The University of Melbourne – Australia offers the Graduate Research Scholarships Program, which includes the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. These scholarships are directed towards academically outstanding students (domestic and international) who wish to pursue a higher research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the university.
Scholarship Details
- Provider: University of Melbourne – Australia
- Study Level: Graduate Research (Master’s by Research or Doctorate)
- Eligible Students: Domestic and international students
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Duration: From 1 year up to 4 years (depending on the degree)
- Number of Scholarships: Approximately 600 scholarships
Benefits and Advantages
Tuition Fee Exemption
- Full fee coverage for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Full fee coverage for up to 4 years for PhD students
Living Allowance
- AUD $38,500 per year (2025 full-time study rate)
- Up to 2 years for Master’s students, and up to 3.5 years for PhD students
- Includes: paid sick leave, maternity and parenting leave (limited)
Relocation Grant
- AUD $2,000 for students moving from Australian states or territories outside Victoria
- AUD $3,000 for students coming from outside Australia
- AUD $3,000 also for students participating in Joint PhD programs
Health Insurance for International Students
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students holding a student visa (Single Membership)
Additional Benefits
- Stipend payments are made fortnightly
- Possibility to study part-time with adjusted stipend payments
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Eligibility Requirements:
- Apply for a graduate research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne, OR
- Already be enrolled in a graduate research program at the university
Selection Criteria:
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence in the most recently completed degree
- Research potential in the chosen field of study
- Relevant professional experience
- Refereed publications
- Specialist medical qualifications or creative works (such as original musical composition)
How to Apply
- If you are a new student and have applied for a graduate research course before the application closing date of that course (which may vary depending on the program), you will automatically be considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships. You will receive a notification within ten business days of submitting your course application confirming that a scholarship application has been added to your record.
- If you have accepted an offer for a graduate research program but deferred commencement in order to be reconsidered for the scholarship, you must submit an online application form by 31 October to be considered for a scholarship in the following year. You will receive a notification within ten business days of submitting the form confirming that a scholarship application has been added to your record.
- If you are currently enrolled in a graduate research program and wish to apply for the scholarship, you must submit an online application form by 31 October to be considered for a scholarship in the following year. You will receive a notification within ten business days of submitting the form confirming that a scholarship application has been added to your record.
