The Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP) (in effect as of 1 January 2017) provides funding to Australian universities to support both domestic and international candidates undertaking a higher degree research (HDR) program. Support provided may include tuition fee offsets, stipends and allowances. The provision of funding through the RTP is governed by the Commonwealth Scholarship Guidelines (Research) 2017.

It is at the discretion of the University to determine how many scholarships it will support, the HDR , programs that will receive support and the process by which this support is managed. With the funding provided through the RTP, Griffith University administers the following schemes:

  • The RTP Domestic Fee Offset – provided to eligible domestic candidates commencing or enrolled in a RTP-supported HDR program.
  • The RTP Stipend – awarded through a competitive process, this scholarship provides an allowance to assist with general living costs.
  • The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship – awarded through a competitive process, this scholarship for international candidates covers program tuition fees that would otherwise be payable by the candidate.

RTP Domestic Fee Offset Guidelines

Eligible domestic candidates who are offered a place in an RTP supported HDR program will be provided with a RTP Domestic Fee Offset. This tuition fee offset funded  through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program is supplemented by support from Griffith University in order to cover the cost of program tuition fees during the tenure of the fee offset place. Programs for which domestic candidates may be supported by a RTP Domestic Fee Offset are identified in the specific program information set out on the Programs and Courses website.

The University’s RTP Domestic Fee Offset Guidelines provides a comprehensive outline of this scheme, including eligibility requirements, period of support and the conditions attached to a RTP Domestic Fee Offset place.

Competitive RTP Scholarships

RTP Stipends and RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships are awarded by Griffith University through a competitive selection process. The selection criteria and processes for award of an HDR scholarship are set out in the Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Procedure.

RTP Stipend

RTP Stipends are scholarships that assist with HDR candidates’ general living costs by providing a fortnightly allowance for the tenure of the scholarship. The University’s RTP Stipend Conditions of Award provides a comprehensive outline of the benefits and conditions of this scholarship, including eligibility requirements, scholarship tenure and additional allowances.

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarships fully covers the HDR program tuition fees that would otherwise be payable by an international candidate for the tenure of the scholarship. The University’s RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Conditions of Award provides a comprehensive outline of the benefits and conditions of this scholarship, including eligibility requirements and scholarship tenure.

Other Competitive Scholarships

Griffith University offers a range of other scholarship schemes. View the Research Scholarships website.

Relevant University Documents and Other Resources

Higher Degree Research Policy

The Higher Degree Research Policy sets out general admission requirements for entry into a HDR Program, supervisory arrangements, candidature requirements and the rules and processes for changes to candidature.

Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Procedure

The Higher Degree by Research Scholarship Procedure provides information regarding the application assessment process for scholarship consideration, scholarship selection criteria and the scholarship selection process. It also sets out review and appeal requirements and processes in relation to scholarship award and termination.

Code of Practice for the Supervision of HDR Candidates

The Code of Practice for the Supervision of HDR Candidates sets out the responsibilities of parties involved in the supervision and research training of HDR candidates.

Minimum Standard of Resources, Facilities and Other Support

The Minimum Standard of Resources, Facilities and Other Support sets out the University's minimum standard of infrastructure support to be provided to HDR candidates. This includes physical facilities, financial assistance and participation in the research culture. Each host Element is responsible for providing information to candidates on the infrastructure support available.

Student Review and Appeal

The Student Review and Appeal website provides guidance to students (including HDR candidates) on the requirements and procedures for the review or appeal of a University decision.

Student Complaints

The Student Complaints website provides guidance to students on University policy and procedures to support the resolution of complaints, including those in relation to HDR candidature.

Further Information