Australia offers fully funded 2026 scholarships for Nigerian postgraduate students

Nigerian students seeking postgraduate research opportunities have a chance to apply for Australia's fully funded Research Training Programme (RTP) scholarships for 2026. This program supports Master's by Research and Doctor of Philosophy degrees at various Australian universities.

The Australian Government funds the RTP, which replaced previous postgraduate awards in 2017. It aims to foster research training and produce graduates prepared for academic and industry careers. Successful candidates receive comprehensive support, including full tuition fees, a living stipend, and additional research-related allowances.

For the 2026 intake, the base RTP stipend for full-time study is set at AUD 34,315 per year, though some universities might offer higher amounts based on their specific funding. The scholarship duration is up to two years for Master's candidates and up to four years for PhD students.

Unlike a centralized application system, prospective students must apply directly through the individual participating universities. Each institution manages its own application and selection process. Deadlines vary, with some closing between July and October 2026 for early 2027 admissions, while others have different cycles.

Interested Nigerian students should identify universities aligning with their research interests. They need to prepare necessary documents, including a research proposal, CV, transcripts, referee reports, and proof of English proficiency, and submit applications via the university's graduate research portal. The Department of Education advises direct contact with preferred institutions for specific details.