The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships offer an opportunity for high-achieving domestic and international students to undertake a graduate research degree in Australia.
The University of Melbourne offers 600 scholarships under its Graduate Research Scholarships program. The scholarships may provide a full tuition fee offset, living allowance, relocation support, and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for eligible international students.
These scholarships are available for students undertaking eligible Master’s by Research and doctoral research programs at the University of Melbourne.
Scholarship Summary
- Host University: University of Melbourne
- Country: Australia
- Scholarship: Graduate Research Scholarships
- Number of Scholarships: 600
- Study Level: Master’s by Research and PhD/doctoral research
- Eligible Students: Domestic and international students
- Study Mode: Full-time
- Application: Automatic consideration for eligible new applicants
- Tuition: Up to 100% fee remission/offset
- Living Allowance: Up to AUD $39,500 per year pro rata for the 2026 full-time study rate
- Relocation Grant: AUD $2,000 for eligible students relocating within Australia and AUD $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia
- Health Insurance: OSHC Single Membership for eligible international students requiring a student visa
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
1. Full Tuition Fee Offset
The scholarship can provide a full fee offset for up to:
- 2 years for a Master’s by Research degree
- 4 years for a doctoral degree
2. Living Allowance
Eligible scholarship recipients may receive a living allowance of up to AUD $39,500 per year pro rata based on the 2026 full-time study rate.
The living allowance can be provided for up to:
- 2 years for a Master’s by Research
- 3.5 years for a doctoral degree
The allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
3. Relocation Grant
Eligible students may receive:
- AUD $2,000 if relocating from another Australian state or territory outside Victoria
- AUD $3,000 if relocating from outside Australia
4. Overseas Student Health Cover
International students who require an Australian student visa may receive Single Membership Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) as part of the scholarship benefits.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is available to domestic and international students who are applying for or currently undertaking an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
To be considered, applicants must either:
- Have applied for and meet the requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne; or
- Already be enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University.
Scholarship selection for stipend-supported awards considers factors including academic results from previous study and research potential.
What Study Areas Are Available?
Graduate research opportunities are available across a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Agricultural and veterinary sciences
- Architecture, building, planning and design
- Arts, humanities and social sciences
- Business and economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health
- Information technology and computer science
- Law
- Music and visual and performing arts
- Science
How to Apply
One important point is that new students generally do not submit a separate scholarship application.
If you are applying for a graduate research course and submit your course application by the relevant deadline, you will automatically be considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
Step 1: Choose a Graduate Research Degree
Find a suitable Master’s by Research, MPhil, PhD or other eligible doctoral research program at the University of Melbourne.
Step 2: Check the Entry Requirements
Make sure you meet the academic, English-language and other requirements for your selected course.
Step 3: Research Your Potential Supervisor
The University recommends that prospective research students identify and communicate with a potential supervisor before submitting their application.
Step 4: Prepare Your Documents
Depending on your course and faculty, you may need documents such as:
- Academic transcripts
- CV
- Research proposal or research summary
- Evidence of English-language proficiency
- Supervisor support
- Academic referee details
- Other documents required by your chosen course
Step 5: Submit Your Course Application
Submit your complete graduate research application through the University of Melbourne’s official online application system.
Eligible applicants are then considered automatically for Graduate Research Scholarships.
Application Deadlines
The deadline depends on the graduate research course and scholarship round. The University advises applicants to check the specific course page and current scholarship information before applying.
For example, the University currently identifies scholarship/course application rounds around 18 April and 18 September for relevant programs, but timelines can vary by faculty and course. Always verify the deadline for your specific program before submitting an application.
Important Tips for Applicants
Before applying, prospective students should:
- Choose a research area that matches their academic background and interests.
- Carefully review the entry requirements for their intended degree.
- Prepare a strong and focused research proposal where required.
- Identify a potential supervisor early.
- Prepare academic transcripts and other supporting documents in advance.
- Check the English-language requirements.
- Submit the complete course application before the relevant deadline.
- Use the University of Melbourne’s official website for the latest scholarship information.
Official Application Link
👉 Official University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships:
Apply / Check Scholarship Details – University of Melbourne
👉 Official Graduate Research Application Information:
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship available to international students?
Yes. The University of Melbourne lists both domestic and international students as eligible student types for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
How many scholarships are available?
The University lists 600 Graduate Research Scholarships.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
For new students, eligible applicants who submit their graduate research course application by the relevant deadline are automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
Does the scholarship cover tuition fees?
Eligible scholarships can provide a full fee offset for up to two years for Master’s by Research students and up to four years for doctoral students.
Is a living allowance included?
Some Graduate Research Scholarships include a living allowance. The University lists the 2026 full-time study rate as up to AUD $39,500 per year pro rata, subject to the scholarship conditions.
Can I apply if I am already studying at the University of Melbourne?
Yes. Current graduate research students can be considered if they meet the scholarship eligibility requirements.
Final Note
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships provide funding opportunities for eligible students pursuing research degrees in Australia. Because eligibility, deadlines, funding amounts and course requirements can vary, applicants should always check the official University of Melbourne pages before submitting an application.
Do not pay anyone to submit your scholarship application. Use the official University of Melbourne application system and verify all requirements directly with the university.