Are you a brilliant researcher looking to advance your academic career in one of the world’s most liveable countries? The 2027 Deakin University RTP Scholarships in Australia offer a fully funded opportunity to pursue a Master’s by Research or a PhD degree.

Deakin University, a premier institution in Victoria, Australia, is renowned for its practical approach to learning and world-class research facilities. For the upcoming academic year, the university is offering Research Training Program (RTP) and Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPRS) awards to high-achieving domestic and international students.

These scholarships provide a comprehensive financial package, including a tax-free annual stipend of $37,450, full tuition waivers, and health insurance. If you are ready to make a significant impact in your field, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to secure this prestigious award.

What are the Deakin University RTP Scholarships?

The Deakin University RTP Scholarship (and the equivalent DUPRS) is a fully funded award designed to support the next generation of research leaders. The funding comes from two main sources:

RTP (Research Training Program): Funded by the Australian Government to support high-quality research.

DUPRS (Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship): Funded directly by the university to complement the RTP and support additional outstanding candidates.

Both awards are available to students enrolling in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). This includes Doctoral (PhD) and Research Master's programs. The goal is to remove financial barriers, allowing researchers to focus entirely on their thesis and contributing new knowledge to the world.

Why Choose Deakin University for Research?

Deakin University is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is particularly known for its research in health, education, engineering, and information technology. By studying at Deakin, you gain access to:

World-Class Facilities: Cutting-edge labs and research centers.

Expert Supervision: Guidance from globally recognized academics.

Industry Connections: Strong links with industry partners that enhance your career prospects.

Financial Benefits and Rewards

The Deakin University RTP Scholarship is one of the most generous funding packages available in Australia. It covers all major expenses associated with a research degree, ensuring you can live comfortably while studying.

Annual Stipend

All selected candidates receive a generous living allowance.

Value: $37,450 per annum (for 2025).

Tax Status: This stipend is tax-exempt, meaning the full amount goes straight into your pocket to cover rent, food, and living expenses.

Tuition Fee Waiver

Coverage: 100% of your tuition fees are waived.

Duration: The fee offset lasts for the entire standard duration of the program.

Health Insurance

For international students, navigating healthcare abroad can be complex. This scholarship solves that by providing:

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): A single policy for the entire duration of your student visa, ensuring you are covered for medical emergencies and hospital visits.

Relocation Allowance

Moving to a new country is expensive. To help with this transition, a one-time relocation allowance is provided.

Value: Ranges from $500 to $1,500, depending on whether you are single or moving with family.

Eligibility: Available to students moving from interstate or overseas.

Duration of the Award

The scholarship duration varies by degree level:

PhD (Doctoral Degree): 3 years of stipend + 4 years of tuition fee offset.

Research Master’s Degree: 2 years of stipend + 2 years of tuition fee offset.

Eligibility Requirements for 2027

To be considered for the Deakin University RTP Scholarship, applicants must meet strict academic and residency criteria. The selection process is highly competitive.

Enrollment Status

You must be a domestic student (Australian citizen, NZ citizen, or PR) or an international student.

You must be enrolled in, or have applied for, a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) course at Deakin University.

Academic History

You must have completed at least four years of tertiary education studies at a high level of achievement (e.g., a 4-year Bachelor’s degree with Honours, or a Master’s degree).

You must have achieved 80% or equivalent in the research component of your previous study.

Alternatively, you can demonstrate an "equivalent level of academic attainment" based on published research papers, relevant work experience, or other research milestones.

Other Scholarships and Income

You must not be receiving an equivalent award or scholarship from the Commonwealth that offsets HDR fees.

You must not be receiving income from another source to support general living costs if that income is greater than 75 percent of the RTP Stipend rate. This ensures the scholarship is the primary support mechanism for full-time researchers.

Admission Requirements

You must meet all minimum entry requirements according to the Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) Admission, Selection, and Enrolment Procedure at Deakin.

Required Documents Checklist

Your application for the Deakin University Scholarship must be supported by strong documentation. You must be ready to submit the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed CV highlighting your academic history, work experience, and publications.

Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts from all previous tertiary education.

English Language Proficiency: Valid English test results (e.g., IELTS/PTE) or evidence that your previous degree was taught in English.

Thesis/Dissertation: Copies of your Bachelor Honours or Master's thesis/dissertation.

Publications: A list of your research publications (if any).

Research Proposal/Statement: A clear statement describing the research project, problem, or question you intend to address.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

The application process for the Deakin University RTP Scholarship is unique because it relies on the Expression of Interest (EoI) mechanism rather than a direct application button. You cannot apply for the scholarship until you have a potential supervisor.

Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Find a Supervisor

This is the most critical step. Before you can apply, you must identify a faculty member at Deakin University who specializes in your area of research.

Visit the Deakin University website and browse the research profiles of staff.

Contact them via email with a brief introduction of your research interests.

Step 2: Secure Supervision Agreement

Once you contact a supervisor, they will review your CV and transcripts.

If they agree to supervise you, they will invite you to submit an Expression of Interest (EoI) form. Do not proceed without this agreement.

Step 3: Complete the EoI Form (Sections 1-9)

The EoI form is a multi-part document.

Download the form from the Deakin scholarship webpage.

Fill out Sections 1 to 9. These sections cover your personal details, education history, and research proposal.

Send the completed part to your potential supervisor.

Step 4: Supervisor Completes the Form (Sections 10-13)

Your supervisor will then fill out Sections 10 to 13. These sections involve their endorsement of your project and their nomination for the scholarship.

Step 5: Submission to Faculty

Once the form is fully filled out (by both you and the supervisor), the supervisor (or you, depending on faculty instructions) will send the EoI form and all supporting documents to the faculty email address designated for scholarships.

Step 6: Deadline Adherence

Crucial: You must submit the EoI form at least 4 weeks prior to the scholarship deadline.

Scholarship Deadline: August 23, 2026.

Target EoI Deadline: Late July 2026 (Plan accordingly).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates miss out on this opportunity due to administrative errors. Avoid these pitfalls:

Contacting Supervisors Too Late

Finding a supervisor takes time. Do not wait until August to look for one. Start in May or June. If you miss the "4 weeks prior" EoI deadline, you cannot apply for the current scholarship round.

Submitting a Weak Research Proposal

The "Statement of the research project/question" is vital. A vague proposal will not get supervisor approval. Be specific about what you want to research and why Deakin is the best place for it.

Ignoring the 80% Rule

If your previous research component (e.g., Honours thesis) was graded less than 80%, you must provide strong evidence of publications or exceptional work experience to compensate.

Not Checking "Equivalent Academic Attainment"

If you don't have a standard 4-year degree, you need to prove you have equivalent experience. Merely stating "I have worked for 5 years" is not enough; you need documented research outputs.

Concealing Other Income

The income rule (75% of stipend) is strict. Be transparent about any other funding you have. Hiding this information can lead to disqualification or revocation of the scholarship later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are answers to common questions about the Deakin University RTP Scholarship:

Is the stipend taxable?

No, the $37,450 annual stipend is tax-exempt under Australian law for research students.

Can I work while studying?

Yes, international students on a student visa can work up to 48 hours per fortnight. However, your primary commitment must be your research. Note that any income exceeding 75% of the stipend may affect your eligibility.

Can I apply for the scholarship before getting an offer for the PhD?

Yes, effectively. The EoI process acts as a combined application for both the PhD program and the scholarship. However, you cannot submit the EoI without a supervisor's agreement.

What is the deadline for application?

The general scholarship deadline is August 23, 2026. However, you must have submitted your Expression of Interest (EoI) and secured a supervisor at least 4 weeks before this date.

Is the health insurance covered for my family?

The scholarship covers a "Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy." If you are bringing dependents (spouse/children), you will likely need to arrange and pay for their health insurance separately.

What is the duration of the PhD scholarship?

The stipend is paid for 3 years (36 months). The tuition fee offset covers 4 years. This 4th year allows you time to write your thesis without paying fees.

Are there specific scholarships for international students?

Yes, both RTP and DUPRS are open to international students. The benefits for international students include the OSHC, while domestic students might have other comparable allowances.

Conclusion

The 2027 Deakin University RTP Scholarship is a life-changing opportunity for researchers. With a generous stipend, full tuition coverage, and the support of world-class supervisors, it provides the perfect environment to complete a PhD or Research Master's.

The application process is competitive, but success comes down to preparation. Start early, find the right supervisor, and craft a compelling research proposal. Don't wait until the deadline—start reaching out to potential supervisors today.

If you are ready to embark on your research journey in Australia, click the link below to view the official scholarship webpage and access the EoI form.

Ready to Apply?

Click the button below to visit the Deakin University scholarship webpage and start your application process.