Planning to begin a research degree in Australia in 2026? The prestigious Research Training Program RTP Scholarship 2026 at Charles Darwin University (CDU) is now open for applications — offering full tuition coverage, generous living stipend, and relocation support for both domestic and international students.

With opportunities to conduct impactful research across diverse fields — from Health and Engineering to Social Policy and Humanities — CDU RTP Scholarship 2026 empowers highly talented researchers from around the world to advance their careers at a globally recognized Australian university.

You can apply now and start your research journey in Australia between January 12 and March 27, 2026.

About Charles Darwin University (CDU)

Located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, CDU ranks among the top 600 universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2025) and is recognized for excellence in research and community impact. The university offers a dynamic, multicultural research environment with strong connections to industry, government, and Indigenous communities.

CDU focuses on producing research that responds to real-world challenges in fields such as Health, Environment, Engineering, Education, Public Policy, and Tropical Agriculture — making it an ideal choice for international students seeking meaningful research careers.

Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026 Overview

Name of Scholarship	Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship 2026
Host University	Charles Darwin University (CDU)
Type	Fully funded PhD / Master by Research
Degree Level	Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master by Research
Eligibility	International & Domestic students
Application Deadlines (Intl/Domestic)	Sept 30, 2025 / Oct 31, 2025
Host Country	Australia

Scholarship Benefits

If you are selected for this prestigious Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026, you will enjoy the following benefits:

• Full tuition fee waiver for up to 4 years (PhD) or 2 years (Master)
• Annual stipend of AUD $34,190 (2025 rate) — tax-free for full-time PhD candidates
• Paid relocation allowance:
• Up to AUD $2,500 for international students
• Up to AUD $2,000 for domestic students
• Paid sick leave and maternity leave
• Opportunities to participate in industry partnerships and collaborative projects
• Flexible funding support for up to:
  • PhD: 4 years full-time or up to 8 years part-time
  • Master’s: 2 years full-time or up to 4 years part-time

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2026 RTP Scholarship at CDU, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a domestic or international student
• Meet CDU’s academic and English language entry requirements
• Be a current HDR (Higher Degree by Research) student in your first year or hold an offer of admission for a 2026 start
• Submit a fully completed RTP application by the deadline
• Must not be receiving similar financial support from any other source
• Demonstrate strong academic performance and research potential

Check CDU’s English language proficiency requirements for more details.

Application Process

Here’s how you can apply for the RTP Scholarship 2026 at Charles Darwin University:

• Step 1: Check eligibility and program details
• Step 2: Check English proficiency requirements
• Step 3: Identify a supervisor from CDU — use the official Find a Supervisor tool
• Step 4: Prepare a Proposed Research Project Outline (1500-1700 words)
• Step 5: Prepare all required documents (certified academic transcripts, proof of English, CV, publications, Statement of Purpose, referee reports, supervisor confirmation)
• Step 6: Submit your online application via the Application Portal before the deadline

Application Deadlines

• International Applicants:
  • Apply for admission: Sept 1, 2025
  • Scholarship deadline: Sept 30, 2025
  • Outcome: Mid-November 2025
• Domestic Applicants:
  • Apply for admission: Oct 1, 2025
  • Scholarship deadline: Oct 31, 2025
  • Outcome: Mid-December 2025

Comparing RTP Scholarship vs Other Australian Scholarships

Feature	CDU RTP Scholarship 2026	ANU RTP Scholarship	University of Sydney RTP
Annual Stipend	AUD $34,190 (2025 rate)	AUD $36,652 (2025)	AUD $37,207 (2025)
Tuition Fees	Full waiver	Full waiver	Full waiver
Relocation Allowance	Up to AUD $2,500 (international)	Up to AUD $2,000	Up to AUD $1,500
Sick/Maternity Leave	Yes	Yes	Yes
Duration	3-4 yrs PhD / 2 yrs Master	3-4 yrs PhD / 2 yrs Master	3-4 yrs PhD / 2 yrs Master
Fields of Study	Broad range incl. health, law, engineering	Wide range	Wide range
Supervisor Matching	Required	Required	Required
International Applicants Accepted	Yes	Yes	Yes

FAQs About CDU RTP Scholarship 2026

1. Who can apply for the RTP Scholarship 2026 at CDU?
   Both domestic (Australian/NZ citizens & PR) and international students can apply.
2. What academic fields are available?
   Many fields — Health, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences, Arts, Business, Humanities, Tropical Agriculture, and more.
3. What is the stipend amount for 2026?
   AUD $34,190 per annum for full-time PhD students.
4. How long is the scholarship valid for?
   Up to 4 years (PhD full-time) or 2 years (Master full-time).
5. Is there any tuition fee?
   No — full tuition fees are covered by the scholarship.
6. Do I need to secure a supervisor first?
   Yes — you must contact a CDU academic supervisor and obtain confirmation.
7. What level of English proficiency is required?
   You must meet CDU’s English language requirements.
8. Is relocation support provided for the RTP Scholarship 2026 at Charles Darwin University?
   Yes — international students are eligible for up to AUD 2,500 in relocation assistance, while domestic students can receive up to AUD 2,000.
9. How competitive is the selection?
   Very competitive — applicants are ranked based on academic record, research outputs, and alignment with CDU’s priorities.
10. Can I apply to more than one Australian university for RTP?
    Yes — students can apply to multiple universities’ RTP rounds.

If you aspire to conduct impactful research in Australia and secure full financial support, don’t miss this opportunity! The Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship 2026 offers world-class training, generous benefits, and the chance to develop your career in a thriving research community. APPLY NOW before the deadline and start your journey toward a rewarding research degree in 2026!