Charles Darwin University (CDU) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships. This fully funded scholarship opportunity supports outstanding domestic and international students who wish to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master by Research in Australia.

The RTP Scholarship at CDU offers comprehensive financial support, including a tax-free stipend of AU$34,190 per annum, full tuition fee coverage, and additional allowances for relocation, sick leave, and maternity leave. With a strong focus on research excellence, CDU provides a collaborative environment where candidates can engage in projects addressing global challenges across diverse fields, from health and environmental sciences to engineering, arts, and public policy.

This guide provides detailed information on the eligibility criteria, funding benefits, research fields, deadlines, and the application process to help you prepare a competitive application.

About the Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship

The Research Training Program (RTP) is an initiative funded by the Australian Government to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students. At CDU, the RTP Scholarship is offered to both domestic applicants (Australian citizens, permanent residents, or New Zealand citizens) and international students from around the world.

Key Features:

• Degree Level: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master by Research
• Funding Coverage: Fully funded (stipend + tuition fee waiver + allowances)
• Duration:
  • Up to 3 years for a Doctoral program
  • Up to 2 years for a Master by Research
• Application Fee: None
• Supervisor Requirement: Applicants must secure a confirmed CDU supervisor before applying.

Scholarship Benefits

The CDU RTP Scholarship is designed to remove financial barriers, allowing scholars to focus on research without the pressure of tuition or living costs.

Financial Support Includes:

1. Annual Stipend:

   • AU$34,190 per annum (tax-free)
   • Paid fortnightly to assist with living costs throughout the study period.
2. Tuition Fee Offset:
   • Covers 100% of tuition fees for the full duration of the degree.
3. Additional Allowances:
   • Relocation allowance for students moving to the Northern Territory to begin their studies.
   • Sick leave and maternity leave entitlements in line with university policy.
4. Research Environment:
   • Access to CDU’s modern research facilities, training programs, and professional development workshops.
   • Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and networking with experts in various fields.

Fields of Study

Applicants can conduct research in a wide range of disciplines. CDU encourages research projects that contribute to real-world solutions in the following areas:

• Health
• Environment and Livelihoods
• Engineering and Information Technology
• Education and the Arts
• Social and Public Policy
• Business and Law
• Disaster Management
• Humanities, Social Sciences, and Languages
• Tropical Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Biosecurity

These fields align with CDU’s commitment to research that addresses local, national, and international priorities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility:

• Nationality: Open to both domestic and international students.
• Enrollment: Must be enrolled or have an offer for an accredited HDR course (PhD or Master by Research) at CDU.
• Candidature Stage:
  • Be in the first year of HDR candidature at the time of application, OR
  • Hold a conditional or unconditional offer for commencement in 2026.

Academic Requirements:

• Meet CDU’s academic entry standards for HDR programs.
• Possess relevant research experience or qualifications, typically an Honours degree or a Master’s with a research component.

English Language Proficiency:

• Meet CDU’s English language requirements (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).

• Exemptions may apply for applicants from English-speaking countries or with previous study in English.

Funding Conditions:

• Must not receive income from another source that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend for similar purposes.

Supervisor Requirement:

• Have a confirmed CDU supervisor in your chosen research field before submitting the application.

Application Deadlines

• International Applicants: 30 September 2025
• Domestic Applicants: 31 October 2025

Applying early is recommended, as securing a supervisor and preparing documents can take time.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Applying for the CDU RTP Scholarship involves several key stages. Careful preparation increases your chances of success.

Step 1: Find a Supervisor

• Visit the CDU Researchers Portal to search for supervisors whose expertise matches your research interests.
• Use specific keywords related to your field to narrow your search.
• Contact potential supervisors with a concise research proposal and CV.
• Obtain a supervisor confirmation email before proceeding.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Ensure all documents are translated into English (if applicable) and are up to date:

• Academic Transcripts – Certified copies of all relevant qualifications.
• Two Academic Referee Reports – From individuals familiar with your research capability.
• English Language Test Results – If required.
• Supervisor Confirmation – Email confirming supervision.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Highlight research experience, skills, and publications.
• Research Outputs – Up to four publications or outputs, with evidence of quality and impact.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Apply via CDU’s application portal.
• Select the relevant HDR program and scholarship option.
• Ensure submission before the deadline for your applicant category (international or domestic).

Step 4: Await Assessment

Applications will be evaluated by CDU’s HDR Scholarships Committee based on the ranking criteria outlined below.

Selection and Ranking Criteria

The CDU RTP Scholarships are highly competitive. Applications are scored using the following criteria:

1. Qualifications and Academic Performance (4 points)
   • Quality of prior academic achievements, GPA, and research-related coursework.
2. Research Publications and Outputs (4 points)
   • Peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, or creative works with measurable impact.
3. Research Experience and Portfolio (2 points)
   • Demonstrated research skills, previous projects, and relevant work experience.

Applicants with strong academic results, published research, and a clear, feasible proposal aligned with CDU’s research strengths are more likely to be successful.

Why Choose Charles Darwin University for Research?

Choosing CDU offers more than financial support. Scholars benefit from:

• Location Advantage: Situated in Darwin, a hub for tropical research and close to Southeast Asia, providing unique opportunities for fieldwork and collaboration.
• Research Excellence: CDU ranks highly in research impact, particularly in environmental science, health, and Indigenous studies.
• Diverse Community: A culturally rich environment welcoming students from around the globe.
• Support Services: Comprehensive resources for HDR students, including career development, library access, and research training.

Related Scholarship Opportunities

If you are exploring more fully funded research scholarships in Australia, consider:

• Australian Government RTP Scholarships at University of New England
• Research Training Program International (RTPI) Scholarship at UNSW Sydney
• Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarships (RTP/DUPR)
• The Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships at University of West London
• Biozentrum PhD Fellowships

Tips for a Competitive Application

• Start Early: Contact potential supervisors well before the deadline.
• Tailor Your Proposal: Align your research topic with CDU’s priority areas and the supervisor’s expertise.
• Highlight Achievements: Include any academic awards, conference presentations, or professional memberships.
• Show Research Impact: Provide evidence of how your work has contributed to the field.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and meets all format requirements.

Official Links

• Official CDU RTP Scholarship Page: CDU Scholarships
• Find a Supervisor: CDU Researchers Portal
• Application Portal: Apply Now

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