RMIT University offers a fully funded scholarship for research degree candidates enrolling in 2026. This scholarship opportunity is available to both domestic and international students pursuing postgraduate research studies at RMIT. The centrally awarded scholarship includes tuition fee coverage and a living stipend.

This guide outlines the complete application process, eligibility criteria, important deadlines, and documentation requirements to help applicants prepare a competitive application for the 2026 scholarship round.

Overview of RMIT Research Scholarships

Centrally Awarded Scholarships

Centrally awarded scholarships are funded and administered directly by RMIT University. These are distinct from school-based, college-based, or externally funded scholarships. Applicants for centrally awarded scholarships must go through a formal selection process and meet all eligibility requirements.

Benefits

• Full tuition fee coverage (conditions vary by student classification)
• Tax-free living stipend
• Research support funding (depending on project and scholarship type)
• Overseas Student Health Cover (for eligible international students)

These scholarships support the duration of the research degree, which is typically 2 years for a master’s by research and 3–4 years for a PhD.

Eligibility Criteria

Domestic Student Classification

A domestic student must be one of the following:

• Australian citizen
• Australian permanent resident
• Holder of a permanent humanitarian visa
• New Zealand citizen

International Student Classification

International students are those who:

• Do not hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency
• Are required to pay international tuition fees
• Usually hold a temporary visa (e.g., student visa)

Academic Requirements

• A four-year undergraduate degree with Honours (H1 or H2A), or

• A master’s degree with a significant research component
• A minimum academic record equivalent to an Australian GPA of 4.0 or above (on a 4.0 scale)

2026 Scholarship Timeline

Students placed on a reserve list will be informed by 28 February 2026. Starting dates are generally expected to be in March 2026.

Application Process for RMIT Fully Funded Scholarship

Step 1: Choose a Research Program

Applicants should review the list of available research programs at RMIT University and select one that aligns with their academic background and career objectives.

Research degrees offered include:

• Master by Research
• PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
• Professional Doctorates

More information is available at the RMIT Research Degrees Portal.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Applicants must meet both academic and classification criteria (domestic or international). Before submitting an expression of interest, ensure that you:

• Have the required academic qualifications
• Meet RMIT’s English language proficiency standards
• Understand the costs and scope of the research program

Step 3: Identify a Research Project

Applicants must define or select a research project as part of their application. This involves:

• Browsing existing research projects or proposing a new topic
• Contacting potential academic supervisors at RMIT
• Securing written confirmation of supervision support

A supervisor's agreement is mandatory for submitting an Expression of Interest.

Step 4: Explore Costs and Scholarships

RMIT offers a variety of research scholarships, including:

• RMIT Research Scholarship (RRS)
• Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS)
• College or School-funded scholarships
• Industry-sponsored scholarships

Domestic tuition fees are fully covered under most scholarships. International students may receive full or partial fee coverage depending on the award.

Step 5: Prepare the Application

The application process involves two stages: submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) and, if approved, a full application.

Required documents typically include:

• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement of purpose or personal statement
• Research proposal (2–3 pages)
• Evidence of supervisor support
• English language test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Two academic references

It is important to ensure all documentation is complete and submitted by the relevant deadline.

Step 6: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

The EOI is the first step in applying for a centrally awarded scholarship. It involves providing key academic information, details of your proposed research, and proof of supervisor support.

Applicants are encouraged to submit EOIs as early as possible to avoid delays.

EOI Deadlines:

• International students: 30 August 2025
• Domestic students: 30 September 2025

Step 7: Submit Full Application

If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to submit a full application. This includes uploading all required documents through RMIT’s application portal.Full Application Deadlines:

• International students: 30 September 2025
• Domestic students: 30 October 2025

Late applications will not be accepted.

Vice-Chancellor’s PhD Scholarship (VCPS)

Applicants interested in the VCPS must:

• Submit the general Expression of Interest
• Complete a separate VCPS EOI Form at the same time

VCPS is a highly competitive scholarship offering increased stipend value and additional research funding. Selection is based on academic merit and the potential impact of the proposed research.

Evaluation and Selection

Applications for RMIT Research Scholarships are reviewed by a selection panel based on the following:

• Academic achievement
• Quality of the research proposal
• Research alignment with RMIT’s strategic areas
• Availability of suitable supervision
• Referee reports and supporting documents

Scholarship decisions are final and communicated by April 2026. Students placed on the reserve list may still receive an offer if funding becomes available or selected applicants decline their offers.

Conditions of the Scholarship

• Recipients must be enrolled full-time
• Students are expected to commence in March 2026, unless otherwise approved
• The scholarship is not transferable
• Any period of leave from the program requires prior approval
• Recipients may be allowed limited part-time work with supervisor consent
• Scholarships may be terminated for failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress

Deferment and Reserve List

Deferment of the scholarship may be approved in special circumstances with School/College and supervisor approval. Students placed on the reserve list will be notified by 28 February 2026.

Important Reminders

• A confirmed supervisor is required before submitting an EOI

• Read all eligibility criteria and application instructions carefully
• Scholarships are competitive and based on merit
• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
• Successful applicants must accept their offers promptly through the online portal

Contact Information

RMIT Research Scholarships Office

Website: www.rmit.edu.au/research

Email: researchadmissions@rmit.edu.au

Phone: +61 3 9925 2000For all queries related to deadlines, supervisor matching, documentation, or the application process, applicants are advised to contact the Research Admissions team directly.

Early preparation, a strong academic background, and a well-developed research proposal are essential for a successful application. Students should follow all instructions carefully and adhere to published deadlines.

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