Learn more about Curtin PhD projects at RTP Projects and Scholarships.

• Current Students
• Future Students

• Centre for Aboriginal Studies
• Faculty of Business and Law
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses
  • Western Australian School of Mines (WASM)

• Higher Degree by Research

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa
• International Student

• Merit Based

RTP Scholarship Value (2025)

For 2025, the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) base stipend rate is $33,511 AUD per annum. However, Curtin University currently offers a higher base stipend of $37,500 AUD per annum, tax-free, for a maximum duration of up to three years six months full time equivalent.

In total, the annual scholarship package, which includes both the stipend and coverage of tuition fees is valued at approximately $70,000 AUD per year.

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All applicable Australian Curtin HDR courses

Scholarships are awarded through a competitive selection process. Applicants can strengthen their applications by demonstrating strong research potential, which may include:

• Completion of a degree with a substantial research component (at least 25%), such as an Honours degree or higher, or obtained international qualifications which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and deemed to be equivalent of Australian degree
• obtained qualifications from another institution which are recognised by tertiary admission authorities in Australia and which are deemed to be equivalent to
• A strong academic record, supported by relevant research outputs, for example, peer-reviewed journal articles or creative works completed within the past five years.
• Demonstrated leadership or contribution within your Field of Research (FoR).

For detailed information, please refer to the minimum admission criteria for your intended course of study.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Research Degrees

Submitting an Expression of Interest form is the first step in applying for a research degree at Curtin. It allows you to connect with a potential supervisor but does not guarantee admission or confirm supervision.

Before submitting an EOI, please have:

• Your preferred Curtin research degree program
• A current CV and academic transcripts
• A clear research proposal (or ensure you reference the advertised project you are interested in joining)
• A potential supervisor identified (or the advertised project lead)
• At least one referee who can provide a reference

For full details, visit Curtin’s Higher Degrees by Research page. 

Successful scholarship recipients must enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University no later than March of the following year.

Explore our researcher profiles to find someone whose expertise aligns with your interests.

Applications for the RTP Scholarship are open only from 1 July to 18 August. Expressions of Interest (EOIs) submitted outside this period will not be considered for RTP scholarship funding. 

The selection process is highly competitive and involves a rigorous shortlisting stage. Final outcomes will be announced in November.