The University of Melbourne offers the Graduate Research Scholarships as part of its commitment to attracting high-achieving domestic and international students into advanced research degrees. These scholarships are automatically considered for eligible applicants enrolling in graduate research programs, making them one of the most accessible and competitive funding opportunities for postgraduate study in Australia.
The scholarship portfolio includes both the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. Together, they provide substantial financial support designed to reduce the burden of tuition fees and living costs while enabling students to focus on their research outputs and academic development.
Overview of the Scholarship
The Graduate Research Scholarships are awarded to students undertaking either a Master’s by Research or a doctoral (PhD) program. Selection is based on academic merit and research potential, ensuring that funding is directed toward candidates with strong scholarly backgrounds and demonstrated ability to contribute to their field.
A key feature of this scholarship is that no separate application is required for most applicants. Students are automatically considered once they apply for an eligible graduate research program or are currently enrolled in one.
Financial Benefits
The scholarship provides a comprehensive package of financial support, which may include:
Fee Coverage
- Full tuition fee offset for:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Up to 4 years for doctoral (PhD) students
This ensures that successful candidates are not required to pay tuition fees for the standard duration of their research degree.
Living Allowance (Stipend)
- Annual living allowance of approximately AUD $39,500 (2026 rate, pro rata)
- Duration:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Up to 3.5 years for doctoral students
- The stipend may be indexed annually to reflect cost-of-living adjustments
- Includes limited paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parenting leave provisions
Relocation Support
- AUD $2,000 relocation grant for students moving from other Australian states or territories outside Victoria
- AUD $3,000 relocation grant for international students relocating from outside Australia
Additional Support
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students requiring a student visa
- Full access to university research resources and academic infrastructure
Overall, the scholarship package can amount to up to AUD $135,000 in total benefits, depending on the duration and level of study.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships, applicants must:
- Have applied for or meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate research program at the university
Eligible study levels include:
- Master’s by Research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The scholarship is open to both domestic and international students across a wide range of academic disciplines, including:
- Agricultural and veterinary sciences
- Architecture, building, planning and design
- Arts, humanities, and social sciences
- Business and economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment and sustainability studies
- Health and medical sciences
- Information technology and computer science
- Law
- Music, visual and performing arts
- Natural sciences
Selection Process
Selection for the stipend-based scholarships is highly competitive and based primarily on academic excellence and research potential. Candidates are assessed and ranked according to:
- Academic performance in the most recent completed degree
- Research experience and potential contribution to the field
- Completion of a degree at a similar or higher level
- Relevant professional experience
- Publications in peer-reviewed or refereed journals
- Creative research outputs such as original compositions (where applicable)
- Specialist qualifications, particularly in fields such as medicine or related disciplines
Domestic students who meet entry requirements and are offered admission to a graduate research program automatically receive fee offset support through the Research Training Program Scholarship.
Duration and Conditions
- Scholarships are valid for:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research
- Up to 3.5–4 years for doctoral candidates
- Funding is subject to the Graduate Research Scholarships Terms and Conditions
- Continued support is dependent on satisfactory academic progress
Recipients are expected to maintain strong research performance throughout their candidature.
Application Process
The application process is streamlined for most candidates:
New Applicants
- Apply for a graduate research degree before the course closing date
- Automatically considered for scholarship funding
- Notification of scholarship consideration is added to the applicant’s record within approximately 10 working days
Current Students
- Must submit an online scholarship application form by 31 October to be considered for the following year
Deferred Offer Holders
- Students who defer commencement to improve scholarship eligibility must also submit the online form by 31 October
Outcome Notification
- Domestic students typically receive fee offset scholarships as part of their course offer
- Stipend-based scholarships are awarded separately but generally aligned with admission timelines
Academic and Career Impact
The Graduate Research Scholarships at the University of Melbourne are designed to enable high-level research without financial barriers. They support scholars in producing impactful research outputs across a wide range of disciplines while fostering innovation, academic excellence, and global collaboration.
By removing tuition costs and providing living support, the program allows researchers to fully commit to their studies, contributing to both academic advancement and real-world problem-solving.
