If you’re planning to study abroad in Australia with financial support, the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship is a prime opportunity. This comprehensive guide covers the scholarship’s benefits, eligibility, selection criteria, application process, and deadlines.
Each year, over 300 international students receive this prestigious scholarship, available for graduate, postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral research programs at the University of Melbourne.
Scholarship Overview
The Graduate Research Scholarship includes two main awards: the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) funded by the University, and the Research Training Program (RTP), funded by the Australian government. Successful applicants are granted either the MRS or RTP scholarship based on funding availability.
Scholarship Benefits
Recipients receive a generous package including full tuition fee coverage and a living stipend, with total benefits worth up to AUD 135,000. Specifically:
Tuition Fee Offset: Full fee coverage for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research candidates, and up to 4 years for doctoral candidates.
Living Allowance: A pro-rated stipend of AUD 38,000 per year—up to 2 years for Master’s and up to 3.5 years for doctoral candidates. This includes paid maternity, sick, and parenting leave.
Relocation Grant: AUD 3,000 for students relocating internationally.
Health Coverage: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for those on student visas.
Candidates should consult the official University of Melbourne website for full scholarship terms and conditions.
Eligibility and Selection
The scholarship is open to both Australian and international students enrolled or applying for graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne. Applicants are assessed primarily on their academic performance in their most recent degree and research potential.
Additional factors that strengthen an application include prior qualifications at the intended study level, relevant professional experience, peer-reviewed publications, medical or specialist qualifications, or creative achievements such as original music compositions.
Application Process and Deadlines
New applicants to graduate research courses who submit their course application by the deadline are automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarship. Notifications are provided within ten business days.
Students who deferred their initial offer or current students must complete an online scholarship application by 31 October 2025 to be considered. Confirmation of receipt is provided within ten business days.
For the latest updates and detailed instructions, prospective applicants should regularly check the University of Melbourne’s official scholarship webpage.
This scholarship is a key opportunity for international students seeking to study abroad with financial support. Make sure to prepare your application carefully to benefit from this outstanding study abroad program.
