How to Get RTP Scholarships for MRes

To get an Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship for an MRes (Master by Research) you must:

1) Choose an eligible Australian university that offers MRes/RHD degrees

2) Find and agree on a strong research project with a willing supervisor

3) Meet the RTP eligibility rules (academic results, enrolment in a research master degree, visa/fees rules)

4) Prepare a clear research proposal, CV, and evidence (transcripts, publications, and English scores)

5) Submit the university’s RTP scholarship application by its deadline.

Optimising each step with targeted evidence of academic merit and research potential. Many universities automatically consider admitted HDR applicants for RTP, but some require a separate scholarship form — check the university’s HDR scholarship page and follow their instructions.

Why the RTP Matters for MRes Students

The RTP scholarship is the main Australian government support for research higher degrees (HDR) — it usually covers tuition fees (fee-offset), provides a living stipend, and sometimes relocation or other allowances. For an MRes student, RTP typically funds up to two years full-time (or longer if part-time), and it’s awarded on academic merit and research potential. Because RTP is nationally funded but awarded by individual universities, the number of RTP places and exact stipend amounts vary between institutions and years, but the basic structure and eligibility rules are set by the government. If you want to do research without worrying about tuition or living costs, getting RTP for an MRes is the most reliable route in Australia.

RTP scholarship eligibility for MRes — Who can apply and what you must check first

Before you invest time in a long application, confirm you meet the RTP eligibility rules:

• Study level: You must be enrolling in or already enrolled in an accredited research master’s (MRes / Master by Research) or higher degree by research at an eligible Australian university. The RTP covers both domestic and international students (though fee treatment differs).

• Academic merit: RTP awards are competitive and merit-based. Typical indicators include your GPA, research experience, publications or conference presentations, and referees who can vouch for research potential. Universities may have a minimum weighted average mark (e.g., First Class Honours or equivalent).

• Concurrent awards and income: If you already receive other government fee offsets or a scholarship that covers fees, you may be ineligible for the RTP fee offset. Also, some universities check that your outside income does not exceed RTP rules for stipend eligibility. Check the government and university FAQs.

• Enrolment and visa status: Domestic students (Australian citizens, permanent residents, and NZ citizens) and international students can receive RTP, but conditions differ (e.g., international students often get a full tuition fee offset plus stipend, and will need valid student visas). Always confirm with the specific university HDR office.

Read Also: How to Get Grad School Paid For?

Practical check: Before applying, email the university’s Graduate Research School or Scholarships Office with: your proposed degree (MRes), transcript, CV, and a short 1-paragraph research question to confirm eligibility and whether you must submit a separate RTP scholarship form. Doing this saves wasted effort and shows you are organised and serious.

How to find a Supervisor and Craft a Research Proposal that wins RTP for MRes

A strong supervisor match and a crystal-clear research proposal are central to success.

1. Find potential supervisors: Use university staff pages, research group sites, and recent papers in your area. Identify 2–4 academics whose work closely matches your interests. Read their recent papers, and note methods or topics you’d like to extend. Universities often list HDR opportunities with named supervisors — those are good openings to target.

2. Contact them professionally: Send a short email (3–5 paragraphs) that includes: a one-sentence research idea, your academic background (GPA, degree), key achievements (publications, awards), and ask if they have the capacity to supervise an MRes. Attach your CV and transcript as PDFs. Keep the subject line specific: “Prospective MRes student — RTP funding enquiry — [Your name]”. If a supervisor replies positively, request a short meeting (phone/Zoom) to discuss fit. Many universities require a supervisor endorsement/signature on the RTP application.

3. Write a compelling research proposal: For MRes RTP applications, proposals are usually concise (1–2 pages). Structure it clearly: Background/problem, research question/objectives, brief methods, expected contribution, and timeline for the 2-year MRes. Use simple language, explain why the project is feasible in a Master’s timeline, and highlight any pilot data or related experience you have. Ask your prospective supervisor to review and provide feedback. A proposal that shows feasibility, novelty, and supervisor support greatly raises your RTP chances.

4. Link to university priorities: If the university or faculty lists research priorities or strategic themes, mention how your project aligns — universities sometimes prefer projects that fit institutional strengths when allocating RTP places. This is practical and shows you did your homework.

Preparing the RTP Scholarship Application: Documents, Evidence, and Presentation

Most universities require the same core documents; gather them early and present them neatly.

Typical required documents

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates (certified or legible scans). Show subject marks and explain the grading scale if not obvious.

• Up-to-date CV (2–4 pages) that highlights research experience, technical skills, publications, presentations, prizes, volunteer work, and employment. Place research-relevant experience up front.

• Research proposal (1–2 pages) — concise, logically laid out with objectives and timeline. Mention the supervisor’s name and their support statement if available.

• Referee reports or contact details — choose academic referees who can speak to research potential; a referee letter that specifically mentions research independence, technical skills, or project feasibility helps selection panels.

• English language evidence (if required) — IELTS/TOEFL/PTE scores within university limits. Some universities accept prior study in English as proof.

• Supplementary materials: publications, thesis chapter, or a 1–page statement of research experience if asked.

Presentation matters

• Use consistent filenames: “Surname_Givenname_Transcript.pdf”, “Surname_CV.pdf”.

• Ensure all documents are uploaded as searchable PDFs where possible. Admissions staff and selectors may skim documents; clear headings and bullet lists help.

• Double-check application portals for ticks like “supervisor endorsement uploaded” and confirm receipt by email.

Deadlines and rounds

• RTP application rounds usually have specific dates — some universities run one annual round (e.g., open 1 Sept to 31 Oct in many institutions for the next academic year), while others accept applications throughout the year for scholarships awarded on merit. Look at the Graduate Research or Scholarships page of your chosen university for the exact schedule. Missing a deadline often means waiting another year.

Read Also: How Do I Set Up a Scholarship Fund?

Practical tip: Have a friend or mentor proofread your application package for clarity and grammar. A clean, error-free submission reads as professional and committed.

Writing a CV and Referees’ Statements that Show Research Potential

RTP panels mostly look for research potential. Your CV and referees should build that story.

CV: Show, don’t tell

• Start with contact details and a 3–4 line personal research statement: your main research interest and what you bring (techniques, datasets, languages).

• Education: list degrees with institution, years, and your GPA or class (e.g., First Class Honours). If grading systems differ, add a short note to explain equivalence.

• Research experience: list any research assistant roles, internships, lab work, technical skills, software, or independent projects. Be specific: name methods, instruments, sample sizes, and outcomes. For example: “Analysed 200 survey responses using R; produced a regression model showing X.” This concreteness gives selectors confidence.

• Publications and presentations: list peer-reviewed items first. If you have draft manuscripts, mention “manuscript in preparation”. Include conference abstracts, posters, and awards.

• Other sections: relevant work experience, prizes, scholarships, and volunteer research work.

Referees: Choose wisely and brief them

• Pick referees who can comment on your research capability: thesis supervisor, project leader, or a lecturer who supervised your research project. Avoid referees who know you only socially or administratively.

• Provide referees with your CV, proposal, and a one-page summary of what you want them to highlight (independence, technical skill, productivity). Many universities accept referee contact details and will request referees to submit letters online — check whether referees need to sign forms or provide official letters.

Practical script to give a referee

“Dear Dr X, I’m applying for the RTP scholarship for an MRes at [University]. Could you please comment on my research potential, especially [technique A], and my independence in project work? The deadline for your reference is [date]. I’ve attached my CV and proposal. Thank you very much.” This short briefing often improves the usefulness and speed of referee responses.

Understanding RTP stipend, fee offsets, and scholarship conditions

Knowing what you will receive and what is expected of you avoids surprises.

Typical benefits for MRes RTP (2025 examples)

• Fee-offset / tuition coverage: For international students, RTP commonly includes full tuition fee coverage; domestic students may receive a fee offset or remission. The exact value covered can vary by year and institution

• Living stipend: Universities report 2025 full-time RTP stipend rates around AUD $34,000–$39,000 per year, depending on the university’s indexed rate and whether they offer top-ups. These rates are usually indexed annually and may include limited paid sick or parental leave entitlements. Check the specific university amount and whether it is tax-free.

• Relocation and research support: Some RTP packages include relocation grants, thesis allowances, or a research training allowance for conference travel and consumables. Not all universities offer the same extras.

Common conditions

• Full-time study requirement: Stipends are normally for full-time study; part-time arrangements usually reduce stipend duration rather than rate.

• Progress milestones: You must make satisfactory progress as judged by annual progress reports; social/academic misconduct or poor progress may lead to suspension or termination of stipend. Maintain good records and meet milestones.

• Work limitations: Some RTP conditions limit the amount of paid work you can do alongside the stipend without affecting eligibility. Check the university’s RTP rules — excessive outside income may make you ineligible for the stipend if it exceeds set thresholds.

Practical advice: Before accepting an offer, request the RTP scholarship conditions document from the university (most list it online). Understand start date, duration, reporting rules, and what happens if you need to leave. Keep copies and note the renewal/progress review dates in your calendar.

Tips that actually raise your chances of winning an RTP for MRes

These tips are simple to implement and are directly tied to what selection panels look for:

1. Start early and contact supervisors — Supervisors often influence shortlist decisions. A committed supervisor who will co-sign and champion your application is a big advantage. Email them early and attach a crisp 1-page proposal.

2. Show evidence of research potential — Even small things help: a high mark in a research project, lab experience, conference poster, or an independent capstone. If you lack publications, create a short “work in progress” document to show method familiarity and results.

3. Align with university priorities — If your topic fits a faculty or university strategic area, mention this alignment in the proposal. Universities sometimes prioritize candidates who boost institutional research impact.

4. Apply for multiple universities — RTP is competitive. Applying to 2–4 well-chosen universities increases your probability of success. Tailor each application (different supervisors, slightly different proposal emphasis).

5. Polish your referees — Ask referees if they can write a strong, specific letter. Provide them with your CV and proposal, and remind them before the deadline. Specific examples in referee letters (e.g., “led the data collection for X, showing initiative”) are persuasive.

6. Demonstrate feasibility for a 2-year MRes — Panels must believe your project is realistic. Provide a simple Gantt chart or timeline showing key milestones (literature review, ethics, data collection, analysis, write-up). Concrete timelines reduce panel anxiety about feasibility.

7. Keep application documents error-free and concise — Selection committees read many files. Short, sharp documents that make the key points clear will stand out.

Apply these steps consistently — they are low-cost but high benefit.

What happens after you get an RTP

When you receive an RTP offer, follow these practical steps:

1. Read the offer letter carefully — It will list stipend start date, duration, conditions, and what is covered (fees, OSHC for internationals, relocation). Note any acceptance deadline and how to formally accept the scholarship.

2. Accept and enrol on time — Accept the scholarship in the portal or by email as instructed, then complete enrolment and ethics approvals (if required). Missing enrolment deadlines can delay stipend payments.

3. Set up a progress plan with your supervisor — Within the first month, agree on milestones, meeting frequency (e.g., weekly/fortnightly), data storage, and authorship expectations. Document this in a one-page plan so both sides know what success looks like.

4. Understand reporting and leave rules — Learn how to submit annual HDR progress reports, how to request leave (parental, sick), and the rules for extensions. Keep evidence of progress (lab notebooks, analysis scripts, drafts) in case you need to show progress to the school.

5. Use university training and funds — Many universities provide research training workshops, ethics training, and small travel grants. Use these to build skills and your CV. Attend research seminars and present early (a poster at a local conference is useful).

6. Keep your finances organised — Understand fortnightly stipend payment dates and any tax or banking set-up for international students. If you need emergency funds, check whether the faculty has small hardship grants.

Staying organised and communicative with your supervisory team will help you complete the MRes on time and keep your RTP intact.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying for RTP for an MRes

Avoid these traps that cost applicants selection points:

• Late applications or missed deadlines — Many universities run a single annual RTP round. Missing it means waiting another year. Always check the exact date on the university scholarships site.

• Weak supervisor engagement — Not securing supervisor support before applying is risky. A signed supervisor statement is often required, and supervisors sometimes must confirm they have the capacity to supervise.

• Vague research proposals — Proposals that lack clear objectives, methods, or a feasible timeline are often rejected. Panels want to know if the project can be completed within the MRes timeframe.

• Poorly chosen referees — Avoid referees who can’t comment on your research ability. Use academic supervisors or research managers who have observed your research skills.

• Submitting messy documents — Unreadable scans, inconsistent file names, or missing pages look unprofessional and may harm your application’s first impression.

Fix these before you submit — small corrections often make the difference in close selection rounds.

Quick Checklist and sample timeline for an RTP MRes application

Use this short checklist and 12-week timeline to prepare:

6–12 weeks before deadline

• Identify 2–4 target universities and supervisors.

• Draft 1-page project summary and send initial contact emails.

4–6 weeks before deadline

• Finalise CV and gather transcripts, English test results. Request referee contacts or letters.

2–3 weeks before the deadline

• Revise proposal with supervisor feedback. Prepare any required forms or supervisor endorsements. Proofread and convert to PDFs.

Submission week

• Upload files, confirm supervisor signatures, and email the HDR office to confirm receipt. Keep screenshots or confirmation emails.

After submission

• Follow up politely if referees haven’t supplied letters. Prepare for potential interviews or additional questions from the scholarships panel.

This simple timeline keeps you on track and reduces last-minute panic that harms application quality.

Conclusion — How to get RTP scholarships for MRes

To get an RTP scholarship for an MRes, you must prove you are a strong research candidate: secure a supportive supervisor, write a feasible and focused research proposal, assemble clean transcripts and referees, and submit the university’s RTP application on time.

RTP is merit-based and awarded by universities under national rules, so do your homework on each university’s process and deadlines, align your project with supervisor expertise and university priorities, and give referees the material they need to write specific letters.

Follow the practical checklist in this article, and apply to more than one university if possible, to raise your odds. Start early, be specific, and show evidence of research potential — that’s what selection panels reward.