Through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), CDU provides comprehensive support for Master’s by Research and Doctoral degrees across various disciplines. This scholarship covers tuition fees, offers free accommodation and includes a substantial annual living stipend of AUD 32,192.
Designed to foster high-quality research, the RTP Scholarship at CDU encourages students from around the world to join a dynamic, inclusive academic environment. With its diverse community and reputation for research excellence, CDU opens doors for aspiring researchers to gain a world-class education while contributing to meaningful global advancements in their fields.
CDU, recognized as a leading public research institution, ranks 15th in Australia and consistently places within the top 250-300 universities worldwide. Serving a diverse student body of over 20,000 from more than 50 countries, the university prides itself on fostering an inclusive, engaging academic environment.
Applications are conveniently submitted online and once admitted into a research degree program, no separate application for the RTP Scholarship is necessary. This opportunity allows students to advance their education and research ambitions in Australia at one of its most esteemed institutions.
Degree Levels
The Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarships for 2024-2025 (Fully Funded) are offered for Master’s and PhD-level programs at Charles Darwin University, supporting students at various stages of their research careers.
Available Fields of Study
The RTP Scholarship covers a broad spectrum of academic disciplines, supporting students from diverse research backgrounds. Whether students are interested in the sciences, humanities or professional fields, this scholarship allows for flexible research across a range of subjects.
Scholarship Benefits
CDU is committed to fostering research excellence through competitive scholarships that attract top domestic and international students pursuing advanced research degrees. Successful applicants may receive up to AUD 32,192 per year (tax-free), intended to support living costs during their studies. The scholarship package also includes fee waivers for tuition and, in many cases, assistance with relocation.
Additional Benefits Include:
- Full Tuition Coverage: RTP scholarships fully cover the cost of tuition for both domestic and international students.
- Accommodation Support: Free accommodation is provided to support students in settling into their new academic and research environment.
- Living Allowance: A stipend of AUD 32,192 per annum is provided to help students with living expenses.
- Additional Allowances: Potential relocation allowances may be available to assist with the transition to Australia.
Nationalities Eligible to Apply
The RTP Scholarship is open to international students from all countries, inviting a truly global cohort to CDU’s research community.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for the RTP Scholarship are structured to ensure candidates possess the necessary academic and research capabilities for their chosen program.
PhD Program Requirements
Candidates applying for a PhD program must meet one of the following academic criteria:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants should have completed a Bachelor’s degree with First or Upper Second Class Honours.
- Master’s Degree: Those who have completed a Master’s degree that includes a significant research component are also eligible.
Master’s by Research (MRes) Program Requirements
To apply for a Master’s by Research, candidates must meet one of these criteria:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree with First or Second Class Honours.
- Master’s by Coursework or Extended Master’s: An extended or coursework-based Master’s degree with a significant research component is also considered suitable for eligibility.
Research Experience and Qualifications
Candidates with a track record of research experience, such as published work or creative research outputs, may be given additional consideration for enhanced eligibility. For guidance on how research experience may be assessed in your application, please consult CDU’s Higher Degree by Research (HDR) team.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Candidates must meet English language requirements to qualify for a research program at CDU. Typically, applicants need a minimum IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0. CDU also accepts alternative English proficiency tests. Prospective students can refer to the CDU website for comprehensive details on acceptable documentation.
Application Procedure
The application process for the RTP Scholarship involves several steps and requires specific documentation to ensure candidates are well-prepared for the review process.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents to support their scholarship application:
- Certified Academic Records: Official transcripts, certificates and grading systems should be submitted. For non-English documents, certified English translations are required.
- Research Project Outline: A detailed project outline (1500-1700 words) should be provided to illustrate the proposed area of research.
- Proof of English Proficiency: Evidence of English language proficiency must be provided, as per CDU’s entry requirements.
- Passport Copy: A copy of the applicant’s passport, including personal and visa information, is required.
- Comprehensive CV/Resume: Applicants should include a detailed CV, highlighting academic achievements, professional experience and a list of publications, if applicable.
- Referee Reports: Two referee reports must be submitted online, using the provided link, to support the applicant’s qualifications.
- Statement of Purpose: A well-crafted statement detailing the purpose of the study, future goals and the applicant’s vision for their research should be included.
- Supervisor’s Confirmation: Written confirmation from a supervisor (an email is acceptable) who has agreed to oversee the applicant’s research at CDU.
- Other Supporting Documents: Any additional documentation that supports the applicant’s case for the scholarship.
Application Process
The RTP Scholarship application process at CDU is streamlined and accessible to all eligible candidates. Here’s an outline of the steps involved:
- Online Application: Applications are submitted online, free of charge, through the university’s official portal. A link to the application page is provided on CDU’s website.
- HDR Program Classification: Upon admission, HDR programs are classified as either low-cost or high-cost based on the resources required for the research. This classification does not affect the application process but may influence certain administrative aspects.
- Uniform Application Materials: All applicants, regardless of their chosen research field’s cost classification, are required to submit the same set of documents to ensure uniformity and fairness in the assessment.
- Flexible Application Management: CDU’s online application system allows candidates to save their progress, offering the convenience of resuming their application at any time before the final submission.
The RTP Scholarship presents an invaluable opportunity for aspiring researchers worldwide to join CDU, an institution dedicated to academic and research excellence in Australia. By fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment, CDU empowers students to make meaningful contributions to their fields of study. This fully funded scholarship is a pathway to developing skills and advancing knowledge while contributing to a global academic community.