Scholarships and RTP Funding

SCHOLARSHIPS AND RTP (RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM) FUNDING

Is a Higher Degree by Research free?

No. A Higher Degree by Research (HDR) can be one of the most expensive courses offered by any university worldwide. However, in Australia, students enrolled in HDRs can seek funding to cover the cost of tuition from the Australian Government. This is in the form of a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship.

What is the Research Training Program (RTP)?

The Research Training Program (RTP) is a scholarship provided to Higher Education Providers by the Australian Government Department of Education to support HDR students with the costs of their research. It was introduced on 1 January 2017 as a replacement for three separate programs – the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS), and the Research Training Scheme (RTS).

There are three types of RTP – the Fees Offset, a Stipend, and Allowances. The University may choose to grant you one, two, or all three types.

What is the difference between a Fees Offset, a Stipend, and Allowances?

A Fees Offset pays for the tuition fees of a HDR student that would otherwise have been paid by the student.

A Stipend assist students with their living costs while undertaking a HDR.

Allowances assist students with the ancillary costs of HDR research.

Students receiving RTP funding are still eligible to work outside the context of their research. Please see “Can I work while I am receiving a RTP scholarship?” below for more information.

Who makes the decisions about RTP funding?

While the RTP scholarship funding is provided by the Australian Government, the application, selection, and offer process for the RTP is at the discretion of the University.

What is the Australian Government’s role in selecting RTP recipients?

SThe Australian Government does not have a direct influence on the selection of recipients. The application, selection, and offer process for the RTP is at the discretion of the University.

How do I apply for RTP funding?

You can find out how to apply for RTP funding on the Curtin website.

I am an international student; am I eligible?

Yes. RTP funding is available at Curtin to international students.

Can I apply for a Stipend after I have already commenced a HDR course?

Yes. This is not uncommon. You can find out how to apply for RTP funding on the Curtin website.

What if my application is rejected?

You can submit a revised application. There are no restrictions on how many times you may apply for RTP.

Are there other scholarships available for HDR students?

Yes. You can find out about other scholarships available at Curtin on their Scholarships page.

There are some rules that apply to how much funding you are permitted to receive from other scholarships and income when you are an RTP recipient. Make sure you discuss your requirements with the University before formally accepting any other scholarships.

Can I receive RTP funding if I am a part-time student?

A general criteria of RTP funding is that you are enrolled full-time. However, if you have exceptional circumstances which impact your capacity to undertake a full-time study load, you may write to the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research (AVDCR) to request a reduction to part-time study load. The Stipend you receive is relative to your study load – ie: a part-time student who is on 50% study load receives 50% of the full-time Stipend rate.

Onshore Overseas Students will only be permitted to undertake a part-time enrolment if their visa conditions allow it.

You should consult your Conditions of Award before considering reducing your study load. In determining whether to request a reduction to part-time study load, we also recommend discussing the matter with your supervisory team. Some research projects run the risk of being irrelevant or out-of-date if they are extended for too long.

Can I work while I am receiving a RTP scholarship?

Yes. However, there are some restrictions on how many hours you are permitted to work. You should consult your Conditions of Award before considering work commitments.

For example, a common restriction in the RTP Stipend limits recipients to no more than 8 hours per week of paid employment between the work hours of 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. There is no restriction for work done outside of these hours

Does the Australian Government own or control my research?

No. Being granted an RTP does not mean that the Australian Government takes ownership or control of your research. The intellectual property rights to your research remain with you unless otherwise agreed in a document such as a Project Participation Agreement.

There are still legal and ethical requirements you must comply with during your research.

What if I take leave during my HDR?

There are leave entitlements available to HDR students at Curtin. For more information on how they function, including whether they affect your RTP funding, check out the University’s website about managing your HDR enrolment.

Can RTP funding follow me if I move institutions?

RTP funding cannot be transferred between Higher Education Providers. If your enrolment is withdrawn or cancelled and you wish to apply for RTP funding at another university, it is at the discretion of the new university whether they grant you the funding for your project.

I want to know more. Where can I find more information?

The HDR section on Curtin’s website is a vital source of current information.

For broader questions about the Australian Government’s RTP policies, you can go to the Department of Education’s website .

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