CQUniversity Australia has opened applications for its prestigious Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship 2026, offering financial support to outstanding domestic and international students pursuing research higher degree (RHD) programs.

Funded by the Australian Government, the RTP Stipend Scholarship is designed to assist research students with living expenses while they undertake advanced postgraduate research studies at the university. The scholarship provides a generous stipend of AUD $38,000 per annum and supports recipients for up to three years.

With five scholarships available, the programme represents a significant opportunity for aspiring researchers seeking financial assistance while contributing to innovative research projects aligned with CQUniversity’s strategic priorities.

Scholarship Overview

The RTP Stipend Scholarship supports students enrolled in accredited Research Higher Degree programmes and helps reduce financial barriers that may affect research productivity and academic success.

Key scholarship details include:

Scholarship Value: AUD $38,000 per year
Duration: Up to 3 years
Number of Awards: 5
Funding Source: Australian Government
Scholarship Type: Research
Application Status: Open
Application Period: 31 December 2025 to 31 December 2026

The stipend is paid fortnightly through CQUniversity’s payroll system, providing recipients with consistent financial support throughout their research candidature.

Who Can Apply?

The scholarship is open to both domestic and international candidates enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree programme at CQUniversity.

According to the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017, eligible applicants must:

Be enrolled in an accredited Research Higher Degree course at CQUniversity
Be classified as either a domestic or overseas student
Meet all university admission and enrolment requirements
Demonstrate strong academic and research potential

The RTP Stipend aims to support students whose primary focus is research training and academic development.

Income and Funding Restrictions

Applicants should be aware of several funding conditions associated with the scholarship.

To remain eligible, candidates must not receive income from another source that supports general living costs while undertaking their research degree if that income exceeds 75 percent of the RTP Stipend rate.

However, certain forms of income do not affect eligibility, including:

Income unrelated to the research degree
Funding intended for research activities rather than living expenses
Other approved forms of academic support that do not duplicate RTP benefits

For students seeking tuition support, RTP Fees Offset eligibility requirements also apply.

Merit-Based Selection Process

The RTP Stipend Scholarship is awarded on a highly competitive and merit-based basis. CQUniversity uses a Scholarship Assessment Scale to evaluate applications across three key categories.

Assessment Criteria

Applications are assessed using the following point system:

Academic Achievement and Writing Skills (0–20 Points)

Reviewers assess:

Academic transcripts
Research capabilities
Scholarly writing skills
Overall academic excellence

Quality of Research Project and Alignment with University Priorities (0–15 Points)

Assessment focuses on:

Research significance
Innovation and originality
Alignment with CQUniversity research priority areas
Potential impact of the proposed research

Motivation, Research Experience and Research Environment (0–15 Points)

Applicants are evaluated based on:

Research experience
Evidence of motivation and commitment
Quality of supervision arrangements
Strength of the proposed research environment

Candidates with strong academic records, clearly defined research goals, and robust supervisory support are likely to be highly competitive.

Application Process

Unlike many scholarship programmes, CQUniversity does not accept direct applications for RTP Scholarships.

Instead, interested candidates must first engage with their prospective supervisory team regarding scholarship opportunities.

The application process involves:

Discussing research interests with a supervisor
Receiving a recommendation from the supervisory team
Being invited by the School of Graduate Research to submit a formal scholarship application
Completing all required documentation and assessments

This approach ensures that scholarship applicants are appropriately matched with research projects and supervisory expertise before entering the competitive selection process.

Required Supporting Documents

Applicants invited to apply must submit all required documentation before the relevant assessment deadline.

Required materials include:

Written submission
Supporting academic documentation
Any additional materials requested by the School of Graduate Research

Incomplete applications will not be considered during the evaluation process.

Additional Benefits for Scholarship Recipients

Domestic students who receive an RTP Stipend Scholarship will automatically be offered an RTP Fees Offset Scholarship.

Benefits include:

Full tuition fee coverage for eligible domestic students
No separate application required for the RTP Fees Offset
Reduced financial burden throughout the research programme

This combined support package allows recipients to focus on their research without the added pressure of tuition expenses.

Assessment Rounds and Notification

CQUniversity may conduct multiple scholarship assessment rounds throughout the year, depending on funding availability.

Assessment rounds are commonly scheduled around:

End of April
End of September

However, the number and timing of rounds may vary annually.

Following each assessment period:

Applications are reviewed by the university
Successful and unsuccessful applicants are notified via email
Scholarship offers are issued to selected candidates

Supporting Future Research Excellence

The Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship reflects CQUniversity’s commitment to developing the next generation of researchers and innovators. By providing substantial financial support and access to high-quality research environments, the programme enables talented students from Australia and around the world to pursue impactful research that contributes to scientific advancement and societal development.

Prospective candidates interested in undertaking a research degree at CQUniversity are encouraged to engage with potential supervisors early and explore scholarship opportunities before upcoming assessment rounds.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.