CQUniversity Australia has opened applications for its prestigious Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026, offering financial support to outstanding domestic and international students pursuing research higher degree (RHD) programs.
Funded by the Australian Government, the RTP Stipend Scholarship is designed to assist research students with living expenses while they undertake advanced postgraduate research studies at the university. The scholarship provides a generous stipend of AUD $38,000 per annum and supports recipients for up to three years.
With five scholarships available, the programme represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking financial assistance while contributing to innovative research projects aligned with CQUniversity’s strategic priorities.
Scholarship Overview
The RTP Stipend Scholarship supports students enrolled in accredited Research Higher Degree programmes and helps reduce financial barriers that may affect research productivity and academic success.
Key scholarship details include:
- Scholarship Value: AUD $38,000 per year
- Duration: Up to 3 years
- Number of Awards: 5
- Funding Source: Australian Government
- Scholarship Type: Research
- Application Status: Open
- Application Period: 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026
The stipend is paid fortnightly through CQUniversity’s payroll system, providing recipients with consistent financial support throughout their research candidature.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international candidates enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree programme at CQUniversity.
According to the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017, eligible applicants must:
- Be enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree course at CQUniversity
- Be classified as either a domestic or overseas student
- Meet all university admission and enrolment requirements
- Demonstrate strong academic and research potential
The RTP Stipend aims to support students whose primary focus is research training and academic development.
Income and Funding Restrictions
Applicants should be aware of several funding conditions associated with the scholarship.
To remain eligible, candidates must not receive income from another source that supports general living costs while undertaking their research degree if that income exceeds 75 percent of the RTP Stipend rate.
However, certain forms of income do not affect eligibility, including:
- Income unrelated to the research degree
- Funding intended for research activities rather than living expenses
- Other approved forms of academic support that do not duplicate RTP benefits
For students seeking tuition support, RTP Fees Offset eligibility requirements also apply.
Merit-Based Selection Process
The RTP Stipend Scholarship is awarded on a highly competitive and merit-based basis. CQUniversity uses a Scholarship Assessment Scale to evaluate applications across three key categories.
Assessment Criteria
Applications are assessed using the following point system:
Academic Achievement and Writing Skills (0–20 Points)
Reviewers assess:
- Academic transcripts
- Research capabilities
- Scholarly writing skills
- Overall academic excellence
Quality of Research Project and Alignment with University Priorities (0–15 Points)
Assessment focuses on:
- Research significance
- Innovation and originality
- Alignment with CQUniversity research priority areas
- Potential impact of the proposed research
Motivation, Research Experience and Research Environment (0–15 Points)
Applicants are evaluated based on:
- Research experience
- Evidence of motivation and commitment
- Quality of supervision arrangements
- Strength of the proposed research environment
Candidates with strong academic records, clearly defined research goals, and robust supervisory support are likely to be highly competitive.
Application Process
Unlike many scholarship programmes, CQUniversity does not accept direct applications for RTP Scholarships.
Instead, interested candidates must first engage with their prospective supervisory team regarding scholarship opportunities.
The application process involves:
- Discussing research interests with a supervisor
- Receiving a recommendation from the supervisory team
- Being invited by the School of Graduate Research to submit a formal scholarship application
- Completing all required documentation and assessments
This approach ensures that scholarship applicants are appropriately matched with research projects and supervisory expertise before entering the competitive selection process.
Required Supporting Documents
Applicants invited to apply must submit all required documentation before the relevant assessment deadline.
Required materials include:
- Written submission
- Supporting academic documentation
- Any additional materials requested by the School of Graduate Research
Incomplete applications will not be considered during the evaluation process.
Additional Benefits for Scholarship Recipients
Domestic students who receive an RTP Stipend Scholarship will automatically be offered an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship.
Benefits include:
- Full tuition fee coverage for eligible domestic students
- No separate application required for the RTP Fees Offset
- Reduced financial burden throughout the research programme
This combined support package allows recipients to focus on their research without the added pressure of tuition expenses.
Assessment Rounds and Notification
CQUniversity may conduct multiple scholarship assessment rounds throughout the year, depending on funding availability.
Assessment rounds are commonly scheduled around:
- End of April
- End of September
However, the number and timing of rounds may vary annually.
Following each assessment period:
- Applications are reviewed by the university
- Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified via email
- Scholarship offers are issued to selected candidates
Supporting Future Research Excellence
The Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship reflects CQUniversity’s commitment to developing the next generation of researchers and innovators. By providing substantial financial support and access to high-quality research environments, the programme enables talented students from Australia and around the world to pursue impactful research that contributes to scientific advancement and societal development.
Prospective candidates interested in undertaking a research degree at CQUniversity are encouraged to engage with potential supervisors early and explore scholarship opportunities before upcoming assessment rounds.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
