- ~AUD 35,550/yrTax-free annual stipend (2025 rate; confirm current)
- Up to 4 yrsTuition fee offset for PhD candidates
- AUD 500-1,500Relocation allowance (single / family)
- OSHCOverseas Student Health Cover for international students
- 80% averageMinimum final-year academic requirement
- 1 applicationSingle HDR application covers both RTP and DUPR
At a glance
full
Funding
€21k
Max amount
Aug 24, 2026
Deadline
Australia (domestic)
Country
Deakin University
Provider
The Deakin University RTP and DUPR Scholarships fund research degrees in Australia for both domestic and international students. The Research Training Program (RTP) is funded by the Australian Government and the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPR) is funded internally by Deakin, but both use the same selection process based on academic merit and research capability. Successful applicants receive an annual tax-free stipend of around AUD 35,550 (2025 rate), a relocation allowance of AUD 500 for single students or AUD 1,500 for families relocating from interstate or overseas, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students, and a tuition fee offset of up to 4 years for PhD candidates or up to 2 years for Master's by Research. Stipend support runs for 3 years for a PhD and up to 2 years for a Master's by Research. Eligibility requires at least four years of tertiary education and a minimum 80% average in the final year of prior study. A single Deakin HDR scholarship application is considered for both awards. Confirm the current stipend rate, intake dates and conditions on the official Deakin research degrees page before applying.
What's covered
- Annual stipend — A tax-free living stipend of around ~AUD 35,550 per year (2025 rate); confirm the current-cycle rate officially.
- Tuition fee offset — Up to 4 years for PhD candidates and up to 2 years for Master's by Research students.
- Relocation allowance — ~AUD 500 for single students or ~AUD 1,500 for families relocating from interstate or overseas.
- Health cover — Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is provided for international students.
- Stipend duration — Stipend support runs for 3 years (PhD) or up to 2 years (Master's by Research), worth a total of roughly ~AUD 100,000+ over a PhD (est.).
How to apply
Prospective students apply through Deakin's HDR application process; a single application is considered for both the RTP and DUPR scholarships.
- Identify a supervisor — Contact a potential Deakin research supervisor aligned with your project and secure in-principle support.
- Prepare your documents — Assemble your research proposal, CV, academic transcripts and reference letters.
- Apply via the HDR page — Submit the online Higher Degree by Research application through the official Deakin research degrees page.
- Submit before the deadline — Complete and submit before the relevant deadline; international students apply by ~August 24, 2026 and domestic students by ~October 24, 2026 (est.).
- Current students apply via portal — Current HDR students submit the Current Researcher Scholarship Application Form via the student portal instead.
Eligibility
Student typeDomestic or international student enrolling in a Deakin HDR (Master's by Research or PhD).
Tertiary educationCompleted at least four years of tertiary education.
Academic standardMinimum 80% average (or equivalent) in the final year of previous studies.
Income limitNot receiving income exceeding 75% of the stipend that would interfere with the scholarship's purpose.
Selection is competitive and also considers research publications, relevant professional experience and the quality of the research proposal. A single HDR application is assessed for both RTP and DUPR.
Eligible countries
Australia (domestic), Open to international applicants worldwide
Deadlines
2026 (international applicants)~August 24, 2026 (est.)
2026 (domestic applicants)~October 24, 2026 (est.)
Selection
Both the RTP and DUPR use the same selection process. Candidates are ranked on academic merit and research potential, with additional weight given to research publications, relevant professional experience and the quality of the research proposal. Applications are assessed under Deakin's HDR Scholarships Procedure and annual ranking guidelines.
Verified sources
- Deakin University - Research Degree Scholarshipsdeakin.edu.auofficial
About the provider
Deakin University is a public research university in Victoria, Australia, with campuses in Geelong, Melbourne (Burwood) and Warrnambool. It offers Higher Degrees by Research across all disciplines and funds graduate researchers through government RTP and internal DUPR scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Can international students apply for the Deakin RTP Scholarship?
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Yes. International students are eligible and, if selected, receive a tuition fee offset, OSHC and a relocation allowance in addition to the stipend.
Do I need to find a supervisor before applying?
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Yes. You should identify and secure in-principle support from a Deakin supervisor aligned with your research interests before applying.
Do I need separate applications for RTP and DUPR?
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No. A single Deakin HDR scholarship application is considered for both the RTP and DUPR scholarships.
What academic record is required?
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Generally a minimum 80% average (or equivalent GPA) in your final year, plus at least four years of tertiary education. Research outputs and experience can strengthen your application.
How much is the annual stipend?
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Around AUD 35,550 per year, tax-free (2025 rate). Confirm the current-cycle stipend rate on the official Deakin page.
How long does the funding last?
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Stipend support runs for 3 years for a PhD and up to 2 years for a Master's by Research; tuition offset is up to 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master's).
What relocation support is available?
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A relocation allowance of ~AUD 500 for single students or ~AUD 1,500 for families relocating from interstate or overseas.
Which degrees are covered?
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The scholarships support Master's by Research and PhD (Higher Degree by Research) candidates across all disciplines.
Can I work while holding the scholarship?
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You must not receive income exceeding 75% of the stipend in a way that interferes with the purpose of the scholarship.
How do current HDR students apply?
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Current HDR students submit the Current Researcher Scholarship Application Form via the student portal rather than the standard application.
Can I defer the scholarship if selected?
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Deferment depends on university regulations and the specific scholarship terms; consult the Deakin HDR admissions office for details.
When are the application deadlines?
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For the 2026 intakes, international students apply by around August 24, 2026 and domestic students by around October 24, 2026 (estimated). Confirm exact dates officially.