University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027: International HDR Guide
Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarships and equivalent University of Sydney HDR scholarships |
| Funded by | Australian Government RTP and University of Sydney equivalent scholarship schemes |
| Host country | Australia |
| Level | Higher degree by research: PhD and research master’s |
| Stipend | AUD $44,293 per annum listed as the 2027 rate |
| Tuition support | RTP Fee Offset or University of Sydney Tuition Fee Scholarship can cover 100% tuition fees for up to 14 research periods |
| OSHC | RTP Fee Offset includes Overseas Student Health Cover according to the official table |
| Main 2027 deadline | 11 September 2026 for Research Periods 1 and 2, 2027 |
| Later 2027 deadline | 18 December 2026 for Research Periods 3 and 4, 2027 |
| Official source | https://www.sydney.edu.au/scholarships/australian-government-research-training-program/rtp-international.html |
The University of Sydney has published its RTP and equivalent university scholarship timeline for international higher degree by research students. The first key deadline for 2027 starters is 11 September 2026.
This is one of the clearest Australian research scholarship pages for 2027 because it lists stipend rates, fee-offset benefits and scholarship timelines in one table. If you are applying across Australia, compare this with the UWA RTP guide at `/uwa-rtp-scholarship-2027-guide` and the PhD roundup at `/fully-funded-phd-scholarships-2027-guide`.
What Does It Cover?
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| RTP Stipend Scholarship | Competitively awarded to domestic and international HDR students; 2027 rate listed as AUD $44,293 p.a. |
| RTP Fee Offset | For international HDR students; those awarded an RTP Stipend are automatically awarded this scholarship. |
| Tuition coverage | 100% tuition fees for up to 14 research periods under fee-offset scholarships. |
| OSHC | The RTP Fee Offset includes Overseas Student Health Cover. |
| USYDIS | University of Sydney International Stipend Scholarship, also listed at AUD $44,293 p.a. for 2027. |
| Relocation and thesis allowance | Listed for stipend scholarship categories. |
The official page separates stipend scholarships from fee-offset scholarships. Read your offer carefully because the stipend, tuition-fee coverage and health-cover components may be attached through linked scholarship categories.
Eligibility
✅ You Must:
- Be commencing or enrolled in a higher degree by research at the University of Sydney.
- Apply for admission and submit all required HDR documentation by the relevant deadline if you are a commencing student.
- Submit the scholarship application form by the scholarship deadline.
- Be applying for or enrolled in a PhD or other eligible HDR course.
- Meet academic, research experience and program admission requirements.
❌ Not Eligible If:
- You apply for a coursework master’s only.
- You miss the scholarship application deadline even if your admission application is submitted.
- You previously completed an HDR course at the same level, because the official page says preference may be given to applicants who have not done so.
- You assume the stipend is automatic; awards are competitively allocated.
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1: Confirm your research period
The deadline depends on when you intend to commence. Research Periods 1 and 2 in 2027 have a submission deadline of 11 September 2026. Research Periods 3 and 4 in 2027 have a submission deadline of 18 December 2026.
Step 2: Apply for HDR admission
Commencing students must apply for admission through Sydney Courses and submit all required documentation by the scholarship timeline. Build in time for supervisor contact, proposal refinement and transcript processing.
Step 3: Submit the scholarship form
The official page says commencing students must also submit the scholarship application form by the relevant deadline. Do not assume admission submission alone is enough.
Step 4: Prepare research evidence
The page links related documents including HDR scholarship selection process material and a research experience evidence template. Use these documents to present publications, research employment, thesis work and other evidence clearly.
Step 5: Track outcome dates
For Research Periods 1 and 2, 2027, outcomes are issued from 10 November 2026 and finalized by 17 December 2026. For Research Periods 3 and 4, 2027, outcomes are issued from 2 March 2027.
University of Sydney RTP vs Other Research Scholarships
| Scholarship | Level | Deadline | Stipend / Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney RTP / USYDIS | HDR | 11 Sep 2026 for RP1/RP2 | AUD $44,293 p.a. 2027 rate + fee offset possible | Strong option for Sydney research applicants |
| UWA RTP / International Scholarship Round | HDR | 15 Sep 2026 | UWA lists 2026 RTP stipend as AUD $38,110 p.a. | Apply through UWA HDR portal |
| HKPFS Hong Kong PhD Fellowship | PhD | 1 Dec 2026 | HK$344,400/yr + travel | Asia-based PhD alternative |
Insider Tips
1. Submit both admission and scholarship materials
The official page lists two actions for commencing students: admission application and scholarship form. Missing either can undermine consideration.
2. Use the research experience template
Sydney links a research experience evidence template. A structured evidence document can help reviewers compare your background with selection criteria.
3. Know your research period
A September deadline applies to Research Periods 1 and 2, while December applies to Research Periods 3 and 4. Choose the deadline based on your planned start.
4. Check fee-offset linkage
The page states students awarded an RTP Stipend Scholarship will automatically be awarded the RTP Fee Offset. Review the conditions to understand how tuition and OSHC are handled.
5. Compare stipend amounts and city costs
The 2027 stipend rate is strong, but Sydney living costs can be high. Build a realistic budget before accepting any offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the University of Sydney RTP Scholarship deadline for 2027?
For Research Periods 1 and 2, 2027, the submission deadline is 11 September 2026. For Research Periods 3 and 4, 2027, the deadline is 18 December 2026.
How much is the 2027 stipend?
The official University of Sydney page lists AUD $44,293 per annum as the 2027 rate for RTP Stipend and USYDIS stipend scholarships.
Does it cover tuition fees?
The RTP Fee Offset and University of Sydney Tuition Fee Scholarship list 100% tuition-fee coverage for up to 14 research periods. The RTP Fee Offset also lists OSHC.
Is this for master’s students?
It is for higher degree by research students, which can include research master’s students, not ordinary coursework-only master’s applicants.
Timeline Table
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| Now–Aug 2026 | Confirm supervisor fit and prepare research evidence |
| 11 Sep 2026 | Deadline for Research Periods 1 and 2, 2027 |
| 10 Nov 2026 | Outcomes issued from this date for RP1/RP2 |
| 17 Dec 2026 | Outcomes finalized for RP1/RP2 |
| 18 Dec 2026 | Deadline for Research Periods 3 and 4, 2027 |
| 2 Mar 2027 | Outcomes issued from this date for RP3/RP4 |
Your Action Plan
1. Choose your University of Sydney HDR program and research period.
2. Contact a potential supervisor and refine your proposal.
3. Prepare transcripts, CV, English evidence and research experience documents.
4. Submit the HDR admission application through Sydney Courses.
5. Submit the scholarship application form before the correct deadline.
6. Compare with `/uwa-rtp-scholarship-2027-guide` before final commitment.
— Share this with someone applying for a PhD or research master’s at the University of Sydney in 2027.