If studying in Australia is your dream but the tuition fees are your nightmare, the University of Western Australia (UWA) may have just the solution. The 2026 International Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend and Tuition Fee Scholarships offer fully funded postgraduate research opportunities to outstanding international candidates.
The package includes free tuition, a generous AUD 37,000 living stipend, relocation allowances, and visa-compliant health insurance. Applications open from 1 July to 31 August 2025, and successful candidates can begin their research journey between February and March 2026. Here’s everything you need to know to be ready when applications open.
Key Takeaways
What Are the UWA International RTP Scholarships?
The University of Western Australia’s International Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships are the kind of golden opportunity every aspiring researcher dreams of. Funded by the Australian Government and offered through UWA, these scholarships are designed to support highly qualified international students undertaking a master’s by research or PhD program.
The RTP scholarships are not just about easing the financial burden—they’re part of a national initiative to attract brilliant minds to Australian universities. Whether you’re diving deep into marine science or developing cutting-edge AI models, this scholarship is your gateway to high-quality research, expert supervision, and a degree that carries weight globally.
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And if you’re already dreaming of exploring the Swan River or sipping coffee in Perth between lab hours, this scholarship could make that dream affordable, without a side hustle or a student loan looming over your head.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
Let’s get to the juicy details—what exactly does “fully funded” mean here?
At its core, the UWA RTP scholarship covers your full tuition fees—two years for a master’s by research and up to four years for a doctoral degree. That’s a substantial saving right there. But wait, there’s more.
You’ll also receive a tax-free living stipend of around AUD 37,000 per year. This isn’t monopoly money—it’s meant to help you live reasonably well in Perth while focusing entirely on your research. In addition, relocation support is available to help cover your travel expenses to Australia.
There’s even Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) included, which is a must for international students on a student visa. That means your bases are covered for healthcare too—an essential part of studying abroad without stress.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Now, before you start packing your bags for Perth, let’s check if you qualify.
First, you must be an international student who meets UWA’s admission criteria for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs. This includes having a relevant academic background with strong academic performance. Ideally, you should have a bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) or a completed master’s that shows evidence of research experience.
Second, you’ll need to meet the English language requirements, which means scoring well in tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. UWA is strict about language proficiency, so make sure your scores are current and meet the minimum threshold.
Also important—you must be able to begin your program full-time and on-campus between 2 February and 31 March 2026, as part of the scholarship terms.
When and How Can You Apply?
Timing is key with this opportunity. Applications for UWA’s 2026 International RTP Scholarships open on 1 July 2025 and close on 31 August 2025—so you’ll have two full months to get everything in.
The entire process is online. You’ll need to submit your application through UWA’s HDR Application Portal, ensuring that you indicate your interest in being considered for scholarships during the application process. If you’re working with a supervisor or faculty already, that can also boost your chances, so it’s worth reaching out to potential research leads early.
Your application must include academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal, proof of English proficiency, and any publications or relevant experience. It’s not just a formality—this is how you prove you’re a serious candidate ready for academic-level research.
When Will Results Be Announced?
Once you hit submit, the waiting game begins. But don’t worry—it won’t take forever.
Offers for the 2026 RTP round are expected to be sent by 20 October 2025. That gives UWA enough time to assess your academic fit, review your research potential, and make scholarship decisions fairly.
If selected, you’ll be expected to commence your studies between 2 February and 31 March 2026. UWA is pretty firm on this intake window, so be prepared to move and start your studies within that period.
Can You Apply for Other Scholarships Alongside?
Absolutely—and here’s where it gets better.
When you apply for the International RTP Scholarship, you’re automatically considered for a range of other UWA-funded scholarships as part of the same HDR selection round. This means you don’t need to fill out multiple forms or track a dozen deadlines.
It’s a one-shot, multiple-chances setup that significantly improves your odds of getting some form of funding. These additional awards can come with top-ups to your stipend or support for travel, accommodation, and conference participation.
So even if you miss out on the RTP, your application may still catch the eye of other UWA scholarship panels looking to invest in promising researchers.
Why Choose UWA for Your Research Degree?
Beyond the scholarships, UWA itself makes a strong case for your postgraduate journey.
Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and part of the prestigious Group of Eight (Australia’s Ivy League equivalent), UWA boasts a vibrant research ecosystem. From the Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre to the Centre for Software Practice, UWA gives you access to facilities and academic support that match global standards.
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Its Perth location also offers a high quality of life—sunshine, beaches, cultural diversity, and a cost of living that’s generally more reasonable than in Sydney or Melbourne. For international students, the environment is both welcoming and intellectually stimulating.
In short, UWA doesn’t just offer a degree—it offers a platform to grow, research, and launch a global career, and the RTP scholarship just sweetens the deal.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 International RTP Scholarships from UWA are not just another academic award—they’re a full-blown opportunity to earn a world-class research degree in Australia without breaking the bank. With full tuition, a substantial stipend, health cover, and automatic consideration for other scholarships, UWA is opening its doors wide to deserving international candidates.
Mark your calendar, start preparing your documents, and get in touch with potential supervisors—because come July 2025, the race begins. And if you’ve got the academic track record and the research drive, this could be your ticket to an unforgettable journey Down Under.
Reference: https://www.uwa.edu.au/study-at-uwa/scholarships-and-fees/hdr-scholarships
