The Monash University Research Training Program (RTP) 2026 is a prestigious, fully funded scholarship supported by the Australian Government. It is designed to assist domestic and international students who want to pursue Research Doctorate (PhD) and Research Masters degrees at Monash University in Australia.
As part of this program, selected students receive an RTP Stipend, which acts as a living allowance to support daily expenses while studying at a Monash Australia campus. For eligible students, a relocation allowance is also provided.
In addition, Monash University offers an RTP Stipend Indigenous, specifically created to support Indigenous Australian students undertaking graduate research programs.
The RTP scholarship is one of the most competitive research scholarships in Australia and is awarded based on academic excellence, research potential, and prior research experience.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Australia |
| University | Monash University |
| Disciplines | Any |
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Eligible Countries | All |
| Category | Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Masters |
Scholarship Category: Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Masters
While the RTP is mainly targeted at Postgraduate Research students, Monash University classifies the scholarship under:
- Undergraduate research pathways
- Postgraduate research programs
- Research Masters degrees
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Applicants transitioning from undergraduate honours into research higher degrees may also be considered if they meet Monash selection standards.
Scholarship Type: Merit Based
The Monash University RTP 2026 is a strictly merit-based scholarship. Awards are granted based on:
- Strong academic results
- Research publications or outputs
- Previous research experience
- Quality of research proposal
- Strength of referee reports
There is no separate application for RTP. Eligible applicants are automatically considered during the graduate research admission process.
Programmes Available
The RTP scholarship supports any discipline offered at Monash University, including:
- Engineering and Technology
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Education
- Business and Economics
- Law
- Arts and Humanities
- Information Technology
- Environmental and Life Sciences
Joint Research Awards are also eligible where Monash University is the home institution.
Eligibility for Application
To be eligible for the Monash University RTP 2026, you must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- A New Zealand citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An Australian humanitarian visa holder
- An International student
You must also meet these requirements:
- Meet Monash competitive scholarship selection process requirements
- Meet Monash English language proficiency requirements
This scholarship is available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards, provided Monash University is the home institution.
Benefits of the Scholarships
The RTP Stipend provides significant financial support, including:
- A living allowance stipend paid regularly
- A relocation allowance, if eligible
- Access to tuition scholarships for international students that can be packaged with the RTP Stipend
For domestic students:
- Automatic RTP Fees Offset, covering tuition fees
These benefits allow students to focus fully on their research without financial stress.
Criteria for Application
Monash University scholarships are highly competitive. Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research outputs such as publications
- Prior research experience
- Alignment of research proposal with faculty priorities
If awarded an RTP Stipend, students must comply with Monash policies, procedures, and scholarship conditions throughout the study period.
Required Documents Checklists
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Research proposal
- Curriculum Vitae or academic resume
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Referee reports or recommendation letters
- Evidence of research experience or publications
Ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and uploaded before the deadline.
Scholarship Application Formatting
To improve success chances:
- Use clear and professional formatting
- Keep research proposals structured and concise
- Use simple academic language
- Ensure consistency across all documents
- Label files clearly before uploading
Poor formatting can weaken even strong applications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Secure an invitation to apply from the relevant Monash faculty if you are a new applicant
- Prepare your graduate research course application
- Submit your course and scholarship application together via the myApp Portal
- No need to select specific scholarships
- Eligible applicants are automatically considered for all available graduate research scholarships
- Track your application status through the portal
Application Deadline: Varies
Application deadlines depend on applicant type:
- International Round 1 closes 31 March
- Domestic Round 2 closes 31 May
- International Round 3 closes 31 August
- Domestic Round 4 closes 31 October
Different scholarships may have additional requirements, so early application is strongly advised.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting weak or generic research proposals
- Missing deadlines
- Uploading incomplete documents
- Choosing referees without research background
- Ignoring English language requirements
Avoiding these mistakes can significantly improve your chances.
Tips for Winning Essay or Research Proposal
- Clearly define your research problem
- Show originality and impact
- Align your research with Monash strengths
- Demonstrate feasibility within the study period
- Avoid unnecessary jargon
Strong proposals focus on clarity, relevance, and contribution.
Tips for Strong Reference Letter
- Choose referees familiar with your research ability
- Inform referees early
- Share your research goals with them
- Ensure referees meet Monash academic expectations
Strong references can set your application apart.
Scholarship Friendly CV or Resume
Your CV should include:
- Academic qualifications
- Research projects
- Publications and conferences
- Awards and scholarships
- Relevant professional experience
Keep it concise, academically focused, and updated.
Post Application Phase: What to Do After Successful Submission
After submitting:
- Monitor emails regularly
- Prepare for potential interviews
- Continue engaging with your prospective supervisor
- Keep documents updated
Patience is important, as scholarship decisions take time.
Visa Route for International Students
International students who receive the RTP will apply for an Australian Student Visa. The scholarship support helps demonstrate financial capacity, which strengthens the visa application.
Work After Study Options
Graduates from Monash University can explore:
- Post-study work visas
- Academic and research roles
- Industry research positions
Australia offers strong post study opportunities for research graduates.
Possible Job Opportunities After Graduation
RTP graduates often work as:
- University lecturers and researchers
- Data and research analysts
- Policy advisors
- Industry research specialists
- Consultants
Monash graduates are highly employable globally.
Conclusion
The Monash University Research Training Program (RTP) 2026 is one of the most valuable research scholarships in Australia. With full financial support, world-class supervision, and global recognition, it offers an exceptional pathway for both domestic and international students to achieve advanced research degrees. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have strong academic and research potential, this opportunity can transform your academic and professional future. Start your application early and position yourself for success.
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