Are you a passionate researcher looking to pursue your postgraduate studies in Australia?
The Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) 2025 presents an exceptional opportunity for talented domestic and international students to undertake research degrees at Australian universities.
This prestigious scholarship program aims to support Australia’s research capacity and innovation by attracting top-quality students to pursue research-based higher degrees.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear roadmap to navigate this life-changing opportunity.!
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What is the Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP)?
Fully-Funded Australian PhD Scholarships 2025: Application Deadlines, Benefits & University Selection Guide
The Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP) is a flagship initiative funded by the Australian Government Department of Education to support domestic and international students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degrees at Australian universities.
Established to replace the previous International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program, the AGRTP represents Australia’s commitment to fostering research excellence and innovation.
The program is administered by individual Australian universities, with each institution receiving a specific allocation of scholarships to award to eligible candidates.
This decentralized approach allows universities to align scholarship offerings with their research priorities and strengths.
Key Objectives of the AGRTP
The AGRTP has several core objectives that reflect Australia’s commitment to research excellence:
- Supporting research training for students undertaking Research Doctorate and Research Master’s degrees
- Enhancing the research capabilities of Australia’s higher education institutions
- Attracting top-quality international research students to areas of research strength in Australia
- Supporting collaboration between higher education providers and industry partners
- Enabling students to gain the skills and experience required to pursue diverse careers
AGRTP 2025: Scholarship Benefits
The AGRTP 2025 offers a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support students throughout their research journey.
While specific benefits may vary slightly between universities, the core components typically include:
1. Tuition Fee Offset
The AGRTP scholarship covers the full cost of tuition fees for the duration of your research degree (up to 4 years for Doctoral programs and up to 2 years for Master’s by Research programs).
This tuition fee offset represents a significant financial benefit, as international tuition fees for research degrees in Australia can range from AUD 30,000 to AUD 45,000 per year.
2. Living Stipend (Scholarship Allowance)
Recipients receive a generous annual stipend to cover living expenses. For 2025, the base rate is expected to be approximately AUD 35,000 per annum (tax-free for full-time study).
This stipend is indexed annually and provides essential financial support throughout your studies.
3. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students awarded the AGRTP scholarship typically receive Overseas Student Health Cover for themselves and their dependents for the duration of their visa.
This health insurance is mandatory for international students in Australia and covers the basics of medical and hospital care.
4. Additional Allowances
Depending on the host university, additional allowances may include:
- Relocation allowance (up to AUD 1,500 for students moving from within Australia or up to AUD 3,000 for those relocating from overseas)
- Thesis allowance (approximately AUD 840 for doctoral theses and AUD 420 for master’s theses)
- Paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave
- Conference and research travel grants (university-dependent)
Eligibility Criteria for AGRTP 2025
To be eligible for the Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship in 2025, applicants must meet several key requirements:
Academic Eligibility
- Academic Achievement: Demonstrate outstanding academic performance, typically equivalent to an Australian First Class Honours degree (H1) or Second Class Honours, Division A (H2A).
- Research Potential: Show evidence of research capability through previous research experience, publications, or relevant professional experience.
- Admission Requirements: Meet the admission requirements for your chosen research program at the university you’re applying to.
Citizenship Requirements
The AGRTP is available to:
- Australian domestic students
- International students
- New Zealand citizens
- Permanent residents of Australia
Enrollment Requirements
Applicants must be enrolling in or be currently enrolled in:
- A Research Doctorate (PhD, Professional Doctorate) or
- A Research Master’s program at an Australian university
Additional Requirements
- Full-time Study: Most AGRTP scholarships require full-time enrollment, though part-time scholarships may be available in exceptional circumstances.
- No Previous Research Degree: Generally, applicants should not have previously completed a research degree at the same or higher level.
- Commencement Timing: Must be able to commence studies in 2025 (specific dates vary by university).
It’s important to note that eligibility requirements may vary slightly between universities, so always check the specific criteria of your target institution.
How to Apply for AGRTP 2025
The application process for the AGRTP scholarship varies by university, but generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Research Potential Supervisors and Projects
Before applying, identify potential supervisors whose research interests align with yours.
This is a crucial first step as many universities require you to secure a supervisor’s interest before applying.
You can:
- Search university websites for research groups and academic staff profiles
- Review recent publications in your field to identify active researchers
- Contact potential supervisors directly with a concise email outlining your research interests and background
Step 2: Check University-Specific Application Requirements
Visit the website of your target university and thoroughly review their AGRTP application guidelines.
Key information to look for includes:
- Application deadlines (these vary significantly between universities)
- Required documents
- Submission process
- Any university-specific eligibility criteria
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents
Typical required documents include:
- Academic transcripts from all previous tertiary study (certified copies)
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume highlighting academic achievements, research experience, publications, and relevant work experience
- Research proposal outlining your proposed project (typically 2-4 pages)
- Letters of recommendation from academic referees (usually 2-3)
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
- Statement of purpose explaining your research interests and career goals
- Proof of contact with potential supervisor(s) (emails or letters of support)
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Depending on the university, you may need to:
- Apply for admission to your chosen research program first, then separately apply for the AGRTP scholarship, or
- Submit a combined application for both program admission and the scholarship
Most universities have online application systems where you’ll upload all required documents.
Step 5: University Selection Process
After submission, universities typically evaluate applications through:
- Initial eligibility screening
- Academic assessment by faculty committees
- Ranking of candidates based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with university research priorities
- Final selection and notification
Key Dates and Deadlines for AGRTP 2025
Application deadlines for the AGRTP 2025 vary considerably between universities, with some offering multiple rounds throughout the year. It’s best adviceable to check the university website for the most updated and key date to application..
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