Curtin University Scholarships 2028 for International Students (Fully Funded)

The Curtin University Scholarships 2028 offer a valuable opportunity for international students planning to pursue a master’s by research or doctoral degree at Curtin University in Australia. These scholarships are fully funded through the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP), providing comprehensive support including tuition fee coverage, a tax-free living stipend, and potentially allowances for research-related expenses. With a published stipend amount of AUD 38,440 per year for PhD candidates in 2026, these scholarships enable recipients to focus fully on their research without financial burden.

Note that the application deadline for the 2027 intake has passed, and applications are now closed. The next application round is expected to open in July 2027 for the 2028 intake. Prospective applicants should prepare in advance and monitor official Curtin University scholarship pages for updates.

A key consideration for applicants is that the scholarship process requires submission of an Expression of Interest to a registered Curtin supervisor, followed by an endorsed Invitation to Apply before the formal research degree admission application can be completed.

• Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship
• Fully Funded Scholarships in Australia
• Fully Funded PhD Scholarships
• Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students

Curtin University Scholarships Summary

• Level of Study: Master’s by Research / PhD
• Institution: Curtin University
• Study Destination: Australia
• Courses Offered: Eligible Higher Degree by Research programmes at Curtin’s Australian campuses
• Program Duration: Up to 2 years for research master’s, up to 3 years and 6 months stipend support for PhD
• Application Deadline: Next round opens July 2027 for 2028 intake

The primary scholarship covered in this guide is the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship (RTP), which is fully funded and highly competitive.

Curtin University Scholarships Deadline

Applications for the 2027 intake closed after the Expression of Interest deadline on July 31, 2026. The next application round will open in July 2027 for the 2028 intake. Applicants should prepare their research proposals and secure supervisor support ahead of this date.

Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship Deadline

Key dates for the upcoming 2028 scholarship round are expected to include:

• Expression of Interest opens: July 2027
• Expression of Interest deadline: Late July 2027 (exact date to be confirmed)
• Supervisor-endorsed Invitation to Apply: By end of July 2027
• Formal admission application deadline: Typically October 2027 (to be confirmed)
• Scholarship outcome notification: November 2027 (estimated)
• Latest commencement date: March 31, 2028

Applicants must receive an endorsed Invitation to Apply from a Curtin supervisor or project lead before proceeding to admission and scholarship application.

Curtin University Scholarship Coverage

Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship

This scholarship offers a comprehensive funding package for eligible research students, including:

• Research Training Program fee offset covering eligible Higher Degree by Research tuition fees
• Tax-free living stipend published at AUD 38,440 per year for PhD candidates in 2026, with possible indexation in 2027 and beyond
• Stipend support duration up to 3 years and 6 months for full-time PhD studies
• Support for up to 2 years for eligible research master’s degrees
• Potential allowances for approved research-related costs

Tuition Fees for International Students at Curtin University

Tuition fees for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs at Curtin University vary depending on the specific course and research area. The RTP scholarships provide a fee offset covering eligible tuition fees, effectively waiving these costs for scholarship recipients. Prospective students should consult the official Curtin RTP Scholarships page and the Higher Degree by Research program listings for detailed tuition fee information.

Living Costs for International Students in Australia

International students at Curtin University should budget for living expenses estimated between AUD 20,000 and AUD 25,000 per year. This includes accommodation, food, transport, utilities, and personal expenses. The RTP scholarship provides a tax-free living stipend intended to help cover these costs, but students should plan their finances carefully. For detailed living cost estimates, visit the Study in Australia living costs page.

MBA and Master’s Programs at Curtin University

While the RTP Scholarships support Higher Degree by Research programs, Curtin University also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) through its Graduate School of Business. The MBA is a 2-year full-time program. Tuition fees for the MBA are not covered by RTP scholarships and vary by year and residency status. Prospective MBA students should check the official course page for the latest fee details and scholarship opportunities.

Funding Options and Scholarships for International Students

In addition to the Australian Government RTP Scholarships, Curtin University offers several other funding options for international students, including:

• Curtin International Scholarships: Tuition fee discounts for high-achieving international students. More details at Curtin International Scholarships.
• Curtin University Postgraduate Research Scholarships: Provides stipends and allowances for postgraduate research students. Details at Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
• Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships: Covers tuition fees and provides living stipends for eligible HDR students.

Students are encouraged to explore all funding options and consult official sources regularly to identify scholarships and financial support matching their eligibility and study plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Curtin University RTP Scholarship?

Both international and domestic students applying for eligible Higher Degree by Research programs at Curtin University’s Australian campuses can apply, provided they meet academic, English language, and research supervision requirements.

What does the scholarship cover?

The scholarship covers eligible tuition fees, provides a tax-free living stipend (AUD 38,440 per year for PhD students in 2026), and may include allowances for approved research costs.

How long is the scholarship valid?

PhD scholarships provide funding for up to three years and six months full-time equivalent study; research master’s scholarships cover up to two years.

Is the stipend amount fixed?

The published PhD stipend for 2026 is AUD 38,440 per year. The 2027 and later rates may be adjusted annually based on indexation.

Can I apply without a supervisor?

No, applicants must have the support of an eligible registered Curtin supervisor or apply for an advertised research project and receive an endorsed Invitation to Apply.

What are the English language requirements?

For the PhD program, the standard IELTS Academic score is an overall 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. Other tests or exemptions may be accepted as per Curtin’s English-language policy.

Can current Curtin research students apply?

Yes, if they are not already receiving a base Higher Degree by Research stipend, have supervisor support, are in good standing, and meet other scholarship criteria.

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Reviewed by Muhammad Faizan, PhD Researcher · Last verified June 2024 to ensure accuracy and relevance.