The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS) 2026 at RMIT University, Australia, supports high-achieving international students who want to pursue a PhD degree. The Australian Government funds this scholarship through the Research Training Program (RTP), and RMIT automatically considers eligible applicants for tuition fee support during the research scholarship selection process.

About the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship

RMIT University awards the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS) to outstanding international research candidates who demonstrate strong academic achievement and research potential.

The Australian Government funds RIFOS under the Research Training Program (RTP), and RMIT uses it to cover tuition fees for eligible research students. When you apply for a research degree at RMIT, the university automatically assesses you for RIFOS and other related tuition fee scholarships, so you do not need a separate application.

RMIT evaluates applicants based on academic performance, research experience, publications, and professional background. The university then ranks candidates through a competitive selection process and awards scholarships to top applicants in each research round.

Why Choose The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship?

This scholarship allows you to pursue advanced research studies in Australia without paying tuition fees.

You gain access to RMIT’s globally recognized research environment, advanced laboratories, and strong academic supervision across fields such as engineering, science, design, business, and technology.

You also benefit from structured research training, collaboration opportunities, and exposure to industry-linked projects that improve your academic and professional development.

RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship Summary

  • Host Country: Australia
  • Host University: RMIT University
  • Scholarship Name: RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS)
  • Study Level: PhD
  • Funding Authority: Australian Government (Research Training Program – RTP)
  • Scholarship Type: Tuition fee offset (full coverage of tuition fees)
  • Duration: Up to 4 years (PhD)
  • Selection Basis: Academic merit, research output, and professional experience
  • Application Requirement: No separate application (automatic consideration during admission)
  • Linked Scholarship: Often paired with stipend scholarships for living costs
  • Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Scholarship Benefits

The RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship provides:

  • Full coverage of tuition fees for the entire research degree
  • Up to 4 years of support for PhD students
  • Automatic pairing with stipend scholarships (for selected candidates)
  • Possible coverage of Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) when combined with stipend funding
  • Access to world-class research facilities at RMIT
  • Strong academic supervision and industry collaboration opportunities

If you also receive a stipend scholarship, RMIT provides a living allowance in addition to the tuition fee offset.

Eligibility Criteria

You qualify for the RIFOS scholarship if you:

  • Apply for a PhD program at RMIT University
  • Hold one of the following qualifications:
    • Master’s by Research degree
    • Master’s by coursework with a strong research component (high distinction or equivalent)
    • First-class honours bachelor’s degree (or equivalent GPA ~80%+)
    • Significant research experience or publications
  • Meet RMIT’s English language requirements by the deadline
  • Do not already hold a PhD (for PhD applicants)
  • Enroll full-time and be based at an RMIT Australian campus
  • Meet competitive academic ranking standards

Required Documents

You must prepare the following documents when applying for RMIT research admission:

  • Completed research degree application
  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal
  • Academic publications (if available)
  • Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL if required)
  • Passport copy
  • Supervisor confirmation (if required by the faculty)
  • Any additional documents required by the RMIT Graduate Research School

Application Process & Timeline

You follow these steps to apply:

  1. You apply for a PhD program at RMIT University.
  2. You submit your research proposal and academic documents.
  3. You meet the eligibility requirements for research candidature.
  4. RMIT automatically considers you for the RTP International Fee Offset Scholarship (RIFOS).
  5. The university ranks applicants based on academic merit and research potential.
  6. RMIT awards scholarships through competitive research scholarship rounds.
  7. You receive a formal offer if you are selected for both admission and funding.