University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships 2026 | Fully Funded Master’s and PhD in Australia) Deadline: 30 November, 2025

The University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships are a significant set of scholarships funded by the Australian Government to support Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, such as PhD or Research Master’s students, at universities across Australia. At the University of Newcastle, the RTP is utilized through various programs, including the Strategic Engagement Scheme, the Academic Pathway Scheme, and the Indigenous Priority Scheme, among others.

These scholarships aim to attract top researchers, assist with living expenses, waive tuition fees for eligible candidates, and sometimes support relocation or specific circumstances. Newcastle’s RTP-based scholarships frequently align with the university’s strategic research priorities.

University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships Details

Benefits of the University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships

Benefits of RTP-based scholarship at Newcastle:

• Living stipend: For domestic HDR students, a minimum stipend of A$37,440 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) is available for full-time PhD candidates.
• Tuition fee offset/waiver: Domestic students have tuition fees covered for the duration of their PhD or Research Master’s, up to the RTP entitlement period (3.5 years full-time for PhD, 1.75 years for Research Master’s).
• Relocation support: For certain schemes (e.g., Indigenous Priority Scheme), there may be relocation reimbursement (up to A$1,500) where appropriate.
• Duration: PhD candidates typically have up to 3.5 years full-time equivalent, and Research Master’s up to 1.75 years full-time equivalent.
• Other supports: Depending on the scheme, full-time enrolment requirement, possible restrictions on paid work (to maintain research progress), etc.

Eligibility Criteria of the University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships 2026

To be eligible for an RTP Scholarship at Newcastle, you generally need to satisfy:

• Be planning to enrol (or already enrolled) in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programme: PhD or Research Master’s. Coursework-only degrees don’t qualify.
• Be a domestic candidate for most of these RTP scholarships (Australian citizen, permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or relevant visa status). Some schemes are open to international students, but many RTP variants are restricted to Australian citizens or permanent residents.
• Have a strong academic background: Many schemes require at least First Class Honours or Second Class Honours Division 1 (or equivalent) in a prior degree, or demonstrable research ability.
• Be working in a College priority research area or university strategic priority (for some schemes). For example, the Strategic Engagement Scheme requires applicants to be working in priority research areas.
• Be able to commit to full-time enrolment (or with special permissions for part-time in specific circumstances) and meet conditions like maximum paid work, residency (on campus or similar), etc.

Required Documents for the University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships

Here are typical documents and evidence you’ll need to prepare:

1. Academic transcripts and degree certificates (showing honours classification, etc.)
2. Research proposal or research interest statement, which aligns with the university’s priority / strategic areas (especially for Strategic Engagement or Academic Pathway)
3. Supervisor’s nomination or support (for some schemes like the Academic Pathway) via a nomination form.
4. Proof of citizenship/residency status (for domestic eligibility)
5. Sometimes, a cover letter / personal statement outlining achievements, goals, and how the scholarship would help is required.
6. For the Indigenous Priority Scheme: evidence of eligibility under Indigenous status, and possibly relocation proof

How to Apply for the University of Newcastle RTP Scholarships

Here are the steps to apply for an RTP Scholarship at the University of Newcastle:

1. Check the specific RTP scheme you are applying for (Strategic Engagement Scheme, Academic Pathway, Indigenous Priority, etc.). Read their guidelines carefully.
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including domestic status (or the relevant visa), degree credentials, and research topic in a priority area, among others.
3. Prepare the required documents, including transcripts, proposal, nomination (if applicable), proof of status, etc.
4. Submit application:
   • For new HDR candidates, when you apply for admission into your PhD / Research Master’s programme, attach or indicate the scholarship application (some application forms combine admission + scholarship / you upload scholarship forms)
   • For “current candidates” (already enrolled HDR students), use the application forms applicable to current candidates.
   • Email to the dedicated Newcastle Graduate Research email or portal ‒ e.g.,graduate-research@newcastle.edu.au for specific schemes
5. Meet deadlines: Scholarship rounds may have specific closing dates. For example, nominations for some schemes have fixed dates.
6. After submission: If selected, accept the scholarship and fulfill any conditions (full-time enrolment, research progress, etc.).