainable financial backing remains the single most critical factor for students pursuing advanced research degrees. The Australian Government Research Training Program, widely recognized as the RTP, represents the pinnacle of institutional funding for domestic and international scholars across Australia. Administered directly by individual participating universities on behalf of the Department of Education, this highly prestigious initiative delivers robust financial security to exceptional minds. By removing the heavy burden of tuition fees and everyday living costs, it empowers scholars to focus entirely on producing breakthrough discoveries.
| Key Metric | Details |
| University | All Participating Australian Higher Education Providers (HEPs) |
| Degree Level | Master’s by Research, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) |
| Scholarship Coverage | Fully Funded (Tuition, Stipend, and Relocation Allowances) |
| Eligible Nationality | Domestic (Australian Citizens/PR/NZ) and All International Nationalities |
| Award Country | Australia |
| Last Date | Varies by Institution (Typically August–October for 2027 Intake) |
What is the Australian Government Research Training Program?
The Department of Education delivers these foundational blocks of funding through the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Operating via annual block grants allocated to local universities, the program provides targeted, high-value research training program packages. This framework replaces older legacy models, streamlining how a modern Australian government research scholarship functions in the global academic market. Both domestic students and ambitious international students can access these resources to pursue highly demanding postgraduate research degrees without financial worry.
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| Department of Education (Funding Source) |
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|
v (Annual Block Grants)
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| Participating Australian Universities |
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|
v (Merit-Based Allocation)
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| HDR Candidates: Domestic & International Scholars |
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Every recipient enters a structured ecosystem designated specifically for HDR, or Higher Degree by Research, candidates. Whether your focus is a complex research doctorate or a specialized research masters, this framework ensures your academic journey is fully supported. Each academic year, the government computes a dynamic funding formula to determine each university’s institutional allocation. This ensures that top-tier Commonwealth scholarships flow directly to campuses that demonstrate strong completion rates and exceptional research quality within the tertiary education sector.
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Understanding the Three Core RTP Scholarship Components
The flexibility of this program lies in its modular structure, which can offer a single type of support or a complete, fully integrated funding package. The overall value depends on whether you secure a stipend, a fees offset, or a specific auxiliary allowance. Most high-ranking candidates receive a combination that covers both academic tuition fees and essential personal cost of living expenses. This holistic approach ensures that unexpected financial shortages do not compromise the integrity of your scientific data or delay your timeline.
International researchers also receive targeted structural assistance, including comprehensive health cover and help with upfront relocation costs when moving to Australia. If printing or publishing costs arise near your graduation date, a dedicated thesis allowance can help cover those final operational expenses. While domestic fee-paying setups can create substantial student debt, the RTP framework safely shields researchers from crushing international tuition fees. By absorbing these mandatory fees and eliminating minor ancillary fees, the program provides unmatched institutional support through highly stable funding packages.
RTP Stipend Allowance
The living allowance component serves as a reliable economic foundation, distributing regular cash payments to cover day-to-day survival costs. The government updates the official baseline value annually, establishing a specific base rate alongside a clear maximum rate for institutions. This indexation follows the consumer price index, meaning that your CPI adjustment ensures your purchasing power remains steady against inflation. Distributed as a predictable fortnightly payment, this tax-free stipend allows recipients to pay rent and purchase groceries without taking on stressful outside employment.
[Base Annual Rate] ---> Indexed via [Consumer Price Index (CPI)] ---> Distributed as [Fortnightly Payments]
Choosing full-time study guarantees the maximum possible delivery of resources, whereas a part-time rate scales down the funding proportionally over a longer period. This annual allowance features automatic indexation, which protects the minimum stipend from local market fluctuations and changing economic landscapes. This reliable stream of financial support flows directly into your personal student bank account, functioning much like a professional maintenance grant. For the upcoming stipend value 2027 and stipend value 2027 cycles, these payments offer peace of mind against rising urban living expenses.
RTP Fees Offset
The tuition fees waiver acts as an invisible shield, instantly clearing the substantial cost of high-level academic enrollment. For local applicants, this replaces the typical Commonwealth supported place framework, ensuring your graduate research degree does not accumulate debt. For overseas scholars, it completely clears the premium international student fees that would otherwise make studying in Australia cost-prohibitive. Funded through the broader research block grant system, this mechanism creates a complete liability offset for the duration of your degree.
Every university applies this fee exemption directly to your student ledger, completely eliminating standard course fees. As a result, you will never receive an invoice from your chosen higher education provider for basic academic instructions. This seamless coverage removes standard enrollment fees from your academic worries, allowing you to focus on your laboratory work or fieldwork. Ultimately, this creates a fully funded tuition track that lets you access elite academic tuition without needing complex financial exemption applications.
RTP Allowance Type
The auxiliary benefits of the program expand beyond standard living costs to assist with the physical realities of moving your life across the globe. A dedicated relocation grant helps cover flight tickets and moving trucks, easing the transition into your new academic home. Additionally, a specialized thesis printing allowance covers the structural costs of compiling, formatting, and binding your final massive research manuscript. Dedicated health insurance contribution packages also protect you from sudden medical bills during your stay in Australia.
This mechanism ensures your mandatory OSHC coverage is completely managed, frequently upgrading from a single cover to a family cover option if you travel with dependents. These funds are designed to minimize your out-of-pocket moving expenses, freeing up personal capital for other transition costs. Scholars can also access support for academic publication costs and standard book binding allowance options during their final year. When presenting your research, these options can expand into a travel grant or dedicated conference funding to cover ancillary allowances and essential research expenses.
Complete Financial Value and Benefits of an RTP Scholarship
When you calculate the total financial package, the total monetary value of a fully funded award stands out as an exceptional academic opportunity. This fully funded scholarship combines tuition coverage, living stipends, and relocation assistance into a single high-value financial package. Over the course of a standard degree program, these comprehensive benefits add up to a highly substantial amount of cumulative funding. The annual stipend value alone provides a strong foundation of financial security year after year.
A typical doctoral candidate receives a guaranteed three-year funding window, which can be extended via a four-year extension if complex fieldwork or laboratory delays occur. For those pursuing a master’s funding track, the support provides two years of continuous security, while the doctoral funding track extends to support deep, long-form academic exploration. This long-term security ensures complete cost of living coverage, protecting you from sudden shifts in the broader economy. Ultimately, this framework delivers exceptional financial security alongside premium health insurance, allowing you to focus entirely on academic innovation.
Eligibility Criteria for Domestic and International Applicants
To secure a place in this competitive program, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria and institutional entry requirements. Your fundamental citizenship status determines whether you enter the selection pool as a domestic candidate or an international applicant. Anyone holding status as an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a qualifying New Zealand citizen is automatically categorized as a domestic researcher. Conversely, if you hold a different passport, you will join the highly competitive international applicant stream.
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| Applicant Citizenship Status |
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|
+----------------------+----------------------+
| |
v v
[Domestic Stream] [International Stream]
- Australian Citizens - All Other Passports
- Permanent Residents (PR) - Requires Subclass 500 Visa
- New Zealand Citizens - Requires Active OSHC Cover
The selection committee reviews your complete undergraduate history to verify your academic qualifications and check for potential credit transfer options. The guidelines generally prevent dual enrollment, meaning you cannot hold two major government scholarships at the same time. Reviewers look closely at your prior degrees to ensure you possess a relevant qualifying degree that matches the university’s strict admissions policy. Meeting these basic residency requirements and confirming your legal status is the first essential step toward compiling a successful application.
Academic Excellence Requirements
The primary metric for selection is a proven track record of outstanding academic achievement. Successful applicants often hold a first-class honors degree or a verified H1 equivalent score from their undergraduate or preliminary postgraduate studies. Alternatively, completing a recognized master’s by research program provides an excellent foundation that demonstrates your readiness for independent doctoral work. Selection committees analyze your GPA or grade point average alongside your official academic transcripts to assess your consistency.
Candidates can significantly strengthen their application by showcasing strong research output, such as peer-reviewed publications or co-authored journal articles. Presenting at major conferences or publishing conference papers demonstrates that your work can withstand rigorous expert review. This tangible research experience sets top candidates apart, especially when paired with previous academic accolades or placements on a dean’s list. Ultimately, your admission depends on your competitive ranking within a highly talented global cohort ranking system.
English Language Proficiency Standards
International applicants must demonstrate strong language skills to ensure they can manage complex academic writing and research documentation. Universities accept several prominent testing frameworks, with the IELTS academic exam serving as a common global standard. Alternatively, you can submit scores from the TOEFL iBT, the Pearson PTE, or the advanced Cambridge C1 Advanced test. Some candidates may qualify for an English proficiency waiver if they meet specific institutional criteria.
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| Accepted English Language Proficiency Frameworks |
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| 1. IELTS Academic | 2. TOEFL iBT | 3. Pearson PTE | 4. Cambridge C1 |
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These strict language requirements demand that you reach a specific minimum score across every individual band score area. If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, you can submit a certificate of medium of instruction from a recognized native English-speaking region. This formal documentation satisfies the university’s ELP test requirements without requiring you to retake expensive standardized exams. It is critical to clear these requirements early, as an incomplete file can result in a conditional admission that delays your language certification.
Eligible Degree Levels and Research Disciplines
The program is designed specifically to support high-level research degrees rather than standard coursework options. The most common path is the doctor of philosophy, widely known as a Ph.D., which involves deep, independent original research. Alternatively, you can apply for a master of philosophy, or MPhil, track, which offers a shorter but equally rigorous research experience. Some universities also extend this funding to a professional doctorate by research, which blends advanced industry practice with structured academic inquiry.
The program supports a wide range of academic paths, funding innovative projects across competitive STEM fields, traditional humanities, and the social sciences. Scholars can also secure funding for advanced medical research, modern business disciplines, or projects aligned with national priority research areas. The program gladly welcomes interdisciplinary studies that bridge multiple fields, as well as experimental projects in the creative arts research sector. This broad approach ensures that important technological innovations receive the resources they need to thrive.
Step-by-Step RTP Scholarship Application Process
Navigating the application process requires a careful, methodical approach over several months of preparation. Following a structured step-by-step guide will help you manage every requirement without missing critical milestones. Many universities require you to submit initial expressions of interest or an EOI before granting access to the official portal. This initial screening ensures your project aligns well with the department’s current resources and capabilities.
Once approved to move forward, you will complete your application through the university’s dedicated online application portal. This platform links your profile directly to the central admissions office and the university’s graduate research school. Understanding these initial enrollment steps helps you avoid common mistakes during the formal registration phase. Managing this application workflow carefully ensures your files move smoothly through institutional channels in line with local institutional guidelines.
Finding an Academic Supervisor
Before uploading any documents, you must secure a formal commitment from an established faculty researcher. This professional will serve as your research supervisor or principal supervisor, managing your laboratory work and guiding your academic progress. Depending on your project’s scope, you may also choose a co-supervisor to provide secondary expertise. Finding a suitable faculty member requires identifying an academic mentor whose current work matches your project goals.
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| Identify Faculty | ----> | Email Outreach | ----> | Secure Signed |
| Researchers | | & Project Pitch | | Support Statement |
+------------------+ +-------------------+ +--------------------+
To ensure strong research alignment, take time to read your prospective mentor’s recent papers and understand their academic expertise. When making initial contact, write a clear, personalized email outreach that explains how your project fits into their current research program. Securing a formal supervisor agreement or a signed statement of support is essential for a competitive application. This backing shows the review committee that an expert laboratory head has vetted your concept and is ready to provide guidance.
Developing a Winning Research Proposal
Your research proposal serves as the core of your application, demonstrating your ability to plan and execute an independent scientific project. Start with a clear, engaging project abstract that outlines your main objectives and contributions to the field. From there, detail your experimental methodology and provide a thorough literature review to show you understand the current academic landscape. Your core research questions must be clear, practical, and highly focused.
Be sure to highlight the broader significance and potential innovation of your work to show why it deserves funding. Include a realistic project timeline that demonstrates how you will complete the work within standard funding limits, and outline your approach to data analysis. If your work involves human subjects or animals, be sure to note any necessary ethical clearance steps. Your proposal must clearly demonstrate feasibility, address a genuine research gap, test a clear hypothesis, and build upon a solid conceptual framework.
Submitting via the University Application Portal
With your proposal polished and your supervisor locked in, you can now open the university’s official online portal. This digital workspace manages your document upload steps, ensuring your transcripts, certificates, and test scores are safely processed. The portal also features an application tracking tool, allowing you to monitor your file’s progress through the review cycle. Always double-check that your files meet all stated admission requirements before clicking the final submit button.
[Upload Transcripts & Proposal] ---> [Verify Certified Copies] ---> [Monitor via Tracker] ---> [Final Confirmation]
Take care when completing the digital signature fields, as these serve as your formal confirmation of accuracy. You must provide clear, certified copies of your original documents to satisfy institutional verification policies. The portal will also manage your referee reports, sending automated prompts to your academic writers to submit their academic references directly. This keeps the evaluation portal secure and ensures your letters are processed efficiently through the university’s central document verification system.
Crucial Application Deadlines for 2026 and 2027
Missing an application deadline will instantly disqualify your file, regardless of your academic merits or the strength of your proposal. Every higher education provider sets its own independent closing date based on its academic calendar and processing capacity. If you are targeting the upcoming 2027 intake or planning ahead for the 2027 intake, you must monitor these calendars closely. Many campuses split their applications into distinct rounds to better manage the volume of submissions.
The international round often closes much earlier than the domestic window to allow sufficient time for visa processing and relocation. Conversely, the domestic round typically remains open later into the autumn months. If you prefer to start mid-year, look for a specialized mid-year intake window, though these rounds may offer fewer total scholarship slots. Most candidates apply during the main round, keeping a close eye on anticipated dates and matching their timeline to the official submission window.
| Intake Period | Applicant Stream | Typical Application Deadline |
| 2027 Main Intake | International Applicants | August – September 2026 |
| 2027 Main Intake | Domestic Applicants | October – November 2026 |
| 2027 Mid-Year Intake | Both Streams (Where Available) | April – May 2027 |
Required Supporting Documents Checklist
A successful submission requires a complete, well-organized document checklist to ensure the review committee has everything they need. Your official academic transcripts must cover every year of higher education and include a clear, explanatory grading scale. You will also need a polished curriculum vitae or academic CV that highlights your research history, laboratory skills, and technical training. If you have a professional resume, adjust its focus to emphasize your academic accomplishments rather than generic corporate experience.
Be sure to attach clean copies of your research publications, including front pages or acceptance letters from publishers. International applicants must provide a high-resolution copy of their passport bio-page to verify identity and citizenship. You must also upload your official English test results directly from the testing agency’s portal. Finally, ensure your writers submit their referee letters on time, include official proof of citizenship, and provide certified translations for any non-English degree certificates.
How Australian Universities Rank and Select RTP Recipients
The internal selection process is highly competitive, often sorting through thousands of talented applicants for a limited number of slots. Universities use a structured ranking methodology based on a clear, objective scoring matrix to evaluate every file. This competitive selection framework removes personal bias, ensuring awards go to candidates with the strongest academic potential. A specialized selection committee reviews each file, shifting the program toward a strictly merit-based selection model.
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| Institutional Selection Matrix Weights |
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| [Academic Track Record: 40%] | [Proposal & Feasibility: 30%] |
| [Supervisor & Alignment: 20%] | [Publications & Output: 10%] |
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Reviewers look for a strong strategic alignment between your proposed project and the department’s existing laboratory strengths. They evaluate your long-term research potential by looking at your past honors work, publications, and professional references. The committee also considers broader institutional priorities, ensuring funding supports key fields and matches the university’s assessment criteria. Every department uses a detailed scoring rubric to score applicants, followed by a consensus moderation phase to finalize the rankings fairly.
Strategic Tips to Increase Your Selection Chances
To secure a top slot, you need a clear strategy that goes beyond simply meeting the minimum admission requirements. Developing a strong competitive advantage means highlighting the unique strengths of your academic profile and project proposal. Focus on targeted profile building months before the application opens, checking for gaps in your research history or publications. Active networking with international scholars can also help you find supervisors who are looking for new students.
Submitting an early application gives you a head start, ensuring the admissions office can flag any missing files before the deadline. Spend time refining proposal drafts with feedback from mentors, and focus on strengthening references by choosing writers who know your work well. A pre-application consultation with your prospective supervisor can also yield valuable insights that improve your proposal’s focus. Finally, consider co-authoring papers within your current network to build a strong research track record and secure a competitive academic positioning.
Student Visa Requirements and Health Insurance for International Scholars
Securing your funding is a major milestone, but international scholars must also navigate the legal steps required to study in Australia. You will need to apply for a formal student visa, specifically categorized as a subclass 500 visa by the immigration authorities. This application goes through the Department of Home Affairs, which manages all border entries and long-term residency permits. You can only submit this visa application after receiving your official confirmation of enrollment or CoE from your university.
[RTP Award Letter] ---> [University Issues CoE] ---> [Purchase OSHC] ---> [Submit Subclass 500 Visa Application]
You must maintain active OSHC or Overseas Student Health Cover for the entire duration of your stay in the country. Some candidates may also need to complete a visa medical exam at an approved clinic to satisfy health requirements. While your scholarship covers tuition, you must still demonstrate basic financial capacity to handle unexpected personal expenses. The department will review your profile against genuine temporary entrant or GTE guidelines to ensure compliance with current immigration rules. Be sure to check typical visa processing time averages, as shifting immigration policy can impact your travel timeline.
Rights, Responsibilities, and Conditions of Award
Accepting this award means entering a formal contract governed by detailed conditions of the award document. This framework outlines your basic student rights while detailing your responsibilities regarding research ethics and academic integrity. You must maintain steady academic progress, which is assessed through a formal milestone review process each year. The first major hurdle is the confirmation of candidacy, where you present your preliminary work to an expert panel.
The framework includes support for personal well-being, offering clear leave entitlements for extended research periods. These benefits include paid maternity leave and standard sick leave allowances to help you manage unexpected life events. If you experience serious personal or medical difficulties, you can request a formal suspension of scholarship to pause your funding without losing your slot. Some institutions also allow a part-time conversion under specific conditions, though you must remain mindful of termination clauses and the university’s intellectual property or IP rights policies.
Post-Graduation Career Opportunities and Employment Pathways
Completing your research degree opens doors to exceptional career opportunities across multiple global industries. Many graduates choose to stay in academia, securing a postdoctoral research slot or transitioning into a university teaching role. Others use their advanced skills to transition into private industry, stepping into senior academia or corporate positions. Your specialized training makes you a valuable asset for corporate research and development or R&D divisions worldwide.
Graduates are well-positioned for roles within the corporate sector or contributing to strategic development within government policy agencies. If you choose to stay in Australia long-term, your advanced degree can open up useful permanent residency pathways. Your research background matches the criteria for several skilled migration streams, including the prestigious global talent visa program. Whether you choose an academic career or an industry path, your time as a funded researcher prepares you for long-term professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions (Latest Google People Also Ask)
What is the monthly stipend for the Australian Government Research Scholarship?
The living allowance is disbursed to scholars as a regular fortnightly installment directly into their local bank accounts rather than as a single monthly payment. When calculated as a monthly breakdown, the cash provides an exceptional foundation that matches the current consumer price index baseline. This reliable living allowance cash payment model delivers continuous financial liquidity to researchers throughout the academic year.
Can international students apply for the RTP scholarship without a prior publication?
Yes, candidates can submit an application without an extensive list of published papers, as selection committees look at your overall academic potential. While a prior publication in a peer-reviewed journal provides a competitive edge, it is not a strict requirement for admission. Committees also value a strong honors track record, an innovative research proposal, and excellent referee reports when evaluating an application without papers.
Is the RTP stipend tax-free for domestic and international students?
The stipend allowance is fully exempt from local income tax under current guidelines from the Australian Taxation Office. This specific ATO ruling ensures that your fortnightly payments are not classified as assessable income, provided you remain enrolled as a full-time student. This complete tax exemption maximizes your actual purchasing power, ensuring your full-time study tax liability remains at zero throughout your degree.
Can I work part-time while holding a full-time RTP scholarship?
Yes, recipients can take on limited employment, provided it does not interfere with their primary research commitments. Most institutions set clear employment limits, capped at a maximum of eight to ten hours per week during regular business hours. You will need formal supervisor approval before accepting outside work to ensure the extra hours do not impact your academic progress.
Conclusion
This program offers an exceptional opportunity, providing full financial backing to domestic and international researchers across Australia. By covering tuition fees and living expenses, it allows scholars to focus entirely on academic innovation. Securing a slot requires careful preparation, a strong proposal, and alignment with an expert supervisor. Navigating this path successfully provides a clear foundation for a rewarding career in global research.
Official Scholarship & University Resources (Official Links Only with Future Deadlines)
Australian Government Department of Education – RTP Details: https://www.education.gov.au/research-block-grants/research-training-program (Applications open dynamically via universities; Deadlines vary by institution throughout late 2026 and 2027) – Currently Open
Study Australia Official Scholarships Portal: https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/plan-your-studies/scholarships (Comprehensive database for international applicants; Deadlines continuous through 2027) – Currently Open
Australian National University (ANU) RTP Stipend Portal: https://study.anu.edu.au/scholarships/find-scholarship/australian-government-research-training-program-rtp-stipend (International Deadlines: August 31, 2026, for 2027 intake; Domestic Deadlines: October 31, 2026) – Currently Open
University of Melbourne RTP Scholarship Page: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/research-training-program-scholarship (Applications integrated into course admission; Rounds close October 31, 2026, for early 2027 commencement) – Currently Open
University of Sydney RTP Portal: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program.html (Year-round applications; Main international round closes September 15, 2026, for 2027) – Currently Open
Flinders University International RTP Page: https://www.flinders.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program-scholarship-international (Main international scholarship round closes August 7, 2026, for 2027 positioning)—Currently Open
Australia Awards Scholarships Official Portal: https://www.dfat.gov.au/people-to-people/australia-awards/australia-awards-scholarships (Complementary government funding; Next cycle opens February 2027; applications are expected to open (Closes April 30, 2027))
| Resource | Official Website |
| Australian Department of Education – RTP Information | education.gov.au |
| Australian Government Student Visa Information | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Study in Australia Official Portal | studyaustralia.gov.au |
| University of Sydney RTP Scholarships | sydney.edu.au |
| Australian National University Scholarships | anu.edu.au |
| University of Adelaide Scholarships | adelaide.edu.au |