Australian Government RTP Scholarships at University of New England

Applications are now open for the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Stipend Scholarship at the University of New England (UNE) for Round 2, 2025. This scholarship supports international students pursuing Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs in various fields. It provides living allowance to cover general living costs, awarded based on academic merit and research potential. International students enrolled full-time, on-campus in an accredited HDR course can apply. The application deadline is midnight, 19 September 2025 (AEST), with no application fee required. Check more BS, MS and PhD positions.

Key Details

• Funding: Covers general living costs; income from other sources must not exceed 75% of the stipend rate.
• Application Fee: None.
• Application Period: 4 August 2025 – 19 September 2025 (midnight, AEST).
• Research Fields:
  • Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education
    • School of Education
    • School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
  • Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law
    • School of Environmental and Rural Science
    • School of Law, School of Science and Technology
    • UNE Business School
  • Faculty of Medicine and Health
    • School of Health, School of Psychology
    • School of Rural Medicine

Research Fields

Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education

• School of Education
• School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

Faculty of Science, Agriculture, Business and Law

• School of Environmental and Rural Science
• School of Law
• School of Science and Technology
• UNE Business School

Faculty of Medicine and Health

• School of Health
• School of Psychology
• School of Rural Medicine

Check this scholarship: Kaohsiung Medical University (KMU) Scholarships

Application Process for Round 2, 2025

For New Applicants

If you do not have an offer of admission for an HDR program:

1. Apply for Candidature: Check details here
2. Scholarship Application: Submit the scholarship application during the round opening dates.

For Current HDR Students or Those with an Admission Offer

• If Enrolled or Holding an Offer: Complete the scholarship application form.
• Submission:
  • New Applicants: Apply via the future students portal.
  • Current Students: Submit through askUNE.

Note: Scholarship applications are only processed during round opening dates. Enrolment status does not affect the outcome, as all applications are reviewed concurrently using the same assessment criteria.

Also check: Enrico Fermi Fellowships

How to Apply for Scholarship

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Documents: Gather academic records, research experience details, and referee contact information.
3. Submit Candidature Application: If not already enrolled or holding an admission offer, apply for HDR candidature first (check details below).
4. Complete Scholarship Application: Submit during the Round 2, 2025 dates via the appropriate portal (future students or askUNE).
5. Arrange Referee Reports: Contact referees early to ensure timely submission.

Also check: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program

How to Apply for HDR Courses

Step 1: Explore Research Options

• Choose a Field: Explore UNE’s academic schools (e.g., Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Education, Science, Agriculture, Business, Law, Medicine, Health) to identify your research area.
• Find a Supervisor: Visit faculty staff pages to connect with potential supervisors (optional but recommended). No prior contact is required for an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Who Needs to Submit: Required for candidates without a confirmed supervisor.
• Process: Complete the EOI form and a research proposal precis via AskUNE. Include supervisor details if already in contact.
• Timeline: Submit at least three weeks before the scholarship round opens (4 August 2025) for processing.
• Outcome: If approved, receive an invitation to apply for HDR candidature within approximately three weeks.

Step 3: Create a Research Proposal

• Requirement: Develop a proposal using UNE’s Research Proposal Template or Creative Practice Template (if applicable).
• Content:
  • Aims, background, research question, and rationale.
  • Methodology, theoretical grounding, significance, expected outcomes.
  • Resources, timeline, and reference list.
• Guidance: Consult your assigned Principal Supervisor (listed in the invitation email).

Check also: CERN Doctoral Student Programme

Step 4: Submit Candidature and Scholarship Application

• Candidature Application:
  • Complete the online application via the HDR Online Application Portal after receiving an invitation.
  • Required Documents: Proof of citizenship, resume/CV, certified academic transcripts/certificates, research proposal, proof of English language proficiency (international students), two referee reports, candidature history statement (if applicable).
• Scholarship Application:
  • Indicate the RTP Scholarship in Step 9 of the candidature application form.
  • Submit during the Round 2 dates (4 August – 19 September 2025) via the future students portal (new applicants) or AskUNE (current students).
• Note: Scholarship assessments are separate and take approximately 8 weeks from the round’s closing date.

Step 5: Referee Reports

• Requirement: Two referee reports are mandatory.
• Who Can Be a Referee:
  • Must be qualified to comment on your academic achievements, research capacity, and relevant employment experience.
  • Should not have a close personal relationship with you (e.g., family member). Refer to UNE’s conflicts of interest policy.
• Process:
  • Provide referee contact details in the candidature application.
  • Request referees to submit reports using the Referee’s Report Form within two weeks of receiving the link.
  • Deadline: 25 September 2025 (midnight, AEST).
• Content of Reports:
  • Academic achievement and work ethic.
  • Research capacity and achievements.
  • Relevant employment experience or training.

Also check: Curtin University RTP Scholarships for Postgraduate Research Students

Step 6: Receive Outcomes

• Candidature: Notified within 6 weeks of application submission.
• Scholarship: Notified within 8 weeks of the round’s closing date (19 November 2025).
• Contact: Check status via AskUNE if delayed.

Step 7: Enrol in Your HDR Course

• International Students:
  • Present in-person at the UNE International Office (Armidale campus, Location C30) with your passport and Offer of Admission.
  • Visit the Graduate Research School to set up enrolment and scholarship payments (if applicable).
  • Complete online enrolment via myUNE using your UNE credentials.
• UNE Account Setup:
  • Register with your student number (from the Offer of Admission).
  • Access granted within 24 hours.
  • Contact the ITD Service Desk for assistance.

For more details on how to apply, please check the official website.