The University of Melbourne announces the opening of applications for a postgraduate scholarship dedicated to domestic and international students wishing to conduct academic research in the field of human rights, within research-based master’s or doctoral programs. The scholarship aims to support researchers who demonstrate a genuine commitment to promoting human rights values both academically and socially.
Scholarship Details
- Granting institution: University of Melbourne – Australia
- Type of funding: Full funding (living allowance + tuition coverage + additional benefits).
- Scholarship value: Up to AUD 94,200.
- Duration of funding:
- Up to two years for research master’s students.
- Up to 3.5 years for doctoral students.
- Number of scholarships available: 2 annually.
- Eligible categories: Domestic and international students.
- Eligible applicants: New students or those already enrolled in graduate research studies.
- Application deadline: 31 October 2025.
- Result announcement date: February 2026 via email.
Funding and Benefits
The scholarship includes:
- Annual living allowance: AUD 43,500 (based on the full-time study rate for 2025), subject to annual adjustment.
- Full tuition fee offset:
- For up to two years for research master’s.
- For up to four years for doctoral programs.
- Relocation grant:
- AUD 2,000 for students coming from states or territories outside Victoria.
- AUD 3,000 for students coming from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): For international students holding an Australian student visa.
- Limited paid leave: Includes sick leave and maternity or paternity leave under specific conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this scholarship, the applicant must:
- Have applied for admission to a master’s or doctoral research program and meet all entry requirements.
- Intend to undertake academic research in the field of human rights.
- Not have previously obtained a research qualification at the same or higher level as the proposed program.
- Not have previously received a graduate research scholarship from the university.
Selection Criteria
Eligible applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic merit.
- Nature and topic of the research and its relevance to human rights.
- Degree of commitment to human rights outside the academic scope (e.g., volunteer or professional activities).
- Strength of supporting documents submitted with the application.
How to Apply
An online application must be submitted via the university’s official platform.
Within the application, the applicant should clarify:
- Their commitment to promoting peace and respect for human rights outside the academic scope (such as voluntary or professional work).
- How the proposed research will contribute to deepening personal understanding of human rights issues.
- How the research outcomes will contribute to the development of the human rights field locally or internationally.
Note: After submission, reasons for non-selection are not provided to unsuccessful applicants.
