What the funding covers
- A stipend of AUD 44,293 a year at the 2027 rate (AUD 42,754 in 2026), from the RTP Stipend Scholarship or the USYDIS.
- 100% of tuition fees for up to 14 research periods, from the RTP Fee Offset or the University of Sydney Tuition Fee Scholarship, awarded automatically with the stipend.
- Overseas Student Health Cover with the RTP Fee Offset.
- A relocation and thesis allowance.
Who can apply
- International students starting or enrolled in a higher degree by research.
- Awarded competitively; preference may go to PhD applicants and to those who have not already held a scholarship at the same level.
Which nationalities can apply
Every nationality can apply.
How to apply
- Apply for admission to your research degree through Sydney Courses, with all documents, by the international deadline.
- Submit the scholarship application form by the same deadline: 18 December 2026 for research periods 3 and 4 of 2027.
- Outcomes start from 26 February 2027; applicants outside Australia hear by 18 May 2027.
Before you apply: things to know
- The round for research periods 1 and 2 of 2027 closed on 11 September 2026; the round for periods 1 and 2 of 2028 closes on 10 September 2027.
- Admission and scholarship deadlines differ for domestic and international students.
A working timeline
Counting back from the next deadline (Dec 18, 2026). Steps marked NOW are already due if you start today.
Sep 25, 2026 · NOWResearch the route in depth: confirm eligibility, costs and every required document
Oct 9, 2026 · NOWAsk your referees (for a PhD, email potential supervisors with a short, specific pitch)
Oct 23, 2026 · NOWWrite the first full draft of your motivation letter or statement of purpose
Nov 6, 2026Order transcripts and certified translations · book any language test
Nov 20, 2026Second draft: get feedback from someone who reads critically
Dec 4, 2026Finalise every document and complete the online form
Dec 11, 2026Submit, but never on the last day
Dec 18, 2026Deadline