The Higher Education Commission, Bangladesh has shared details regarding the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). This fully funded initiative provides tuition fee offsets, living stipends, and allowances for international students undertaking Higher Degrees by Research (HDR) across participating Australian universities.

For candidates aiming for The University of Sydney, official terms and conditions for the RTP Stipend Scholarship (International) have been outlined.

General RTP Program Coverage

• Issuing Body: Higher Education Commission, Bangladesh (Department of Foreign Education)
• Eligible Degrees: Research Master’s and Research Doctorate (PhD)
• General Benefits Across Australia:
  • Tuition fee offsets
  • Living stipends averaging AUD $35,000 – $53,000 annually (depending on the institution)
  • Relocation and health cover allowances

Specific Terms & Conditions: The University of Sydney

1. Eligibility Criteria

• Student Status: Must be an international student at the time of award.
• Enrolment: Awardees are expected to enrol in a full-time postgraduate research degree. Part-time enrolment is strictly permitted only under special circumstances approved by the university (e.g., medical conditions, financial hardship, or carer’s responsibilities) and where permitted by visa regulations.
• Application Process: Applicants must apply for admission, submit all required documentation for a Higher Degree by Research at the University of Sydney, and complete the official scholarship application form via the Scholarships Office website.

2. Scholarship Tenure

• Research Doctorate (PhD): Up to 14 research periods (full-time).
• Research Master’s: Up to 7 research periods.
• Deductions & Extensions: Prior study towards the degree before award commencement will be deducted from the maximum duration. No extensions are permitted.
• Deferral: Candidates may defer scholarship commencement to the same calendar year in which it is offered, provided their admission offer deferral is also approved for that same year.
• Industry & Research Placements: Stipend coverage may continue during approved industry placements, research internships, or professional practice activities, provided eligibility is maintained and the maximum award duration has not been reached.

Key Deadlines & Application Links

• University of Sydney Deadlines (2027 Intakes):
  • Research Periods 1 & 2 (2027): 11 September 2026
  • Research Periods 3 & 4 (2027): 18 December 2026
• General Government RTP Portal: https://www.education.gov.au/research-block-grants/research-training-program
• University of Sydney Portal: https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program/rtp-international.html

Note: As application deadlines vary across participating institutions, prospective applicants are advised to review specific faculty requirements directly on the respective university portals prior to submitting their documentation.