Are you an ambitious postgraduate student looking to pursue a master’s or doctoral research degree in Australia with financial support? The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026 offer 600 prestigious and highly competitive opportunity for both domestic and international students to study at one of Australia’s top-ranked universities. This fully funded scholarship program provides generous benefits including tuition fee remission, living allowance, relocation grants, and health cover—making it an ideal chance to advance your academic career with minimal financial burden.
Basic Information about the Scholarships
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (GRS) cover full tuition fees and provide additional support for living expenses. Eligibility extends to high-achieving students enrolling in graduate research degrees such as Master’s by Research and Doctoral degrees (PhD).
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2025 (For deferred or current students applying for the following year)
- Application Status: Open for automatic consideration upon submission of graduate research course application; otherwise, an online application is required for deferred or current students
- Level of Study: Graduate research (Master’s by Research and PhD)
- Recipients: Both domestic and international students
University/Institution Details
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading research university, consistently ranked among the world’s top universities. Located in Melbourne, Victoria, it offers extensive research facilities, expert academic staff, and rich cultural experiences. The university supports almost every academic discipline, enabling students to tailor their research to their field of interest.
Study Areas (Available Program Names)
Graduate Research Scholarships are available across a wide range of faculties and schools, including but not limited to:
- Architecture, building, planning, and design
- Arts, humanities and social sciences
- Business and economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health
- Information technology and computer science
- Law
- Music, visual and performing arts
- Science
- Veterinary, agricultural and food sciences.
Explore the university website for comprehensive lists of available research courses.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships Benefits
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships provide several impactful benefits:
- Full tuition fee remission for up to 2 years for Master by Research students or up to 4 years for doctoral candidates.
- Annual living stipend: Approximately AUD 38,500 (equivalent to around USD 25,750) pro rata for full-time students, supporting up to 2 years for Master’s and up to 3.5 years for PhD students. This stipend may increase annually with indexing and includes paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
- Relocation allowance: AUD 2,000 (approx. USD 1,340) for students relocating within Australia from other states or territories; AUD 3,000 (approx. USD 2,000) for students relocating internationally.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Single membership for international students requiring an Australian student visa.
- Support for conference travel, research expenses, and other academic-related costs may be available separately.
Benefits Not Included
- Tuition and stipend coverage do not extend beyond the prescribed duration of the degree program.
- Personal expenses such as accommodation, utilities, and day-to-day living costs outside the stipend are the student’s responsibility.
- Scholarships do not include thesis printing, personal travel outside of research-related activities, or family dependents support.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Have applied for or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- Meet the academic and English language requirements for the chosen graduate research course.
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit and research potential through prior qualifications, refereed publications, or relevant professional experience.
- Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply, provided they satisfy course admission criteria.
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Required Documents for the Application
Applicants should prepare and submit the following:
- Academic transcripts and certified copies of degrees/diplomas.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
- Research proposal outlining the planned graduate research project.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic qualifications and research experience.
- Letters of recommendation or academic references.
- Identification documents (passport for international applicants).
Note: Some details may be automatically considered if applying simultaneously for admission and scholarship.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Choose a Graduate Research Program: Select your Master by Research or PhD program from the University of Melbourne’s offerings.
- Apply for Admission: Submit your application for the graduate research degree by the specified course deadline. For most programs, applying by the admission deadline automatically considers you for the scholarship.
- Receive Automatic Consideration: If you are a new applicant, the scholarship consideration happens automatically with your course application.
- Current Students or Deferred Entry: Submit a separate online application form by October 31, 2025, if you are currently enrolled or deferred your commencement.
- Wait for Assessment: Scholarship offers related to fee remission are typically made alongside your course offer, while stipends and other benefits follow soon after.
- Accept Offer: Once selected, formally accept the scholarship offer and comply with any university enrollment and documentation requirements.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start your application early to gather all necessary documents and clarify any questions with the university’s scholarship office.
- Ensure your research proposal is clear, concise, and highlights the significance and impact of your intended research.
- Obtain strong letters of recommendation that emphasize your academic capability and research potential.
- Maintain an excellent academic record to strengthen your merit standing.
- Attend to all deadlines carefully to avoid disqualification.
- Highlight any publications, presentations, or research experience that can demonstrate your potential as a scholar.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (USD)
International students at the University of Melbourne can expect the following monthly expenses in USD (approximate):
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost (USD) per month |
| Accommodation | $350 – $1,250 |
| Utilities (electricity, internet, water) | $90 – $170 |
| Food and Groceries | $200 – $330 |
| Transport (public transit) | $40 – $80 |
| Study Materials | $35 – $110 |
| Entertainment & Socializing | $65 – $160 |
| Miscellaneous (mobile phone, health insurance, personal care) | $50 – $120 |
Estimated total monthly living expenses: $830 to $2,220 USD
Why Choose This Scholarship? (Minimum 5 Reasons)
- Fully Funded Opportunity: Covers tuition fees and offers a living stipend to ease financial burdens for international and domestic students alike.
- Prestigious University: Study at a world-renowned institution with advanced research facilities and global academic recognition.
- Broad Research Areas: Access to diverse research disciplines enabling specialized academic pursuits aligning with your interests and career goals.
- Additional Allowances: Support for relocation and health insurance ensures smoother transition and compliance with visa requirements.
- Career Development: Ample research funding and networking opportunities with experts in your field enhance future career prospects and academic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Scholarship
Q1: Can international students apply for this scholarship?
Yes, both domestic and international students are eligible to apply if they meet course admission requirements.
Q2: Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
New graduate research applicants are usually considered automatically when applying for the course. Current or deferred students must submit an online scholarship application by October 31.
Q3: What is the value of the living stipend?
The stipend is approximately AUD 38,500 per year (about USD 25,750) for full-time study, adjusted annually.
Q4: How long does the scholarship last?
For Master’s by Research students, it lasts up to 2 years; for PhD students, up to 3.5-4 years.
Q5: Does the scholarship cover health insurance?
Yes, the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) single membership is included for international students.
Official Link:
Graduate Research Scholarships Application
If you are aiming to undertake world-class research with comprehensive financial support, the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026 are an exceptional pathway to achieving your academic ambitions in Australia. Start your application early and prepare thoroughly to maximize your chances of success. Good luck!