Australian Government Research Training Program

Policy

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are provided by the Australian Government to support both domestic and international students undertaking higher degree by research (HDR) programs.  The Program is established under the Higher Education Support (Commonwealth Scholarships) Guidelines 2025. For more information, refer to:

It is at the discretion of the University to determine how many scholarships it will support, the HDR, the programs that will receive support and the process by which this support is managed. Griffith University uses Research Training Program funds to award to eligible candidates:

  • Tuition fee offsets awarded to cover the cost of program tuition fees for the duration of the scholarship.
  • Stipends  to assist with candidates’ general living costs by providing a fortnightly allowance for the duration of the scholarship.

Further information on the specific scholarship schemes that the University administers under the Research Training Program is provided below.

Eligibility

The Australian Government’s requirements to be eligible for an RTP scholarship are:

  • The candidate must be a domestic or overseas candidate enrolled in an HDR program at an Australian university
  • In relation to RTP Fee Offset scholarships, the candidate must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Commonwealth designed to offset HDR tuition fees.

HDR Scholarship Procedure

For RTP Scholarships awarded on a competitive basis, the University’s HDR Scholarship Procedure sets out:

  • the additional selection criteria that the University applies in considering applications for scholarships
  • the selection and offer process
  • Requirements for transfer of scholarships between universities
  • Requirements for holding a part-time scholarship and remote candidature
  • Termination of scholarship and review and  appeals processes

RTP Domestic Fee Offset Guidelines

Eligible domestic candidates who are offered a place in an RTP-supported HDR program will be awarded an RTP Domestic Fee Offset to extinguish the liability of the candidate to pay tuition fees for the duration of the award:

  • Up to two years (full-time equivalent) for a masters (research) program, and
  • Up to four years (full-time equivalent) for a doctoral program.
  • Programs for which domestic candidates may be supported by a RTP Domestic Fee Offset are identified in the specific program information set out on the Programs and Courses website.

The University’s RTP Domestic Fee Offset Guidelines provides a comprehensive outline of this scheme, including eligibility requirements, conditions (including transfer between universities)  and support.

Competitive RTP Scholarships

RTP Stipends and RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships are awarded by Griffith University through a competitive selection process. Griffith University’s selection criteria and selection and offer processes for award of an HDR scholarship (including these RTP Scholarships) are set out in the Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Procedure.

RTP Stipend

RTP Stipends are scholarships that assist with HDR candidates’ general living costs by providing a fortnightly allowance for the duration of the scholarship:

  • Up to two years (full-time equivalent) for a masters (research)
  • Up to three years (full-time equivalent) for a doctoral program.

Guidance on how to apply for a competitive RTP Scholarship is provided on the Research Degree Scholarships webpage. The RTP Stipend Conditions of Award provide a comprehensive outline of the annual stipend rate,  benefits and conditions (including transfer between universitiies) of this scholarship. .

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships fully cover the HDR program tuition fees that would otherwise be payable by an international candidate for the duration of the scholarship:

  • Up to two years (full-time equivalent) for a masters (research)
  • Up to three years (full-time equivalent) for a doctoral program.

Guidance on how to apply for a competitive RTP Scholarship is provided on the Research Degree Scholarships webpage. The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Conditions of Award provides a comprehensive outline of the benefits and conditions  (including transfer between universities) of this scholarship .

Other Competitive Scholarships

Griffith University offers a range of other scholarship schemes. View the Research Scholarships website.

Relevant Information for RTP Scholarship Holders

Student Charter Framework

The Student Charter Framework is a statement of the University’s mutual expectations of employees and students.

Code of Practice for the HDR Candidature

The Code of Practice for HDR Candidature provides the foundation for a positive and productive HDR candidate and supervisor experience by supporting a mutual understanding of the responsibilities of all parties across the candidature lifecycle and should be read in conjunction with the Student Charter Framework, as well as HDR policies and procedure.

HDR Minimum Standard of Resources, Facilities and Other Support

The Minimum Standard of Resources, Facilities and Other Support details the minimum standard of infrastructure, resources and financial support that HDR candidates can expect from the University. Each host Element is responsible for providing information to candidates on the specific infrastructure support available and how to access this support.

HDR Candidate Professional Development

The Research Capability Development Hub advertising development and training offerings to support candidates in undertaking their research project and build professional skills

The HDR Internships webpage details the requirements for undertaking an HDR block research internship and lists current internship opportunities.

Student Review and Appeal

The Student Review and Appeal website provides guidance to students (including HDR candidates) on the requirements and procedures for the review or appeal of a University decision.

Student Complaints

The Student Complaints website provides guidance to students on University policy and procedures to support the resolution of complaints, including those in relation to HDR candidature.

Further Information