Do you have a Bachelor’s degree and a dream to further your studies in world-class universities around the world? Are you a researcher with big ideas—someone who aspires to push the boundaries in your field, but feels held back by financial constraints? You are not alone. This is the reality of millions of dreamers worldwide, but what if I told you that there are numerous opportunities that could land you straight at the doorstep of your visions, free of charge? Yes! You read that right. The University of Sydney’s Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships (including the University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship, or USYDIS) are built for ambitious master’s by research and PhD candidates like you.
This post will unpack exactly what these scholarships are, who’s eligible, what’s covered, how to apply, and key timelines. By the end, you’ll be equipped to prepare a strong application and move forward with confidence toward fully funded research in Australia.
📘 What Are These Scholarships?
The RTP Scholarships are government-funded awards + university-administered benefits for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at the University of Sydney. These include both Domestic and International students. The USYDIS is a specific scholarship for international students under this scheme.
Key components:
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RTP Stipend Scholarship: a yearly stipend for living expenses.
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Fee Offset for International Students: 100% tuition fee waiver for eligible international HDR students with a stipend award.
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University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship (USYDIS): for international students; provides a stipend + associated allowances.
🧮 What the Scholarship Covers
Here’s what successful recipients receive:
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Living Allowance | AUD $41,753 per year (2025 rate), tax-free, for full-time research students. |
| Tuition Fee Waiver | For international students awarded an RTP stipend / USYDIS, a full waiver of tuition fees (called the RTP Fee Offset + University of Sydney Tuition Fee Scholarship), for up to 14 research periods. |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | For international students, OSHC is included as part of the package. |
| Relocation & Thesis Allowances | Provided to help with moving to Sydney and the costs associated with your thesis (printing, supplies, etc.). |
See Also: Your Fully Funded Gateway to Study Across Europe: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship
🔑 Who Is Eligible & What Are The Requirements
To apply, you need to satisfy several criteria:
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Be commencing or already enrolled in a higher degree by research (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Sydney.
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Have excellent academic records and ideally prior research experience.
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For international applicants, the stipend must be awarded first (or concurrently) to qualify for a fee waiver and OSHC.
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Submit required documentation: transcripts, CV, research proposal, references, and English language proof (if needed).
🗓️ Timeline & Application Process
Here’s how the application & award timeline works (as of 2025/2026):
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For international students, the deadlines vary by Research period. For example:
• for Research Periods 1 & 2 (2026), you may have to submit by 12 September 2025.
• for Research Periods 3 & 4, deadlines may fall in December 2025. -
Domestic students also follow similar research period deadlines.
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To apply:
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Apply for admission into the HDR programme through Sydney Courses by the relevant deadline.
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Tick or complete the RTP / USYDIS scholarship application (often as part of the HDR admission or via a separate form) by that same deadline.
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Outcomes are usually communicated a few weeks to months after the deadline.
🛤️ How This Could Shape Your Future
Graduates with RTP or USYDIS awards often go on to:
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Conduct high-impact research in universities, industry, or policy.
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Publish research, attend international conferences, and build a global network.
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Work on projects that need cross-disciplinary knowledge (science, tech, humanities, health, etc.).
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Leverage the University of Sydney’s reputation and research ecosystem.
If you want a career as a researcher, academic, policy maker, or in R&D, this kind of scholarship can be transformative.
See Also: Pursue Your Master’s or Ph.D in Australia for Free — Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarships Explained
📎 Tips to Help Your Application Shine
Here are strategies to increase your chances:
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Start Early: Research proposals, especially, take time. Contact potential supervisors ahead of deadlines.
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Show Research Credibility: Any prior research projects, publications, or related work helps you stand out.
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Be Clear & Structured: Your proposal should show what you plan to do, why it matters, and how you’ll do it.
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Pay Attention to English & Documents: If required, get certified English test results; ensure transcripts are translated (if not in English).
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Meet All Deadlines Strictly: Both for HDR admission and scholarship application. Missing any deadline often disqualifies you.
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Review Terms & Conditions: Know about progress requirements, leave policies, suspension, thesis allowances, etc.
To Apply, Visit the Sydney University Scholarship Portal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can international students get full tuition covered?
Yes — if you receive the RTP stipend or USYDIS, the Fee Offset (i.e., full tuition waiver) applies for up to 14 research periods.
2. What is the stipend amount?
For 2025, the stipend is AUD $41,753 per annum for both domestic and international HDR scholars.
3. Does OSHC (health insurance) get covered?
Yes, for international students awarded with an RTP stipend / USYDIS.
4. How long is the scholarship valid?
Up to 14 research periods, which is ~3.5 years for a PhD full-time, or about half that for a Master’s by Research.
5. Do I need to apply separately for the stipend and fee waiver?
Usually, you apply once via HDR admission + check the scholarship box/form. If awarded a stipend, you’ll automatically get the fee waiver (for those international students eligible).
See Also: MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Your Fully Funded Ticket to a Global Career in Art & Heritage
🚀 Move to Action
The University of Sydney’s RTP & USYDIS scholarships are among the most generous and competitive research scholarships globally. For international HDR students, this means not just living support, but full tuition remission, health cover, and an environment to take your research ambition to the next level.
If you’re ready to push boundaries in your research, here’s what to do next:
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Explore the University of Sydney’s HDR programs in your field.
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Prepare your research proposal, academic transcripts, and references.
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Mark down the next relevant application deadline for your research period (e.g., 12 September 2025 for some intakes).
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Apply for both HDR admission and the scholarship (RTP / USYDIS) before it closes.
Don’t watch others get there first — get your application in. This scholarship could change your life. You have the credentials. You have the vision. Now go make it happen in Sydney.
