🎓 University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships — Domestic and international students can be considered for full tuition fee remission, a living stipend and additional research-study benefits.
Application deadlines vary: New applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible graduate research course by that course's closing date. Current students and deferred applicants seeking scholarship reconsideration must submit the separate scholarship form by 31 October for consideration in the following year.
Introduction
The University of Melbourne offers Graduate Research Scholarships to high-achieving students enrolling in a graduate research degree. The scholarship group includes the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship.
Depending on the award, support may include full tuition fee offset, a living allowance, relocation assistance and Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international students. The University lists approximately 600 scholarships and an indicative maximum value of up to AUD 135,000.
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | The University of Melbourne, Australia |
| Scholarship Names | Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program Scholarship |
| Eligible Degrees | Masters by Research, Master of Philosophy and doctoral research degrees |
| Eligible Applicants | Domestic and international students |
| Study Stage | Future students and currently enrolled graduate research students |
| Tuition Support | Full fee offset for the applicable scholarship duration |
| Living Allowance | AUD 39,500 per year pro rata at the 2026 full-time study rate |
| Relocation Grant | AUD 2,000 from outside Victoria within Australia or AUD 3,000 from outside Australia |
| Health Cover | Single Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international students requiring a student visa |
| Quantity | Approximately 600 |
Scholarship Benefits
Full Tuition Fee Offset
- Up to two years for Masters by Research students.
- Up to four years for doctoral students.
Living Allowance
- AUD 39,500 per year pro rata at the 2026 full-time study rate.
- Up to two years for Masters by Research.
- Up to 3.5 years for doctoral study.
- The stipend may be indexed annually.
- Payments are made fortnightly from the scholarship commencement date.
Relocation Grant
- AUD 2,000 for eligible students moving from another Australian state or territory.
- AUD 3,000 for eligible students moving from outside Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover
Eligible international students who require a student visa may receive single-membership Overseas Student Health Cover according to the scholarship conditions.
Scholarship Types
| Type | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Fee Offset Scholarship | Full tuition fee offset for the applicable course duration. |
| Stipend and Fee Offset Scholarship | Full tuition fee offset, living allowance and, where eligible, relocation support and OSHC. |
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Have applied for and meet the requirements of a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
Applicants must also meet all entry requirements for the chosen research course, including any academic, English-language, research proposal, supervision and faculty-specific conditions.
Eligible Study Areas
Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
Research in agriculture, food, animal and veterinary disciplines.
Architecture and Design
Architecture, building, planning and design research.
Arts and Social Sciences
Arts, humanities and social-science disciplines.
Business and Economics
Business, management, commerce and economics.
Education
Education, learning and policy research.
Engineering
Engineering and related technology fields.
Environment
Environmental and sustainability research.
Health
Health, biomedical and related disciplines.
IT and Computer Science
Information technology and computer-science research.
Law
Legal research and related areas.
Creative Arts
Music, visual and performing arts.
Science
Graduate research across science disciplines.
Selection Criteria
Scholarships providing both a stipend and fee offset are awarded competitively on academic merit. Eligible applicants are scored and ranked according to academic achievement in their latest completed degree and research potential in their field.
- Academic achievement in the most recently completed qualification.
- Research potential in the proposed field.
- Relevant professional experience.
- Refereed publications.
- Specialist medical qualifications.
- Original musical composition, where relevant.
- Previous completion of a qualification at the same level as the proposed research course.
Automatic Consideration for New Applicants
New students normally do not submit a separate scholarship application. Submitting an eligible graduate research course application by the course's closing date triggers automatic scholarship consideration.
The University states that a scholarship application should be added to the applicant's record within ten business days after the course application is submitted.
How New Applicants Apply
- Choose an eligible Masters by Research, MPhil or doctoral research course.
- Check the course-specific eligibility criteria and closing date.
- Prepare all faculty and course documents.
- Submit the graduate research course application by its closing date.
- Wait for automatic scholarship consideration to be added to the application record.
- Monitor the application portal and registered email for updates.
Current Students and Deferred Applicants
A separate online scholarship form is required when:
- The applicant is currently enrolled in a graduate research course and seeks scholarship consideration.
- The applicant accepted a graduate research offer and deferred commencement to seek scholarship reconsideration.
The form must be submitted by 31 October for consideration in the following year.
Application Deadlines
| Applicant Category | Deadline | Action |
|---|---|---|
| New Applicant | The closing date of the selected graduate research course | Submit the course application. Scholarship consideration is automatic. |
| Current Graduate Research Student | 31 October | Submit the separate scholarship form for the following year. |
| Deferred Applicant Seeking Reconsideration | 31 October | Submit the separate scholarship form for the following year. |
Outcome Timeline
- Domestic students receiving an RTP Fee Offset normally receive it as part of their course offer.
- Stipend and fee-offset scholarship offers are issued separately.
- Competitive scholarship offers are generally made around the same time as graduate research course offers.
Duration
| Degree | Stipend | Fee Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Masters by Research | Up to two years full-time equivalent | Up to two years full-time equivalent |
| Doctoral Degree | Up to 3.5 years full-time equivalent | Up to four years full-time equivalent |
Previous study already completed toward the same course may reduce the remaining scholarship duration.
Part-Time Study
Where part-time study is approved, the stipend rate is generally 50% of the full-time rate. The scholarship end date is adjusted to reflect the remaining full-time-equivalent entitlement.
Leave Benefits
- 20 working days of paid recreational leave per year.
- 10 working days of paid personal leave per year.
- Up to 60 working days of additional paid personal leave for illness or family caring responsibilities after ordinary personal leave is used, subject to evidence.
- Up to 100 working days of paid maternity leave after 12 months of study, subject to conditions.
- Up to 100 working days of paid parental leave after 12 months of study for an eligible primary carer.
- Five days of paid partner leave after 12 months of study.
- Paid family violence leave according to the scholarship conditions.
Relocation Conditions
Relocation support generally requires the recipient to have lived outside Victoria when applying, not studied at a Victorian institution during the previous 12 months, and relocated to Melbourne to begin the research course.
The allowance is normally paid after study begins, usually with the first stipend payment.
Important Conditions
- The scholarship must normally commence in the offer year.
- An approved course deferral may allow scholarship commencement in the following year.
- Benefits cease when the thesis is submitted, the student withdraws or enrolment is terminated.
- Changing course or research project may require prior approval.
- Concurrent graduate research enrolment elsewhere requires permission.
- RTP Fee Offset recipients cannot hold an equivalent Australian Commonwealth fee-offset award.
- False or misleading information may result in withdrawal and repayment of benefits.
Documents to Prepare
The scholarship page does not provide one universal document checklist because requirements differ by course and faculty. Common graduate research materials may include:
- Academic transcripts and completion certificates.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Research proposal or statement of research interest, where required.
- English-language evidence, where applicable.
- Academic references or referee reports.
- Evidence of research experience, publications or professional qualifications.
- Supervisor endorsement or prior contact where required.
- Passport or identity documentation.
The selected course page is the authoritative source for exact documents, faculty requirements and deadlines.
Practical Application Tips
- Start with the graduate research course, not a separate scholarship form.
- Check the exact faculty and course deadline.
- Present publications, thesis work, research projects and relevant professional experience clearly.
- Contact academic referees early.
- Confirm whether supervisor contact or endorsement is required.
- Monitor the portal to ensure scholarship consideration is added within ten business days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking for a separate scholarship form as a new applicant.
- Missing the graduate research course deadline.
- Assuming a course offer guarantees a stipend scholarship.
- Confusing domestic fee-offset entitlement with competitive stipend selection.
- Ignoring faculty-specific admission requirements.
- Missing the 31 October form deadline as a current or deferred applicant.
Contact Information
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Page | scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/graduate-research-scholarships |
| Application Guide | study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/graduate-research |
| International Phone | +61 3 9035 5511 |
| Australian Phone | 13 MELB — 13 6352 |
| Address | The University of Melbourne, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students apply?
Yes. Domestic and international students are eligible.
How many scholarships are available?
The University lists approximately 600.
What is the scholarship value?
It includes 100% fee remission and an indicative value of up to AUD 135,000.
What is the 2026 stipend?
AUD 39,500 per year pro rata at the full-time study rate.
Is a separate application required for new students?
No. Eligible new course applicants are considered automatically.
What is the deadline for new students?
The closing date of the selected graduate research course.
What is the deadline for current students?
31 October for consideration in the following year.
Is the stipend guaranteed?
No. Stipend scholarships are competitive and based on academic merit and research potential.
Do domestic students receive a fee offset?
Domestic students offered eligible Masters by Research or doctoral admission receive an RTP Fee Offset.
Is OSHC included?
Eligible international students requiring a student visa may receive single-membership OSHC.
Is relocation support available?
Yes, subject to conditions: AUD 2,000 for eligible interstate relocation or AUD 3,000 from outside Australia.
Can the scholarship be part-time?
Part-time study may be approved, with the stipend generally paid at 50% of the full-time rate.
Final Guidance
These scholarships provide substantial support for strong Masters by Research and doctoral applicants. Competitive stipend selection emphasizes excellent academic performance and demonstrated research potential.
New applicants should identify the correct graduate research course and apply by its specific deadline. Current students and deferred applicants seeking reconsideration should submit the separate scholarship form by 31 October.
🎓 University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships | Domestic and International Students | Full Fee Offset and Stipend Support.
📝 Apply for Graduate Research 🌐 Official Scholarship Page
