Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships represent one of the most generous research support schemes in Australia. Awarded by the University of Melbourne to both domestic and international graduate researchers, the program supports scholars undertaking Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master's by Research degrees. With approximately 600 scholarships awarded annually across all academic disciplines, the scheme ensures that researchers can focus intensely on groundbreaking investigations without financial constraints.

Who it's for

The scholarship is open to high-achieving domestic and international students who have applied for or are currently enrolled in a graduate research course (Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy, or specialized research master's) at the University of Melbourne. Applicants are evaluated based on previous academic performance in completed honors or master's degrees, demonstrated research output such as peer-reviewed publications, and the quality and feasibility of their proposed research project.

What it covers

The scholarship provides a complete 100% tuition fee offset for up to two years for Master by Research students and up to four years for doctoral candidates. It includes a living allowance stipend valued at AU$38,500 per year (full-time rate for 2026/27, indexed annually), a relocation grant for candidates moving to Melbourne from interstate or overseas (up to AU$3,000 for international students), and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the visa duration.

• Have applied for and meet the admission requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
• Open to both Australian/New Zealand citizens and international researchers of any nationality.
• Demonstrated high academic achievement equivalent to a Melbourne first-class honors degree.
• Prior research experience and scholarly publications are highly weighted.
• Not currently in receipt of another equivalent tuition or living allowance scholarship.

• Full tuition fee offset for up to 2 years (Master by Research) or up to 4 years (PhD).
• Living allowance stipend of AU$38,500 per annum with paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
• Relocation allowance of AU$2,000 to AU$3,000 for scholars moving from outside Victoria or abroad.
• Single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international candidates during their student visa period.
• Comprehensive thesis publication allowance upon completion of the research degree.

1. Identify an appropriate academic supervisor and secure faculty support for your graduate research proposal.
2. Prepare a detailed research proposal following faculty-specific guidelines.
3. Submit an online application for graduate research admission by the international round deadline of October 31, 2026.
4. Indicate on your degree application that you wish to be considered for graduate research scholarships (no separate application required).
5. Upload academic transcripts, curriculum vitae, referee reports, and evidence of publication record.