RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (PhD) – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes30 Sep, 2026

The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS) is a fully funded international research scholarship offered by RMIT University and funded by the Australian Government under the Research Training Program (RTP). The RIFOS scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the research degree. PhD students receive tuition support for up to four years, while Master’s by Research students receive support for up to two years. Furthermore, many recipients also receive a stipend scholarship that provides a living allowance during their studies. In some cases, students who obtain a centrally funded stipend scholarship may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. Therefore, the scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden of studying and conducting research in Australia.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (PhD) before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

All fields

GPA / Grade

80-100%

Languages

C1 Advanced 176, C2 Proficiency 176, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 58, TOEFL iBT 79

Tests

Study Levels

Doctoral, PhD

Total Scholarships

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Result Date

Program Start

March 2027

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Travel Allowance

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award Amount
Deadline30 Sep, 2026
LevelDoctoral, PhD
InstitutionRoyal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
CountryAustralia
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS) is a fully funded international research scholarship offered by RMIT University and funded by the Australian Government under the Research Training Program (RTP). The scholarship supports outstanding international students who wish to pursue higher degree research programs, including Master’s by Research and PhD studies, at RMIT University in Australia. Moreover, the program aims to attract highly capable researchers from around the world and strengthen advanced research and innovation across multiple academic fields.

Background and Purpose

The Australian Government established the Research Training Program to support high-quality research training at Australian universities. RMIT University administers the RIFOS scholarship to encourage international students with strong research potential to contribute to global research and academic development. In addition, the scholarship helps researchers gain access to advanced facilities, expert supervision, and a collaborative research environment. Through this initiative, RMIT promotes innovation, international research collaboration, and academic excellence.

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Benefits

The RIFOS scholarship covers full tuition fees for the entire duration of the research degree. PhD students receive tuition support for up to four years, while Master’s by Research students receive support for up to two years. Furthermore, many recipients also receive a stipend scholarship that provides a living allowance during their studies. In some cases, students who obtain a centrally funded stipend scholarship may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their visa. Therefore, the scholarship significantly reduces the financial burden of studying and conducting research in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria

The scholarship is open to international students applying for eligible higher degree research programs at RMIT University. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement, generally equivalent to an 80% average or higher in previous qualifications. In addition, candidates with research publications, professional experience, or prior research experience may receive additional consideration. Applicants must also meet RMIT’s English language requirements before the scholarship deadline.

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Application Process

Students must first apply for admission to an eligible Master’s by Research or PhD program at RMIT University. Applicants are automatically considered for the RIFOS scholarship when they apply for RMIT research scholarships, so no separate scholarship application is required. The university evaluates candidates based on academic excellence, research capability, publication record, professional achievements, and overall research potential.

Opportunities for Scholars

The RIFOS scholarship provides international researchers with an excellent opportunity to study at one of Australia’s leading research universities. Scholars gain access to advanced laboratories, expert supervision, and international research networks. Furthermore, the program helps students strengthen their research skills, publish academic work, and contribute to innovation and scientific development in their chosen fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

It is open to international research students with strong academic records, research experience, and admission to an RMIT higher degree by research program.

How is RIFOS awarded?

Students are automatically considered when they apply for RMIT research scholarships and are ranked competitively based on academic merit and research potential.

Does RIFOS include living expenses?

No, RIFOS only covers tuition fees; living allowance is provided separately through a stipend scholarship if awarded.