Are you an aspiring research scholar dreaming of pursuing your PhD in Australia? The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2026-2027 at Monash University is a fully funded, prestigious award that attracts excellent candidates globally. Explore all the details from application deadlines, benefits, eligibility criteria, step-by-step application process, living expenses, and FAQs in this comprehensive guide optimized for top Google rankings.
Basic Information about the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship
- Scholarship Name: Maxwell King PhD Scholarship (MKS)
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2025 (annual round)
- Level of Study: PhD (Postgraduate Research)
- Host University: Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Scholarship Value: Full funding with living and research allowances
- Study Duration: 3 to 4 years
University/Institution Details
Monash University is a world-renowned public research university based in Melbourne, Australia, with a reputation for excellence, innovation, and a strong global presence. Established in 1958 and named after Sir John Monash, it is the second oldest university in Victoria, with multiple campuses in Australia and overseas (Malaysia, Italy, India, China, and South Africa).
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
This PhD scholarship is open across most fields and faculties at Monash University:
- Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
- Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS)
- Business and Management
- Computing and IT
- Creative Arts
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Law, Education, Economics
- Built Environment, Architecture, Psychology
- Engineering and Environmental Studies
- And many more postgraduate research disciplines
Scholarship Benefits
The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2026-2027 offers comprehensive financial support:
- Annual Living Allowance/Stipend: $50,291 (AUD) per year (approx. $33,800 USD)
- Relocation Allowance: $2,000 (AUD) for international candidates
- Research Allowance: $1,500 (AUD) annually
- Covers food, accommodation, daily expenses, and research costs
- Support for living costs throughout your PhD
- Access to Monash postgraduate research facilities, resources, and mentoring
Benefits Not Included
- Tuition Fees: Usually covered under separate Monash RTP scholarship or through specific arrangements, but always confirm your admission offer for specifics
- Health Insurance (for international students): Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is not part of the standard MKS package – international scholars must budget separately
- Visa and travel costs (if not specified)
- Personal/miscellaneous expenses not itemized above
Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship
To qualify for the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2026-2027, applicants must:
- Hold (or expect to hold) a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree with research focus (honours or equivalent)
- Have applied or intend to apply for a Monash PhD course
- Meet competitive selection requirements (academics, publications, research experience)
- Meet Monash English language proficiency standards:
- Be an international applicant, Australian citizen, permanent resident, or humanitarian visa holder
- Secure (in most faculties) an invitation to apply, usually after contacting a potential supervisor
- Not have previously held a PhD or similar research scholarship at Monash
Required Documents for the Application
Applicants should prepare the following:
- Academic CV
- Transcripts and Degree Certificates
- Proof of English Language Proficiency
- Proof of Citizenship/Residency
- Invitation to Apply (issued by Monash faculty)
- Research Proposal
- References/Letters of Recommendation (as stipulated by faculty)
- Any evidence of prior research outputs (publications, conferences, etc.)
Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Find Your Research Area and Supervisor: Review Monash’s research areas and identify a potential supervisor whose interests align with yours.
- Contact the Supervisor: Get in touch to discuss your research proposal and gain their in-principle support.
- Obtain Invitation to Apply: Most faculties require a formal invitation; this is usually given after supervisor agreement.
- Prepare Application Documents: Assemble CV, transcripts, proof of English, citizenship, research proposal, etc.
- Apply Online: Register and apply for Monash Graduate Research Admission and Scholarships simultaneously. Indicate your interest in being considered for scholarships (no separate form for Maxwell King; all eligible applications are considered automatically).
- Submit Application by the Deadline: 31 October 2025.
- Application Review and Ranking: All applications undergo competitive review based on academic merit, research experience, and outputs.
- Outcome Notification: Successful applicants will be notified after the selection round.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early: Supervisor conversations and document preparation can take several months.
- Craft a Strong Research Proposal: Show novelty, scholarly potential, and real-world impact.
- Demonstrate Research Outputs: Highlight publications, conference papers, awards, or relevant internships.
- Meet English Proficiency Promptly: Take your language test early and leave time for retakes if needed.
- Seek Feedback: Get academics or mentors to review your application and proposal before submission.
- Personalize Supervisor Emails: State why your interests align and how the supervisor’s expertise supports your research vision.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)
| Expense Item | Monthly Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $525 – $1,500 |
| Food/Groceries | $125 – $270 |
| Utilities/Internet | $180 – $410 |
| Transport | $35 – $65 |
| Health Insurance | $80 – $100 |
| Miscellaneous | $60 – $120 |
| Total | $1,000 – $2,300 |
Based on AUD/USD rates as of 2025 and average student living costs in Melbourne. Your expenses may vary depending on lifestyle and housing choices.
Why Choose the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)
- Full Funding: Generous annual stipend plus research and relocation allowances—fewer financial worries.
- World-class Research Environment: Study at one of Australia’s top research universities with a global reputation.
- Prestige: Highly competitive, looks impressive on a CV and helps future career prospects.
- Diverse Fields: Available in a broad range of disciplines and welcomed from all countries.
- Vibrant International Community: Be part of a dynamic, multicultural student cohort and gain lifelong global networks.
- Strong Support: Access to superb supervision, cutting-edge facilities, and career development programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship
Q: Is the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship fully funded?
A: Yes, the stipend covers living expenses, research, and relocation for successful international scholars.
Q: Do I need to apply separately for the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship?
A: No, you will be automatically considered when you apply for Monash PhD admission and scholarships together.
Q: What is the application deadline for 2026-2027?
A: Applications close on 31 October 2025 for the 2026 intake.
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Q: What English tests are accepted and what are the minimum scores?
A: IELTS (6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0) or TOEFL iBT (79+ overall), and higher for some disciplines, e.g., IELTS 7.0 for Arts/Business/Economics.
Q: Can I apply if I do not have a confirmed supervisor?
A: No, most faculties require you to have a supervisor and “invitation to apply” prior to the scholarship application.
Q: Are tuition fees included?
A: Generally tuition fees are not included in this stipend, but other Monash scholarships or packages may cover them.
Q: How will I receive my allowance?
A: Allowances are paid fortnightly/monthly into your Australian bank account after enrollment.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2026-2027 at Monash University can be a turning point for your research career. With full financial support, access to world-leading supervisors and a vibrant intellectual environment, you’ll be empowered to pursue outstanding research and develop lifelong networks.
If you’re committed to research excellence, start planning your application well ahead of the deadline. Invest in your academic CV, connect with your future supervisor, and ensure all documentation is top-notch.
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