Unlock a Fully Funded ANU Scholarship in Australia Worth $38,000+ Per Year – Apply Now for Your Master's or PhD

Are you dreaming of studying in Australia without having to worry about the high costs? Well, here’s your golden opportunity. The Australian National University (ANU), one of the top universities in Australia, offers a fully funded scholarship known as the Research Training Program (RTP).

This scholarship is specifically designed for students who want to pursue a Master’s by Research or a PhD. What makes it even better? It’s open to both domestic and international students.

Not only does this scholarship cover your full tuition fees, but it also provides a generous stipend of over AUD 38,000 annually. Plus, it includes travel and family allowances. And the best part, there is no application fee.

If you’re serious about a future in research, and you have a strong academic background, this could be your ticket to success.

Fully Funded Australian National University Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know; eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and expert tips to increase your chances of getting selected. So sit back, grab a notebook, and let’s dive into the details.

What is the ANU RTP Scholarship?

The ANU RTP Scholarship is part of the Australian Government’s effort to support postgraduate research students. RTP stands for Research Training Program.

It’s not just a financial aid option, it’s a full package designed to help students focus entirely on their research without worrying about money.

Offered by the Australian National University, this scholarship is awarded to students who show excellent academic promise and a passion for research. It’s aimed at those pursuing a Master’s by Research or a PhD.

The scholarship allows students to develop deep expertise in their field, contribute to new knowledge, and grow as scholars.

Why does the government offer this? Because research is critical for national development. From solving climate change problems to advancing technology, the country benefits when smart minds have the resources they need to succeed.

This scholarship is part of a broader national strategy to attract top talent to Australia and maintain its standing as a hub for world-class research. Whether you’re from India, Nigeria, China, or any other part of the world, this could be your chance to be part of something big.

Benefits of the ANU RTP Scholarship

Let’s talk perks, because this scholarship doesn’t just help with tuition. It’s one of the most generous financial aid packages you’ll find, and here’s why:

Full Tuition Coverage: You won’t pay a single cent in tuition fees. That’s a huge relief considering international tuition can run into tens of thousands of dollars per year.
Stipend of Over AUD 38,000 Per Year: This money is for your living expenses. Think rent, food, transportation, and everything else you need to live comfortably while you study.
Travel Allowance: Traveling from another country? The scholarship helps cover those costs, too. This is especially helpful for students coming from low-income countries.
Dependent and Child Allowances: If you’re bringing your family, you’ll get additional funds to support them. This includes child allowances and, for new mothers, maternity coverage.
Maternity Cover: Female students are eligible for paid maternity leave, so they can focus on their families without sacrificing their education.
No Application Fee: Yes, you read that right. Applying is completely free. That’s a rare find in the world of higher education!

This scholarship is designed to let you focus 100% on your research. No need to juggle multiple part-time jobs or worry about how you’ll pay rent next month. It’s all taken care of, so you can do what you came to Australia to do study and succeed.

Eligibility Criteria

Before you get too excited, let’s make sure you’re eligible. Like any scholarship, the ANU RTP has specific requirements you need to meet.

Academic Requirements:

You need to have completed a Bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance.
A First Class or at least an Upper Second Class (2:1) is generally expected.
If you’re applying for a PhD, having a Master’s degree in a related field will strengthen your application.

Program Type:

This scholarship is ONLY for research degrees, either a Master’s by Research or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
It’s not for coursework degrees or undergraduate programs.

Supervision Requirement:

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You must find a supervisor who agrees to oversee your research. This is non-negotiable. Without a supervisor, your application won’t even be considered.

Nationality:

Open to both domestic and international students. There is no restriction based on nationality.

English Language Proficiency:

If your previous education was in English, you might be exempt from English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka (under certain qualifications) are often exempt.

So if you’re academically strong, passionate about research, and meet the English requirements, you’re likely a good fit for this scholarship. The key is to start preparing early and make your application stand out.

Application Timeline

When it comes to scholarships, timing is everything. Miss a deadline, and you could miss out on a life-changing opportunity. Luckily, the deadline for the ANU RTP Scholarship is still a few months away, but don’t wait!

Key Dates:

Deadline for International Students: August 31st.
Deadline for Domestic Students: Typically similar, but always confirm on the official ANU website.

Recommended Timeline:

May–June: Begin preparing your research proposal and CV. Start searching for potential supervisors.
June–July: Contact supervisors, send emails, and wait for responses. Refine your proposal based on feedback.
July–August: Finalize your application, collect documents, and submit before the deadline.

Why start early? Because the hardest part is finding a supervisor and that alone can take a month or two. Professors are busy, and some may not respond. Give yourself time to reach out to multiple options.

Remember, this is a competitive scholarship. The earlier you start, the better your chances of standing out.

Applying for the ANU RTP Scholarship may seem overwhelming, but if you take it step by step, it’s very doable. Here’s a clear roadmap to help you through the process:

Step 1: Visit the ANU Website
Go to the official ANU homepage. Look for the section on “Postgraduate Research Students.” Be careful not to click on the coursework or undergraduate tabs, this scholarship is ONLY for research-based programs.

Step 2: Choose the Right Program
You’ll need to decide between a Master’s by Research and a PhD. If you’re just finishing your Bachelor’s, a Master’s might be more suitable. But if you already have a Master’s, you can apply for a PhD directly.

Step 3: Find a Supervisor
This is the MOST important part. Your application will not be considered unless you have a professor who agrees to supervise your research.

How to find a supervisor:

Go to the “Find a Supervisor” tool on the ANU website.
Type in keywords related to your research interest (e.g., “climate change”).
Review the list of professors and read their research profiles.
Choose one who aligns with your academic goals.

Step 4: Contact the Supervisor
Send a professional email. Keep it short but impactful.

Here’s what to include:

A brief introduction of who you are
Your academic background
Why you’re interested in their work
A request to work under their supervision
Attach your research proposal (if available)

If they don’t reply in two weeks, send a polite follow-up. Still no response? Move on to another professor. Persistence is key.

Step 5: Prepare Your Research Proposal
This document shows your academic thinking. It needs to answer a big question in your field, explain the gap in current research, and propose how you’ll fill that gap. Include your methodology and at least 5-10 references.

Step 6: Gather Documents
Get your academic transcripts, certificates, CV, and two letters of recommendation. If you are exempt from English tests, also include a certificate from your previous school that says English was the medium of instruction.

Step 7: Submit Your Application
Apply directly to your chosen research program. There’s no separate form for the scholarship, if your profile is strong, you’ll automatically be considered.

Double-check every document. A small mistake can ruin a great application.

Tips for a Successful Application

Now that you know the steps, let’s go over how to make your application shine. This is a highly competitive scholarship, so every little detail matters.

Tip 1: Start Early
Seriously, don’t wait until the last minute. Finding a supervisor alone can take weeks. Give yourself at least 2–3 months before the deadline to prepare.

Tip 2: Make Your Research Proposal Stand Out
Your proposal is your voice. Make sure it’s clear, well-structured, and deeply focused. Show that you understand the field and can bring something new to it.

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Structure Your Proposal:

Title
Background and context
Research question
Gap in current research
Methodology
Expected outcomes
Timeline
References

Tip 3: Contact Multiple Supervisors
It’s okay to reach out to more than one professor, just don’t send a mass email. Customize each message to show you’ve read their work and genuinely want to work with them.

Tip 4: Strong References Matter
Choose referees who know your academic work well. Ideally, someone who supervised your thesis or taught you in a research-heavy course.

Tip 5: Tailor Your CV
Include your academic achievements, any research experience, publications (if any), and relevant skills. Keep it concise and clean.

Tip 6: Review Faculty Requirements
Each faculty might have its own rules. Some may need more documents or have specific proposal formats. Always check!

Tip 7: Keep it Professional
From your emails to your documents, everything should look polished. Use formal language, check your grammar, and format documents properly.

Remember, the ANU RTP is not just about grades, it’s about potential. If you show that you’re passionate, prepared, and professional, you stand a great chance.

English Language Requirements

Good news! You might not need to take an English test at all. Let’s break it down.

Who Needs an English Test?

Students from non-English speaking countries, unless exempted
Required tests include IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE

Who is Exempt?

Students from countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, and Sri Lanka, under certain academic qualifications
You must show that your previous degree was taught in English
Get a certificate of English instruction from your former university

Accepted English Test Scores (if required):

IELTS: Overall 6.5, with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL iBT: At least 80 overall, with a minimum of 20 in each section
PTE: Minimum score of 64

If you’re not sure whether you’re exempt, check the official ANU website or contact their admissions office. Don’t guess, language requirements are strict, and missing this step can ruin your chances.

Read on: Scholarships for International Students: What You Need to Know!

To be safe, always prepare a certificate from your past school stating your program was taught in English. It’s a simple document that could save you the hassle of taking a test.

Documents Required

Before you hit that submit button, make sure you’ve gathered all the necessary documents. Here’s a checklist to help you stay organized:

Essential Documents:

Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s if applicable)
Degree certificates
Research proposal
CV (Curriculum Vitae)
Two letters of reference
Certificate of English instruction (if applicable)

Optional but Helpful:

Academic publications or conference papers
Awards or recognitions
Any professional certifications

Formatting Tips:

Use PDF format for all documents
Label files clearly (e.g., “Research_Proposal_YourName”)
Combine all documents into a single zipped folder if requested

Where to Submit:
All documents are submitted through the university’s online portal when you apply for the research program. There’s no need to send them separately for the scholarship.

Having the right documents in the right format can make the difference between a smooth application and a missed opportunity. So triple-check everything before submitting.

So, you’ve submitted your application. What happens next? Understanding how your application is reviewed can help you prepare better and manage your expectations.

Initial Review
Once your application is submitted, it first goes through an eligibility check. The admissions team ensures that:

All required documents are submitted
You meet the academic and language requirements
You’ve selected a research program, not a coursework one

Academic Assessment
Next, your application is forwarded to the relevant faculty or department. This is where the deep evaluation begins:

Your research proposal is assessed for originality, relevance, and feasibility
Your academic transcripts and achievements are reviewed
Your CV and references are considered

Supervisor Input
The professor you contacted and who agreed to supervise you plays a key role here. If they endorse your application, your chances of being selected increase significantly. If no supervisor backs you, the application will likely be rejected.

Ranking and Funding Decisions
ANU uses a competitive ranking process. Each eligible applicant is scored based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the university’s research goals. Those with the highest scores receive the scholarship.

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Notification
If you’re selected, you’ll receive an official offer letter. This usually includes:

Confirmation of admission into the research program
Details of the scholarship offer
Next steps for enrollment and visa application (for international students)

The process can take a few months, so be patient. During this time, stay in touch with your potential supervisor and keep checking your email for updates.

Life at ANU for International Students

Now, let’s talk about what life is like once you’re accepted. Studying at ANU is not just about academics, it’s a full cultural and social experience.

Campus Environment
ANU is located in Canberra, the capital of Australia. It’s peaceful, safe, and full of green spaces. The campus is modern, with top-notch research facilities, libraries, and student services.

Student Support
International students receive strong support through:

Orientation programs
Academic workshops
Mental health services
Career counseling
Language and writing support

Cultural Diversity
You’ll meet students from all over the world. It’s a multicultural hub where you can learn about different cultures, try new foods, and make lifelong friends.

Accommodation
You can live on campus in student residences or off-campus in private housing. ANU provides help with finding a place and adjusting to life in Australia.

Cost of Living
While the scholarship covers your basic expenses, it’s good to budget for extras like eating out, travel, and leisure. Canberra is relatively affordable compared to cities like Sydney or Melbourne.

Activities and Clubs
There’s always something happening, sports, music, volunteering, and cultural clubs. These activities help you relax, build networks, and enjoy your university life.

So yes, you’ll be working hard, but you’ll also be living a rich, exciting life in one of the world’s best student cities.

Financial Planning and Budgeting

Even though this scholarship is fully funded, smart financial planning can help you make the most of your time at ANU.

What the Scholarship Covers:

Tuition fees
Annual stipend (over AUD 38,000)
Travel allowance
Family/dependent support

Your Monthly Budget (approximate values in AUD):

Rent: $900 (shared accommodation)
Food: $300
Transport: $100
Utilities and internet: $150
Personal expenses: $150

Extra Expenses:

Books and study materials
Occasional travel or entertainment
Visa and health insurance (initial costs before arrival)

Tips to Manage Money:

Open a local bank account right away
Track your expenses using apps like Pocketbook or Frollo
Take advantage of student discounts
Buy groceries in bulk
Cook at home instead of eating out frequently

Part-Time Work
As an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours during breaks.

However, the scholarship is meant to cover your needs, so you don’t have to work unless you want to gain experience or extra cash.

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Emergency Fund
Always keep some savings for emergencies. Whether it’s a medical situation or a surprise expense, having a buffer will save you stress.

Financial discipline ensures you can focus on your research and enjoy your stay in Australia without money worries.

Post-Scholarship Opportunities

What happens after you complete your research degree at ANU? Many amazing doors open for you, both in academia and industry.

Career Paths:

Academic positions at universities (lecturer, postdoc, professor)
Research roles in government agencies
Jobs in international organizations (e.g., UN, World Bank)
High-level positions in private companies and NGOs

Work in Australia
Graduates from ANU are eligible to apply for post-study work visas. This allows you to stay in Australia and work for up to four years, depending on your qualification.

Alumni Network
ANU has a global alumni network that can help you:

Find jobs
Connect with mentors
Access research collaborations

Publishing and Conferences
You’ll have opportunities to publish your work in journals and present at international conferences. This boosts your CV and builds your academic profile.

Entrepreneurship
Some students use their research to start businesses or NGOs. If your work has practical applications, ANU’s innovation and entrepreneurship centers can support you.

A degree from ANU backed by the RTP Scholarship is more than just an education, it’s a launchpad for a powerful global career.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When applying for the RTP Scholarship, some applicants make avoidable mistakes that cost them their chance. Here’s what to watch out for:

Not Finding a Supervisor: This is the biggest mistake. Without a supervisor, your application is incomplete.
Weak Research Proposal: A vague, rushed, or copied proposal will not impress reviewers. Take your time to craft something original and well-thought-out.
Missing Deadlines: Always submit early. Technical problems on the last day can lead to disqualification.
Generic Emails to Professors: Always personalize your messages. Show that you’ve read their work and are genuinely interested.
Ignoring English Requirements: Even if you’re from an exempt country, always include a certificate showing you studied in English.
Poor Document Formatting: Unclear labels, mixed-up files, or missing documents create a bad impression.
Inadequate References: Choose referees who really know your academic abilities. Don’t just go for the highest-ranking official.

Avoiding these mistakes can boost your chances of getting the scholarship and starting your journey at ANU.

Conclusion and Encouragement

Let’s wrap things up. The ANU RTP Scholarship is one of the best fully funded opportunities for international students aiming for a Master’s by Research or a PhD. It doesn’t just fund your studies, it funds your future.

The process may seem long and detailed, but if you start early and stay focused, you can absolutely win this. Follow the steps, find a supervisor, write a killer research proposal, and be meticulous with your application.

You have what it takes. Hundreds have done it before you, and now it’s your turn. Don’t wait. Start today. Contact that supervisor, write that proposal, and take the first step toward your dream.

FAQs on Fully Funded Australian National University Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship

1. Is there an age limit for the ANU RTP Scholarship?
No, there’s no specific age restriction. As long as you meet the academic and language requirements, you’re eligible.

2. Can I apply for the RTP if I already started my PhD?
Yes, but it’s more competitive. You’ll need a strong justification and an excellent academic record.

3. Do I need to submit separate applications for admission and scholarship?
No. Just apply for the program. If your profile is strong, you’ll be automatically considered for the scholarship.

4. How long does the application process take?
It can take 2–3 months to prepare your documents, find a supervisor, and finalize your proposal. Then, allow another 2–3 months for review and notification.

5. What if I don’t get the scholarship? Are there other options?
Yes! ANU and other Australian universities offer various scholarships. Always have a backup plan and apply to multiple opportunities.

Unlock a Fully Funded ANU Scholarship in Australia Worth $38,000+ Per Year – Apply Now for Your Master’s or PhD