Charles Darwin University’s Research Training Program scholarships for 2026/27 are aimed at Higher Degree by Research candidates, including PhD and Master by Research students, but the university’s current process is not a general open round. CDU says applicants must first be invited by the Higher Degree by Research team, and many opportunities are tied to pre-approved research projects.
Key facts
- CDU says RTP scholarships are by invitation only and require an invitation from the Higher Degree by Research team before a formal application can be lodged.
- Eligible study types for RTP consideration at CDU are Doctor of Philosophy and Master by Research.
- CDU publishes a 2026 full-time stipend rate of AUD 35,489 per year, paid fortnightly and tax-free.
- For part-time recipients, CDU lists AUD 17,744.50 per year, taxable and paid fortnightly.
- CDU says 2026/27 scholarship opportunities are attached to specific projects, and its current international PhD RTP scholarship listing is closed.
What this means for students and applicants
For prospective PhD and Master by Research students, the main practical change is that eligibility alone is not enough to secure an RTP scholarship at CDU. Candidates need to be invited, and in many cases they must apply through a specific research project rather than a general scholarship pool. That makes early contact with the relevant HDR team or project supervisor the key next step.
CDU’s published support includes a full-time stipend rate of AUD 35,489 a year for 2026, with part-time support listed at AUD 17,744.50 a year. The university also says recipients may be able to receive a fee offset, paid sick leave, maternity leave and relocation support, with the relocation allowance published at up to AUD 2,000 for domestic students and up to AUD 2,500 for international students, subject to conditions.
International applicants should be especially careful about the type of funding being offered. CDU distinguishes between RTP stipends, tuition waivers and other research scholarships, and says its International PhD RTP Scholarship is closed in the current listing. That means students should check whether a project offers a stipend, only tuition support, or another package altogether.
How does CDU’s RTP process work?
CDU administers the Australian Government Research Training Program through the university, rather than through direct applications to the federal government. The university ranks candidates itself and sets the scholarship conditions for each opportunity. CDU says applicants must meet academic and English-language requirements, be invited to apply, submit a complete application by the deadline given to them, and not receive equivalent financial support from another source.
The scholarships are intended for research degrees only. CDU identifies the relevant HDR programs as Doctor of Philosophy and Master by Research. Coursework programs such as graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and taught master’s degrees are not part of the RTP scholarship framework described by the university.
Who is being considered for the 2026/27 intake?
CDU’s current scholarship information shows a project-focused model for 2026/27. New applicants can express interest in approved projects across fields such as Indigenous studies, ecology, remote health, energy, artificial intelligence and sustainability. Availability and scholarship terms can vary by project, so the funding package linked to one project may not match another.
For domestic candidates, CDU lists an RTP Domestic PhD Scholarship and a DVCRCC Domestic Strategic Project Scholarship. The strategic project option may include a stipend top-up of up to about AUD 18,000 per year as well as a full fee offset for up to three years. For international candidates, CDU says RTP opportunities are highly limited, and the university also advertises some Graduate Full Fee Scholarships for selected HDR applicants.
What do applicants need to show?
CDU ranks RTP candidates competitively, with assessment focused on academic performance, research preparation, publications or other research outputs, research experience and alignment with the university’s priorities. PhD applicants are expected to show at least one semester full-time equivalent, or 40 credit points of research activity at AQF Level 8 or above. Master by Research applicants are expected to show at least half a semester full-time equivalent, or 20 credit points of research activity at AQF Level 8 or above.
International applicants must also satisfy English-language requirements. CDU gives an example of IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0, and says it also accepts the Duolingo English Test and other approved tests for some programs.
CDU says strong applications usually show high-quality research publications, accepted manuscripts or other approved research outputs, plus evidence of research experience such as employment, thesis work or project-based research. The university advises candidates to focus on quality rather than quantity.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Charles Darwin University RTP scholarship open to all applicants?
No. CDU says RTP scholarships are by invitation only, and applicants must first be invited by the Higher Degree by Research team before they can submit a formal application.
Which research degrees can receive RTP support at CDU?
CDU says RTP support applies to Doctor of Philosophy and Master by Research candidates. It does not cover ordinary coursework degrees such as taught master’s programs, graduate certificates or graduate diplomas.
How much is the CDU RTP stipend?
CDU publishes a 2026 full-time stipend rate of AUD 35,489 per year, tax-free and paid fortnightly. For part-time recipients, the published rate is AUD 17,744.50 per year, taxable and paid fortnightly.
