You ever find yourself scrolling through scholarship listings late at night, half-dreaming of finishing your PhD without drowning in student loans? I’ve been there. And let me tell you—I stumbled on Deakin University’s RTP and DUPRS scholarships like a hidden gem, and it felt too good not to share.
What Are RTP and DUPRS Anyway?
Think of them as twin lifelines—for both domestic and international Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students at Deakin. The Research Training Program (RTP) is backed by the Australian Government, while the Deakin University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (DUPRS) comes from Deakin itself. Either way, top-ranked applicants might find themselves with an incredible support package.
What’s in the Scholarship Package?
Here’s what actually makes it worthwhile:
- Stipend: $35,550 per year (tax-exempt) for 2025 — smooth, reliable support..
- Relocation Allowance: Between $500 to $1,500 (depending on whether you’re flying solo or relocating family)
- Tuition Fee Offset: Covers your PhD tuition for up to 4 years, or Research Master’s for up to 2 years
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Available for international students—just what you need when sorting visas and living abroad
How Long Does It Last?
- PhD: Stipend for 3 years, tuition fee coverage for 4 years.
- Research Master’s: Both stipend and tuition fee covered for 2 years
Just enough time to dive deep into your research topic without watching the calendar too anxiously.
Do You Qualify? Let’s Break It Down
Here’s what they’re looking for:
- Be enrolled (or about to enroll) in an HDR degree at Deakin—PhD or Research Master’s
- You must have completed at least four years of tertiary education, with strong research-level grades (typically around 80% average or equivalent)
- You can’t already be getting another federal fee-support scholarship—they’re after clean, non-overlapping funding
- Your other income can’t exceed 75% of the stipend, unless it’s not meant for living costs or unrelated to your studies
- Current Deakin HDR students can still apply—unless you’re past the halfway mark (3 years for PhD or 2 years for Master’s)
Check out: University of Chicago USA International Financial Aid Scholarships 2026 for International Students
How Selection Works
It’s competitive, for sure. Scholarships are awarded based on a ranking system that considers your academic track record, research potential, previous publications, and sometimes industry or work background.
You’ll be enrolled as a full-time, on-campus student, which means you’ll get that campus vibe and access to all the research support Deakin has to offer.
When to Apply (Take Note of These Dates)
This part can trip people up. But here’s the lowdown for 2026 intake:
- International applicants: Submit by 24 August 2025
- Domestic applicants: Deadline is 24 October 2025
And yes—they’re only open to new HDR starts between 1 May to 27 October 2025 right now.
Quick Table: What You Get at a Glance
Scholarship Aspect Details
- Stipend: $35,550/year (tax-exempt)
- Relocation Allowance: $500–$1,500 (varies depending on your situation)
- Tuition Fee Coverage : Up to 4 years for PhD, 2 years for Master’s
- Health Cover (International): OSHC covered for the duration of the student visa
- Eligibility: HDR enrollment, 4 years prior studies, 80% research average, income cap
- Application Deadline: 24 Aug 2025 (Int’l), 24 Oct 2025 (Domestic)
Check out: UNESO TWAS-SN Bose Postgraduate Fellowship Programme 2025, India (Fully Funded)
Why I Think It’s Worth It
I mean, a tax-free stipend of $35K plus tuition and health cover, especially for international students—that’s the kind of setup that lets you actually think about research, not rent. Combine that with Deakin’s strong support ecosystem, and you’ve got both financial breathing room and a real chance to dig into your work without constant financial worry.
Plus, the ability to spread your stipend over impactful years, including relocation funds? It just makes sense.
Final Words—What Should You Do Next?
- Check your eligibility—do the grades, course load, and income rule match up?
- Mark those deadlines—24 August or 24 October 2025; don’t miss them.
- Prep your application—start drafting transcripts, research plans, and references now.
- Reach out—connect with potential supervisors or Deakin’s research admissions team to get the process rolling.
Applying can feel overwhelming, but think of it like writing one strong application rather than ten half-baked ones. If you’re serious about getting your research funded and gaining real support, this could be your moment.
Official website: https://www.deakin.edu.au/study/fees-and-scholarships/scholarships/find-a-scholarship/rtp-and-duprs