Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University (2026 Guide)
Studying in Australia for free is possible for international students pursuing PhD and research master’s degrees, thanks to the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University.
This prestigious Australian Government scholarship removes the full cost of tuition fees for eligible international Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates, making it one of the most important fully funded research scholarships in Australia.
In this guide, we explain the benefits, eligibility criteria, selection process, duration, and conditions of the Australian Government Research Training Program International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University.
What Is the Australian Government RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship?
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) is funded by the Australian Commonwealth Government to support research training at Australian universities. Under this program, Griffith University awards RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships to outstanding international students enrolled in HDR programmes.
The Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship:
Is funded by the Australian Government
Is awarded through a competitive selection process
Covers 100% of research tuition fees
Applies to PhD and Master’s by Research degrees
Is governed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017
Unlike stipend scholarships, the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship focuses on removing tuition fee costs, significantly reducing the financial burden of studying in Australia.
What Does the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Cover?
Key Benefits
Successful recipients of the Australian Government Research Training Program International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University receive:
Full tuition fee offset for the entire duration of the research degree
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for up to 57 months
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) coverage
By eliminating tuition and essential compulsory fees, this scholarship allows international students to study a PhD or research master’s in Australia at little to no cost.
Note: Living stipends are not included but may be awarded separately through RTP Stipend Scholarships or Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
Who Is Eligible for the Australian Government Research Training Program at Griffith University?
Citizenship Requirements
Applicants must:
Be an international student
Not be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen
Academic and Enrolment Requirements
To be considered for the Australian Government Research Training Program, applicants must:
Be commencing or enrolled in a Griffith University HDR program
Hold a Bachelor’s degree with First Class Honours (AQF Level 8) or an equivalent qualification
Not hold a degree at the same or higher level than the HDR program applied for
Have completed no more than 12 months of prior HDR candidature (if seeking recognition)
Not be receiving another Commonwealth-funded tuition offset scholarship
Applicants who previously held an equivalent scholarship may only be eligible under specific conditions, such as early termination or level transfer.
How Applications Are Assessed (Selection Criteria)
The Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University is highly competitive. Applications are assessed and ranked on a University-wide Order of Merit List, based on:
Academic excellence, particularly in research-based qualifications
Research background and experience
Quality and impact of research outputs and publications
International reputation of previous institutions
Alignment between the applicant, supervision team, and research environment
Fit of the research proposal with Griffith University’s research priorities
Final decisions are made by the University HDR Scholarship Committee, and outcomes are final and not reviewable.
Scholarship Duration and Tenure
The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship is awarded for:
Up to 2 years (full-time equivalent) for Master’s by Research
Up to 3 years (full-time equivalent) for PhD candidates
Extensions of up to six months may be granted for PhD candidates in exceptional circumstances, such as approved industry placements or unavoidable delays.
Continuation of the scholarship depends on satisfactory academic progress and timely completion of HDR milestones.
Study Load, Attendance, and Work Conditions
Awardees must maintain full-time, on-campus enrolment
Part-time study is only approved for medical or significant caring reasons
Paid or unpaid employment is allowed if it does not affect research progress
Industry placements, research internships, and professional practice activities are permitted with approval
Why the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Is One of the Best in Australia
The Australian Government RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University stands out because it:
Is backed by the Australian Government
Removes 100% of international research tuition fees
Supports world-class PhD and research training
Can be combined with living stipend scholarships
Offers a clear pathway to studying in Australia for free
For academically strong international students, it represents one of the most realistic and prestigious research funding options in Australia.
If you are an international student aiming to pursue a PhD or Master’s by Research in Australia, the Australian Government RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University is an opportunity you should not ignore.
With full tuition coverage, strong institutional support, and global recognition, this scholarship aligns perfectly with Scholarshiplane’s mission of helping students access fully funded scholarships abroad.
What Is the closing date for the Australian government RTP international fee offset scholarship at Griffith university
The closing date for the Australian Government RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship at Griffith University varies by HDR intake and program. RTP scholarship applicants must meet the specific scholarship deadlines, which are typically aligned with Griffith University’s research intake rounds. In most cases, applications close around eight weeks before the intended intake. To be considered for the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship, international students are strongly advised to apply early, allowing sufficient time to accept their offer and complete relocation arrangements to Queensland if selected.See the official closing dates for the Australian government RTP international fee offset scholarship at Griffith university here
