Central Queensland University RTP Scholarship 2026 [Study In Australia]

Are you passionate about solving real-world challenges through research?
Do you dream of earning a Master’s by Research or a PhD in Australia — and being fully funded while you do it?

Then it’s time to consider the 2026 Central Queensland University (CQU) RTP Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity funded by the Australian Government. This Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship offers $32,000 per year in living support and full tuition coverage — making it one of the most generous research scholarships in Australia.

Whether you’re passionate about climate change, digital health, sustainable energy, space exploration, or artificial intelligence — this scholarship can turn your academic dreams into a high-impact career.

Let’s unpack the details, eligibility, and step-by-step guide to applying.

What is the CQU RTP Scholarship?

The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship is a fully funded research scholarship designed to support both domestic and international postgraduate students pursuing a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) at Central Queensland University (CQU).

Funded by the Australian Government, this scholarship is aimed at supporting students’ living costs while they work on master’s or doctoral research projects across a range of disciplines.

This scholarship not only helps cover your living expenses but also ensures that your tuition fees are 100% covered for the entire duration of your research program (up to three years).

Scholarship Overview — At a Glance

Why Study at Central Queensland University?

If you’re going to pursue research that tackles global challenges, CQU is the place to be. Here’s why:

A Global Powerhouse in Research

• Ranked among the top 2% of universities worldwide for research

• Leading the way in climate science, sustainable agriculture, digital health, and clean energy

Australia-Wide Campus Network

• 20+ campus locations including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast

• Access to urban and regional research environments

World-Class Facilities

• Access to high-tech labs, virtual reality studios, space research centers, and bioinformatics platforms

A Diverse and Welcoming Community

• Home to over 35,000 students from 100+ countries

• Ranked highly for international student satisfaction and employability

‍ Research with Real-World Impact

• Collaborations with NASA, ESA, Australian Space Agency

• Innovations in telehealth, robotics, climate resilience, and carbon-neutral tech

What’s Covered — Your Scholarship Benefits

If selected for the CQU RTP Scholarship, here’s what you’ll receive:

1. Full Tuition Coverage

• All your HDR tuition fees are completely waived

• Available for up to:

  • 3 years for PhD

  • 2 years for Master’s by Research

2. Annual Stipend of AUD $32,000

• Paid directly to you for living expenses

• Covers rent, food, transportation, and other daily costs

• Renewable for the duration of your research program

️ 3. Access to Research Support

• Use of cutting-edge research platforms (genomics, data labs, engineering studios)

• Mentorship from globally respected faculty and supervisors

• Professional development and career readiness programs

Who Can Apply?

The RTP Scholarship is open to a broad range of academic disciplines, with a strong preference for research that aligns with CQU’s strategic priority areas, including:

• Environmental and Agricultural Science

• Psychology and Mental Health

• Renewable Energy and Sustainability

• Biomedical Research

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

• ️ Space Science and Remote Sensing

• Digital Health and Medical Technology

✅ Basic Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, you must:

1. Be a domestic or international student

2. Be enrolled (or eligible for enrollment) in a Research Higher Degree (RHD) at CQU

3. Not be receiving another scholarship or income covering your living expenses above 75% of the RTP stipend

4. Meet CQU’s academic and English language entry requirements

5. Be nominated for the scholarship by a supervisory team

Selection Criteria — How Are Candidates Evaluated?

The RTP Scholarship is highly competitive and based on merit. CQU uses a Scholarship Assessment Scale scored across 3 major categories:

• A strong academic record (especially in a research-intensive discipline)

• A clear and innovative research proposal

• Passion for problem-solving and real-world impact

• Ability to thrive in CQU’s research environment

Required Documents

To prepare for your application, make sure you have:

• ✅ Academic Transcripts and Certificates

• ✅ English Language Test Results (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)

• ✅ Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• ✅ Research Proposal aligned with a CQU research theme

• ✅ Two Academic Reference Letters

• ✅ Cover Letter/Motivation Statement

How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Explore Your Research Options

Start by browsing the available research areas and potential supervisors at CQU.
Visit: https://www.cqu.edu.au/research

Step 2: Apply for a Research Higher Degree (RHD)

Apply for either a Master’s by Research or Doctoral Program (PhD).

Step 3: Contact a Supervisory Team

You must discuss your interest in the RTP Scholarship with a supervisor aligned with your research interest.

They will review your academic background and determine if they’re willing to nominate you for the scholarship.

Step 4: Receive Invitation from the School of Graduate Research

Once your supervisor recommends you, you’ll be officially invited to apply for the scholarship via the School of Graduate Research.

Step 5: Complete the Application Form

Submit your application and documents as instructed in the invitation.

Application Deadline:
December 31, 2025

⏳ Pro Tip: Start early! It takes time to build a strong research proposal and secure support from a supervisor.

‍ Life After Graduation — Career Prospects

With a research degree from CQU, you’re not just earning a diploma — you’re building a career foundation in:

• Academia and Research Institutes

• Sustainability and Environmental Agencies

• Biotech and Health Startups

• ️ Space and Aerospace Innovation

• ️ Government Research and Policy Development

• AI and Machine Learning Engineering

• ‍ Global Think Tanks and NGOs

CQU graduates enjoy an employment rate of 79% within four months of graduation, with many going on to become leaders in their respective industries.

Final Thoughts — Your Research Journey Starts Here

The 2026 Central Queensland University RTP Scholarship is not just a financial award — it’s a life-changing opportunity to study, explore, and innovate at one of Australia’s most forward-thinking universities.

With full tuition, a generous annual stipend, and access to world-class research labs, this scholarship gives you everything you need to thrive as a global researcher — all in the heart of Australia.

So, whether your passion lies in climate change solutions, robotics, sustainable agriculture, or space exploration — this could be the stepping stone to your future.

Official Source & Scholarship Details
https://www.cqu.edu.au/

Deadline: December 31, 2025
Program Type: Master’s by Research or PhD
Location: Australia (multiple campuses)