Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027: AUD 37,000 Stipend

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027: AUD 37,000 Stipend, Eligibility, Deadline and Results

Last verified: October 30, 2026

International applications: Closed September 30, 2026

Domestic applications: Deadline October 31, 2026

Annual stipend: AUD 37,000

Study levels: Master’s by Research and PhD

Expected first-round scholarship offers: Late December 2026, based on Murdoch’s usual selection timetable

The Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 supports eligible postgraduate research students pursuing a Master’s by Research or doctoral degree in Australia.

Funded through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP), the scholarship provides successful international recipients with a tax-exempt living allowance of AUD 37,000 per year, under the applicable award conditions.

But applicants need to understand more than the stipend amount.

International candidates must complete Murdoch University’s research admission requirements, which include an Expression of Interest, a suitable research topic, potential supervision and evidence of research capability.

There is also an important distinction between the international and domestic scholarship deadlines.

The international 2027 application round closed on September 30, 2026. The later October 31 deadline belongs to the domestic competition and should not be used by international applicants.

For those who have already applied, Murdoch publishes a general research-scholarship selection timetable that helps explain when decisions may arrive.

This guide covers the verified scholarship benefits, academic eligibility, application process, supervisor requirements, referee reports, English requirements and 2027 scholarship results.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027: Quick Overview

Detail	Official information
Scholarship	Research Training Program Stipends
University	Murdoch University
Country	Australia
Funding provider	Australian Government
Eligible degrees	Higher Degrees by Research
International applicants	Eligible
Domestic applicants	Separate competition
Annual stipend	AUD 37,000
Stipend description	Tax-exempt living allowance
Master’s stipend duration	2 years
Doctoral stipend duration	3.5 years
Study mode	Full-time
International opening date	July 1, 2026
International deadline	September 30, 2026 — Closed
Domestic deadline	October 31, 2026
Selection criteria	Academic merit, research experience and research potential
General first-offer timetable	Late December
Application authority	Murdoch University Graduate Research Office

Official scholarship: Research Training Program Stipends — International Students

Is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 Still Open?

For international students, no.

Murdoch University’s official listing specifies that the 2027 international scholarship round:

Opened on July 1, 2026.
Closed on September 30, 2026.

The university’s page may still display introductory wording stating that applications are open. However, the published international closing date has already passed.

Students should follow the actual deadline rather than assuming the old introductory message means late applications are being accepted.

Why do some websites show October 31, 2026?

Murdoch runs a separate RTP competition for domestic students.

Its published domestic deadline is October 31, 2026.

That date does not extend the international competition.

Competition	Official deadline
RTP Stipends — International	September 30, 2026
RTP Stipends — Domestic	October 31, 2026

Applicants should use the scholarship page for their actual student category.

Can I still apply for a research degree?

Potentially, yes.

Murdoch generally accepts applications for research degrees throughout the year.

However, research-degree admissions and RTP scholarship applications are different processes with different deadlines.

An open PhD admission route does not mean that the closed 2027 RTP scholarship competition has reopened.

If you missed the funding deadline, contact the Graduate Research Office about future scholarship opportunities while continuing to investigate suitable research programmes.

Official Murdoch research application guidance

What Is the Murdoch University Research Training Program?

The Research Training Program is an Australian Government funding arrangement supporting eligible higher-degree-by-research students at Australian universities.

At Murdoch University, the 2027 international opportunity is advertised as a Research Training Program Stipend.

The scholarship is intended for students undertaking research-based postgraduate degrees.

It is not a general scholarship for coursework master’s programmes or undergraduate study.

Candidates are competitively assessed on their academic record, previous research and potential to undertake successful advanced research.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an award.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Benefits

The main confirmed benefit on Murdoch’s 2027 international scholarship page is the annual living allowance.

AUD 37,000 annual stipend

Murdoch officially lists:

AUD 37,000 per year, tax-exempt.

This is the published stipend for the international 2027 RTP round.

For students comparing research scholarships, the amount should be considered alongside the cost of living, duration of funding and any other confirmed support.

Funding duration

Murdoch lists:

Degree	Stipend duration
Master’s by Research	2 years
Doctoral degree	3.5 years

These are the advertised scholarship durations.

Actual payments remain subject to the applicable scholarship conditions, satisfactory progress and any other requirements stated in the offer.

The total period needed to complete a degree may differ from the period for which a stipend is paid.

Is Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Fully Funded?

This question needs a careful answer.

Some websites describe Murdoch RTP as fully funded and then list tuition, accommodation, travel, health insurance and other expenses as though every recipient automatically receives them.

Murdoch’s public 2027 international stipend listing directly confirms:

A tax-exempt living allowance of AUD 37,000 annually.
Two years of stipend support for eligible master’s candidates.
Three and a half years of support for eligible doctoral candidates.

The stipend listing does not, by itself, confirm that every international recipient automatically receives a separate full tuition-fee offset, airfare, family support or relocation funding.

Does Murdoch RTP cover tuition fees?

Australia’s RTP framework can support both living stipends and tuition-fee offsets, but these are distinct funding components.

Murdoch’s general tuition-fee information also distinguishes between domestic RTP places and international student fees.

For an international candidate, the safest approach is to confirm the actual tuition arrangement in the scholarship offer.

Ask whether your offer includes:

RTP Stipend support.
An RTP Fee Offset or equivalent tuition scholarship.
Any additional insurance or research-related assistance.
Any personal costs that remain your responsibility.

Do not assume that a stipend-only description means tuition is automatically free.

Official Murdoch University course-fee guidance

Does the scholarship pay for flights?

The international RTP stipend listing does not establish a universal airfare allowance for every recipient.

Unless your award documentation confirms a travel or relocation benefit, budget for the expense yourself.

Are accommodation and health insurance included?

The living stipend helps support daily expenses, but the scholarship page does not promise free accommodation or automatic coverage of every personal expense.

Applicants should verify their health insurance and visa-related obligations before accepting an offer.

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the admission requirements for an eligible Murdoch Higher Degree by Research and the RTP scholarship’s full-time study conditions.

The 2027 international listing identifies several suitable academic qualifications.

First Class Honours degree

An applicant with First Class Honours may satisfy the academic requirement, provided the qualification is relevant and accepted by Murdoch.

Upper Second-Class Honours or H2A equivalent

Murdoch also recognizes H2A or equivalent academic qualifications.

An applicant does not necessarily need a degree certificate that literally says “First Class Honours”.

Master’s degree by research

A recognized research master’s qualification may provide an eligible pathway.

This is particularly relevant for students who have already completed an independent thesis.

Master’s degree containing a substantial thesis

Applicants whose master’s programme included a significant research component may also meet the eligibility conditions.

Murdoch assesses international qualifications for equivalence.

Can I apply without an Australian Honours degree?

Potentially.

Murdoch’s research admission guidance allows applicants to demonstrate research readiness through other relevant qualifications and experience.

Depending on the degree, this may include:

A substantial undergraduate or postgraduate thesis.
Research work comparable to a major thesis.
Thesis examiner reports.
Research employment.
Refereed publications.
Conference presentations.
Relevant professional research achievements.

However, being admitted through an alternative pathway does not guarantee competitiveness for the RTP stipend.

Can Pakistani, Indian, Nigerian and Other International Students Apply?

The 2027 international RTP listing identifies the applicant category as international students and does not publish a restricted list of eligible nationalities.

Therefore, qualified applicants from countries such as Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya and other countries may be eligible.

They must still satisfy:

Research-degree admission requirements.
Academic equivalency standards.
English-language requirements.
Scholarship selection requirements.
Applicable Australian immigration conditions.

How are Pakistani degrees assessed?

Australian Honours classifications are not used in exactly the same way by every Pakistani university.

Murdoch’s admission guidance recognizes equivalent overseas qualifications and additional evidence of research ability.

Applicants should submit their official academic records, grading-system explanation and research evidence so the university can assess equivalence.

There is no single published Pakistani CGPA cutoff that should be treated as an automatic guarantee of Murdoch RTP eligibility.

If your degree included a substantial final-year project or thesis, explain its research content and provide supporting documentation.

A routine coursework project is not necessarily equivalent to the substantial research training expected for advanced research admission.

Can I Apply Without Research Publications?

Yes, potentially.

Murdoch does not identify a universally mandatory number of journal publications for the international RTP scholarship.

However, publications can strengthen evidence of research ability and potential.

The university’s scholarship selection guidance considers both academic merit and research potential.

Relevant experience may include:

A substantial thesis.
Laboratory or field research.
Research assistance.
Published journal articles.
Conference papers or posters.
Technical or research reports.
Other credible discipline-specific research outputs.

When listing jointly authored publications, identify your actual contribution.

Reviewers need to understand what you personally did, not just the number of publications on your CV.

Do You Need a Supervisor for Murdoch University RTP?

Identifying a suitable potential supervisor is an important part of the research application process.

Murdoch advises prospective research students to find a potential supervisor and discuss their project before applying.

A supervisor can help assess whether:

The research topic fits the university’s expertise.
The proposed methodology is feasible.
Appropriate research facilities are available.
The university has sufficient supervisory capacity.
The project can be developed into an achievable research proposal.

How to find a Murdoch supervisor

Start from the official university researcher and supervisor resources.

Look for academics working on topics closely related to your proposed study.

Read recent publications and research descriptions before contacting someone.

When writing to a potential supervisor, briefly explain:

Your academic background.
Your proposed research question.
Your relevant skills or thesis experience.
Why their research is relevant to your interests.
What type of research degree you hope to undertake.

Do not send the same generic email to dozens of academics.

Official Murdoch University — Finding a Supervisor

Expression of Interest: A Required Step for International Applicants

Murdoch requires prospective international research students to complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) before the formal research-degree application.

This step is particularly important because it is easy to confuse the EOI with the scholarship application.

What does the EOI assess?

Murdoch uses the EOI to consider:

Your qualifications and research readiness.
Your proposed research area.
Availability of a suitable advisory team.
Access to facilities and research resources.
Whether the university can support the project.

If the EOI is successful, the applicant may be invited to submit a formal admission application.

Is the EOI the final PhD application?

No.

The EOI is a preliminary assessment, not the final university admission application.

An invitation to apply also does not guarantee a research-degree offer or an RTP scholarship.

Does an approved EOI mean I have won the scholarship?

No.

The research EOI, admission decision and scholarship selection are separate considerations.

Students should wait for an official scholarship offer before assuming funding has been awarded.

Official Murdoch research entry requirements and EOI information

Research Proposal Requirements

Murdoch expects research applicants to identify a proposed research topic and prepare a research proposal.

A useful proposal should communicate:

Research problem: What specific question do you intend to investigate?

Background: What is already known, and what gap remains?

Research objectives: What do you aim to establish or discover?

Methodology: Which methods are appropriate for the proposed work?

Feasibility: Can the project be completed with the expected resources and research period?

Research fit: Why is Murdoch a suitable place to undertake this work?

A proposal does not need to promise an unrealistic breakthrough.

It should show that the applicant understands the research problem and has a credible plan for investigating it.

For applicants with previous research experience, explaining how the proposed work builds on that experience is particularly helpful.

Official Murdoch research project guidance

Documents Required for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027

The official international stipend listing identifies:

A completed online application.
A completed referee report.

But applicants should not mistake that short scholarship checklist for every document required for research admission.

Murdoch’s research admission process requires broader evidence.

Document	Purpose
Academic transcripts	Previous academic performance
Degree certificates	Completed qualifications
Grading-system key	Explains overseas marks and classification
Research proposal	Describes the planned research
Curriculum vitae	Academic and research background
Passport or accepted identification	Identity verification
English evidence	Course language eligibility
Referee reports	Research aptitude and suitability
Certified English translations	Non-English academic documents
Additional course-specific evidence	Where required

Academic transcripts and grading scale

International applicants should provide transcripts and qualification certificates.

Murdoch specifically asks for the key to the grading system used for overseas qualifications.

This helps admissions interpret international marks accurately.

English translations

Where documents are not in English, Murdoch requires certified translations in accordance with its application instructions.

Research CV

For the RTP application, prioritize relevant research information rather than unrelated personal details.

Include your thesis, research projects, technical methods, research employment, publications, conference participation and other verifiable achievements.

Referee reports

Murdoch expects appropriate academic or professional referees who can evaluate your capacity for research.

The required report is confidential and should be submitted directly by the referee to the Graduate Research Office.

It must arrive by the applicable deadline.

Do not assume that uploading your own application means a required referee report has also been received.

Some research programmes have different referee procedures, so always follow the instructions for your exact degree and scholarship.

Official Murdoch research application and document requirements

Is IELTS Required for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship?

There is no separate universal IELTS score created solely by the RTP stipend.

Applicants must meet the English requirements for their Murdoch research degree.

For the university’s standard research-degree requirement, the published IELTS Academic benchmark is:

6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each component.

Murdoch also publishes accepted alternative English assessments, including qualifying TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic and other approved tests.

Some degrees have higher or different requirements.

Applicants may also qualify through certain approved previous-study pathways.

Therefore, it would be misleading to advertise Murdoch RTP as universally requiring IELTS or universally available without IELTS.

Official Murdoch English proficiency requirements

How to Apply for Murdoch University RTP Scholarship

The 2027 international competition is closed, but understanding the correct process is useful for future applicants and those reviewing an application they have already submitted.

Step 1: Check research-degree eligibility

Review the entry requirements for your chosen higher degree by research.

Make sure your qualification and research background are suitable.

Step 2: Identify a research topic

Choose a topic that fits your academic preparation and Murdoch’s available expertise.

Step 3: Contact a potential supervisor

Investigate relevant research groups and discuss your proposal with a suitable academic.

Step 4: Prepare your research proposal

Develop a credible proposal showing the research question, methods, significance and feasibility.

Step 5: Complete the international EOI

Submit the preliminary research Expression of Interest using Murdoch’s prescribed process.

Step 6: Wait for an invitation to apply

If Murdoch approves the EOI, it may invite you to submit the formal research-degree application.

Step 7: Prepare your admission and scholarship documents

Gather academic records, CV, proposal, identity documents, English evidence and referee materials.

Step 8: Submit the formal application using Murdoch’s instructions

The official RTP scholarship listing directs applicants to Murdoch’s online application route.

Follow the current instructions for research admission and scholarship consideration.

Do not assume that every applicant must complete a second independent RTP form after the research application. The published stipend page’s application link points to Murdoch’s research-degree application guidance.

If the form or scholarship-selection step is unclear, contact the Graduate Research Office before submitting.

Step 9: Confirm that referee reports have been submitted

Ask the referee to follow the university’s submission instructions.

The referee normally sends confidential reports directly to Murdoch.

Step 10: Meet the scholarship deadline

For the 2027 international competition, the deadline was September 30, 2026.

For future competitions, use the newly published date rather than assuming the same date will apply automatically.

Start with Murdoch’s official research application instructions

Murdoch University RTP Scholarship Results 2027: When Will Decisions Be Announced?

Murdoch’s official research-scholarships guidance describes its normal annual selection process.

The Research Degrees and Scholarships Committee meets in the first two weeks of December to evaluate and rank scholarship candidates.

The university says first-round scholarship offers are normally sent by email by late December.

Applied to the 2027 competition, this suggests that the first round of offers may be sent in December 2026.

However, this is the university’s usual selection timetable, not a separately published guarantee that every 2027 applicant will receive a final decision on a particular date.

How does Murdoch rank scholarship applicants?

The university evaluates applicants using factors such as:

Undergraduate academic performance.
Higher qualifications.
Research potential.
Relevant research achievements.
Alignment with a recognized research strength, where applicable.

Murdoch explains that strong academic results are particularly important for first-round scholarship offers.

It states that first-round recipients generally have a First Class Honours degree or equivalent.

This does not mean candidates with an H2A-equivalent qualification are automatically ineligible.

The minimum eligibility threshold and the standard of competition for first-round offers are different matters.

Official Murdoch research-scholarship selection guidance

I Applied for Murdoch RTP but Haven’t Received a Result

If you submitted a complete international RTP application by September 30, 2026, the first thing to check is the university’s selection timetable.

Murdoch normally ranks applications in early December and sends first-round offers in late December.

An absence of a scholarship offer in October or November 2026 does not, by itself, mean the application has been rejected.

What should you do while waiting?

Keep access to the email address registered with Murdoch.

Review any messages requesting additional academic information or referee documents.

Check your research admission status separately from scholarship correspondence.

If you have a specific administrative problem, contact the Graduate Research Office.

My supervisor supports me. Does that mean I have won the RTP scholarship?

No.

Supervisor support can be important for research admission and the feasibility of your proposed project.

However, RTP stipend awards are competitively assessed and ranked through the university’s scholarship process.

Supervisor interest is not a substitute for an official scholarship decision.

I received a PhD admission offer but no RTP scholarship

A research-degree offer does not automatically mean the university has awarded you the stipend.

Ask whether your application remains under scholarship consideration and confirm the tuition-fee arrangement attached to your admission.

International students should not assume their research degree is financially covered merely because admission has been granted.

I did not receive a first-round scholarship offer

Murdoch describes first-round scholarship offers, but its general page does not guarantee the timing or availability of any later offer for a particular candidate.

If you have not received a decision after the announced selection period, ask the Graduate Research Office whether your application remains under consideration.

Avoid relying on unverified claims that a second round is guaranteed.

How to Contact the Murdoch Graduate Research Office

For RTP scholarship questions, Murdoch lists:

Email: graduateresearchdegrees@murdoch.edu.au

Telephone: +61 8 9360 6927

Office: Graduate Research Office, Building 512, Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia.

When requesting a scholarship update, include the degree and funding competition you applied for.

Example: Scholarship status enquiry

Subject: Murdoch RTP Scholarship 2027 — International Application Status

Dear Graduate Research Office,

I submitted my application for the 2027 Research Training Program Stipend as an international applicant.

I would be grateful if you could confirm whether my application has been received and whether any additional documents or referee reports are required.

My details are:

Applicant name: [Full name]

Student or application number: [Number]

Research degree: [PhD or Master’s by Research]

Proposed research area: [Subject]

Thank you for your assistance.

Kind regards,
[Your name]

Applicants should use the university’s official contact details rather than sending identity documents to third-party scholarship websites.

Can I Apply Without First Class Honours?

Possibly.

The international RTP scholarship criteria include H2A-equivalent qualifications and master’s degrees with significant research components.

However, the university also explains that first-round scholarship offers generally go to candidates with First Class Honours or equivalent.

Applicants with alternative qualifications should provide strong evidence of their research background and ability.

This may include a substantial thesis, referee reports, research employment, academic publications or other relevant achievements.

Contact Murdoch if you need your qualification assessed for equivalence.

Is There an Age Limit?

Murdoch’s international RTP scholarship listing does not publish a general age limit.

The university’s research-scholarship guidance also states that an applicant’s age does not affect their scholarship ranking.

Selection focuses on academic merit and research potential.

Can Current PhD Students Apply for RTP Funding?

Murdoch’s general research-scholarship guidance states that students already enrolled in a PhD or EdD may apply for scholarship consideration.

However, eligibility for a particular competition depends on its specific rules and application conditions.

Current research students should verify their scholarship category, previous funding and remaining eligibility before applying.

When Can Murdoch Research Students Start Their Degree?

Murdoch generally permits students undertaking standalone research projects to commence at different times of the year.

Programmes with coursework components may require commencement at the beginning of a semester.

However, a scholarship recipient must also comply with the commencement conditions in their award.

For international students, the start date may additionally depend on visa processing and university arrangements.

Do not book travel or make irreversible commitments based only on a proposed supervisor’s informal start date.

Murdoch RTP vs Other Australian Research Scholarships

Students considering research degrees in Australia can compare Murdoch’s programme with other institutional RTP opportunities.

University of Sydney RTP Scholarship

The University of Sydney offers research scholarships that can combine an annual living stipend with tuition-related support and other specified benefits.

Its scholarship rounds and admission procedures differ from those at Murdoch.

University of Sydney RTP Scholarship 2027 guide

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne administers research scholarships that may include tuition-fee offsets and a living allowance for eligible recipients.

Its graduate research funding process can involve automatic consideration through the relevant course application.

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 guide

When comparing scholarships, examine tuition coverage, stipend duration, university research fit and application deadlines rather than selecting solely on the headline stipend amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 open?

No. The international competition closed on September 30, 2026.

What is the Murdoch University RTP Scholarship deadline?

The international deadline was September 30, 2026. The domestic deadline is October 31, 2026.

What is the annual stipend?

Murdoch lists a tax-exempt living allowance of AUD 37,000 per year.

Does the scholarship support master’s students?

Yes. Eligible research master’s students can receive stipend support for up to two years.

Can PhD students apply?

Yes. The advertised doctoral stipend duration is 3.5 years.

Is Murdoch RTP fully funded?

The 2027 international stipend listing confirms AUD 37,000 per year. Students must verify any tuition-fee offset and additional funding in their individual scholarship documents.

Does Murdoch RTP cover international tuition fees?

International applicants should confirm the fee-offset arrangements associated with their award. The stipend listing alone does not establish a universal tuition waiver for all recipients.

Do I need a research supervisor?

Murdoch expects research applicants to identify a potential supervisor and recommends speaking with that academic before applying.

Is an EOI required?

Yes, prospective international research applicants must submit an Expression of Interest and be invited to complete the formal research application.

Is an EOI approval a scholarship offer?

No. It is a preliminary research admission step, not an RTP funding decision.

Is IELTS required?

Applicants must satisfy the language requirements of their research degree. The standard research-degree IELTS Academic benchmark is 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0, but alternative evidence may be accepted.

Can I apply without publications?

Potentially. Publications are not stated as a universal mandatory requirement, although they can strengthen the evidence of research capability.

What if my degree does not use Australian Honours classifications?

Murdoch can assess equivalent overseas qualifications and relevant research preparation. Provide complete academic records and the grading-system key.

When will Murdoch RTP 2027 results come out?

Murdoch normally ranks research scholarship applications in the first two weeks of December and sends first-round offers by late December. For this competition, that suggests December 2026, but an individual decision date is not guaranteed.

Does receiving admission guarantee RTP funding?

No. Research admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions.

Is there an age limit?

The university does not publish a general age restriction for this competition and states that age does not affect research-scholarship ranking.

Can international students from Pakistan or India apply?

Yes, qualified international applicants may be eligible, subject to the scholarship and research admission requirements.

Final Advice for Murdoch RTP Applicants

The Murdoch University RTP Scholarship 2027 offers substantial financial support for postgraduate research students, with an advertised stipend of AUD 37,000 per year.

However, international applicants need more than academic eligibility.

The university’s research process involves finding a suitable supervisor, developing a viable project, completing an Expression of Interest and preparing convincing evidence of research ability.

Applicants who submitted for the 2027 international round should monitor Murdoch’s scholarship communications and the university’s usual December selection period.

Students preparing for a later round should begin with the research project and supervision process, then follow the newly announced scholarship deadline when available.

Most importantly, distinguish research admission from scholarship funding and confirm the complete financial package before accepting an offer.

For more opportunities, visit PhD Scholarships Still Open, Fully Funded Scholarships or the Scholarships Central directory.

Official Sources

Editorial verification: October 30, 2026. This independent guide is based on Murdoch University’s published scholarship, research admission and selection guidance. The December results timetable describes the university’s usual annual process; it is not an individually guaranteed 2027 decision date. The full award conditions should be confirmed directly with Murdoch University.