Research Stipend Scholarships

Research Stipend Scholarships

RMIT has two stipend scholarships available. The RTP Stipend Scholarship (RSS) and the RMIT Research Stipend Scholarship (RRSS).

RSS scholarships are funded by the Australian government and RRSS scholarships are funded by RMIT University. When you apply for a research scholarship through one of the University’s rounds, you will automatically be considered for all the scholarships for which you are eligible.

2025 research scholarships

Applications for scholarships commencing in 2025 are now open.

Scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive process. It is therefore important that you make sure you read and understand the advice provided to prospective applicants about ensuring their application is competitive on the ‘how to apply’ page.

All scholarship applicants must provide evidence from an academic member of staff who agrees to supervise your research when submitting an expression of interest.

If you intend to apply for one of these scholarships, it is recommended that you start the application process without delay and submit your expression of interest as soon as possible. There may be strong competition for places in some of the research projects on offer.

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In 2025, the RSS and RRSS provide the following benefits to recipients:

  • a stipend of $35,886 per annum pro rata (full-time study). This amount is subject to indexation annually
  • international candidates in receipt of this scholarship are also awarded an RTP International Tuition Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS) or an RMIT Research International Tuition Fee Scholarship (RRITFS)
  • all local candidates, Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of Australia are provided with an RTP Fee Offset scholarship. Applicants in receipt of an RTP Fee Offset scholarship are not required to pay tuition fees for the maximum duration of their candidature
  • a relocation allowance for the cost of relocating in order to take up their postgraduate research program. The amount is up to $515 per adult and $255 per child to a maximum of $1,540
  • paid sick, maternity and parenting leave (within the limits of the Scholarship Terms and Conditions).

The standard duration of a research doctoral scholarship is three and a half years full-time. 

The duration of a research Masters scholarship is two years full-time, with no additional extension available.

The duration of an RSS or RRSS will be reduced by any periods of study undertaken towards a research degree at the same level, prior to the commencement of the RMIT research program. 

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a competitive selection process that ranks applicants according to their academic achievement, research outputs and relevant professional experience.

Priority is given to applicants who:

  • have achieved a high distinction in the final two years of the qualifying program(s). At RMIT, a grade of high distinction represents an academic achievement of 80% or higher
  • may be considered by RMIT as having an equivalent level of academic attainment, taking into account previous study, relevant work experience, research publications and other research experience
  • are able to take receipt of a scholarship for a minimum 12 months duration on a full-time basis (or part-time equivalent) because of prior enrolment in a graduate research program
  • have not already completed a graduate research program at the same or higher course level. For example, Masters by Research applicants should not have already completed a Masters by Research or PhD
  • an applicant must not previously have held an RMIT or  Commonwealth-funded postgraduate research scholarship unless it was terminated within six months of the scholarship’s payments commencing
  • are or will be enrolled and primarily based at an RMIT Australian campus.

International applicants must meet English language requirements by the application closing date to be considered for a scholarship.

Part-time applications from local applicants may be approved if applicants are able to demonstrate exceptional circumstances as specified in the Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions. Scholarships provided to candidates enrolled on a part-time basis are not tax exempt.

Currently enrolled candidates applying for a scholarship or candidates transferring to RMIT from another institution must have at least 24 months (or part time equivalent) for PhD and 12 months for Masters by research candidature remaining from the commencement of the scholarship.

You will be considered ineligible for a stipend scholarship if:

  • you are applying for or undertaking a Masters by Research and you already hold a Research Doctorate, Research Masters or an equivalent research qualification
  • you are applying for or undertaking a Research Doctorate and you already hold a Research Doctorate or an equivalent research qualification
  • you have previously held a Commonwealth-funded postgraduate research scholarship unless it was terminated within six months of the scholarship commencement date, or
  • you are currently receiving another equivalent award, scholarship or research related salary providing a benefit greater than 75% of the annual value of the stipend this scholarship provides.

All scholarship applications must include evidence of contact with the proposed senior supervisor.

Please check the How to apply page for details regarding the current scholarship round and how to apply.

As the holder of this scholarship you:

  • must commence your studies in the scholarship commencement period in which you are applying
  • are not able to defer your studies to another year. If a deferral is required, you must apply again the following year if you are unable to take up your award.

Please refer to the HDR Scholarship Terms and Conditions for further details.  

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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