
The CDU RTP Scholarship, a premier study Charles Darwin University opportunity, invites international and domestic students to pursue Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs, including master’s by Research and PhD degrees, at Charles Darwin University (CDU), a leading public research institution in Darwin, Australia. Founded in 2003, CDU ranks among Australia’s top universities for graduate employability (QS World University Rankings 2025) and hosts 7,000+ students from 60+ countries. As a global research vanguard, this CDU research program fosters a transformative academic odyssey, empowering scholars to drive innovative solutions across diverse disciplines aligned with Australia’s research priorities.
The CDU research programs span fields like Health, Environmental Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Education, Arts, Social Policy, Business, Law, Disaster Management, Humanities, Social Sciences, Tropical Agriculture, Aquaculture, and Biosecurity. Supported by the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP), scholars access world-class facilities such as Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Institute, and sustainability labs. Environmental Science researchers tackle climate resilience, while Engineering scholars innovate smart technologies. Aquaculture experts advance food security, and Social Policy candidates shape inclusive governance, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. With an 80% employability rate within six months, graduates excel as researchers, policy advisors, or industry leaders, supported by collaborations with CSIRO and Northern Territory Government.
The CDU RTP Scholarship promotes global research networking. Scholars engage in industry internships, research symposia, and collaborative projects, connecting with leading supervisors and global stakeholders across 50+ countries. CDU’s NT Academic Centre for Cyber Security and Innovation, led by experts like Professor Mamoun Alazab, fosters interdisciplinary research, aligning with Australia’s innovation agenda. Cultural workshops and community engagement, like Indigenous research initiatives, enrich the diverse academic experience, with 10% of scholars launching research-driven ventures.
Studying in Darwin, scholars experience a transformative academic odyssey. They explore Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, or Mindil Beach Markets, engaging with Australia’s cultural mosaic. Events like Darwin Festival, Garrmalang Festival, or NT Writers Festival deepen immersion. CDU’s Casuarina campus, with green labs, student hubs, and research centers, supports a global research immersion, enhanced by connectivity to Sydney, Singapore, and Bali. Darwin’s safe, tropical environment (Numbeo Safety Index Top 20) complements academic pursuits.
Join a global cohort to pioneer research excellence, embrace Darwin’s cultural vibrancy, and shape a transformative future with the CDU RTP Scholarship.
Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship:
Host Country:
•Australia
Funded by:
•Australian Government
Host University:
•Charles Darwin University
Scholarship level:
•Masters and Doctorate degrees
Available Subjects for Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship:
The following subjects are available to study under this scholarship program:
•Accounting.
•Business.
•Community Services & Social Work.
•Creative Arts & Design.
•Culinary Arts.
•Education.
•Enabling Courses.
•Engineering.
•Exercise & Sport Science.
•Hair & Beauty Services.
•Health.
•Humanities & Social Sciences.
•Humanitarian, Emergency & Disaster Management.
•Indigenous Knowledge.
•IT & Network Engineering.
•Languages.
•Law & Legal Studies.
•Nursing.
•Primary Industries.
•Psychology.
•Public Health.
•Science, Environmental Science & Management.
•Tourism, Hospitality & Food.
•Trades.
Check: Australia Scholarships: Study at Top Global Universities
Benefits of Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship in Australia:
•The Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarships are given to outstanding research
students for pursuing an HDR at an Australian institution.
•The scholarships are offered to help students cover their general living expenses.
•Full time students will be paid AU$32,192 (2024 rate) per annum tax-free.
•Part-time students will be paid AU$16,096 (2024 rate) per annum, taxable.
•Paid sick leave can be taken.
•Maternity leave will be given.
•Relocation allowance for RTP stipend recipients is up to $2,000 for domestic students and $2,500 for international students.
Eligibility Criteria for Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship in Australia:
1. Applicants must be eligible to enroll in a full-time Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program at Charles Darwin University.
2. Applicants must meet the academic entry requirements for a master’s degree by research or a Doctorate by research at Charles Darwin University.
3. For a Doctorate scholarship, applicants must have completed both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
4. For a Master’s scholarship, applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree.
5. International applicants must provide evidence of meeting the minimum English language proficiency/MOI requirements of Charles Darwin University.
6. Applicants must not be receiving any other financial support that exceeds 75% of the RTP stipend rate.
7. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional research potential suitable for an HDR program.
8. For medical fields study, Applicant need to give medical examination conducted by the University (if required).
9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents Required for Charles Darwin University RTP Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available, HDR referee report form filled by two referees to testify your academic record.).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Graduation of bachelor’s or master’s degree.
3. Academic transcript of bachelor’s or master’s program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
11. for all previous tertiary study. Evidence of supervision which includes email conversation with your potential supervisor.
12. A research outline of 1500-1700 words on the research project you have proposed. It should include title of the project, general research field, brief description, ethical rules and other relevant concerns related to the research.
13. Supporting documents which include publications or portfolios.
14. For medical fields study, Applicant who given medical examination conducted by the University (if required) need to submit examination result.
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in September 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.