Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship policy

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are provided by the Australian Government to support both domestic and overseas students undertaking research doctorate and research masters degrees. For more information, refer to the Department of Education and Training website.

The University of Melbourne participates in the RTP and offers the Research Training Program Scholarship and Research Training Program Scholarship (Indigenous) as part of a suite of graduate research scholarships. For an overview of the eligibility and selection requirements and scholarship benefits, please refer to our graduate research scholarships page.

All students who on the 31 December 2016 were the recipient of an Australian Postgraduate Award or an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship will have their scholarship replaced by a RTP Scholarship (Stipend and Fee Offset) for the remainder of the duration of their scholarship (i.e. for up to two years (full time equivalent) for student enrolled in a master by research degree and up to 3.5 years (full time equivalent) for student enrolled in a doctoral degree.) Doctoral degree students will automatically receive a RTP Scholarship (Fee Offset) for an additional 6 months (full time equivalent).

The Student Charter sets out key principles underpinning the relationship between students and the University, and the Graduate Research Training Policy (MPF1321) prescribes the principles and academic standards governing research training at the University.
The Graduate Research Hub is the primary source of information for graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne. It includes guides on the facilities available, the roles and responsibilities of students and their supervisors, and the information you will need from orientation to graduation.

Enrolment changes or transfers are permitted as described in the Graduate Research Training Policy (MPF1321) and the Enrolment and Timetabling Policy (MPF1294). For information about how to make a change to, or transfer, your enrolment please refer to the Graduate Research Hub.The RTP Scholarships are subject to the graduate research scholarship terms and conditions which contain provisions related but not limited to scholarship suspensions and terminations, changes to the recipient’s course or study rate, paid leave and allowances. RTP Scholarships are not transferred between higher education providers - see our graduate research scholarships page for more information.

The University does not limit the amount of paid work a candidate may undertake while holding an RTP scholarship. Candidates must maintain their enrolment commitments (40 hours per week if enrolled full time, and 20 hours per week if enrolled part-time) and continue to make satisfactory progress to retain their scholarship.

Students are encouraged to enrich their studies and develop their career skills while enrolled. Refer to the Developing my skills for the range of opportunities available.

Opportunities to undertake research internships while enrolled in a graduate research degree exist, subject to agreement with supervisors and faculty. Students will continue to receive their RTP fee offset while enrolled in a graduate research internship subject, up to the maximum scholarship duration. Students in receipt of an RTP stipend will continue to receive their stipend while enrolled in a graduate research internship up to the maximum duration, subject to meeting the requirements outlined in the graduate research scholarship terms and conditions.

Students may submit a complaint or grievance in relation to the application of this policy and related procedures in accordance with the Student Complaints and Grievances Policy. For information about resolving problems related to your candidature, please refer to the Graduate Research Hub.