University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027
Offered by University of Melbourne
Location
Australia
Funding
Fully Funded
Study level
PhD
Field of study
All Fields
Application deadline
October 31, 2026
About This PhD and Research Opportunity
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships provide financial support to eligible domestic and international students undertaking graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
The scholarship scheme is designed to attract academically talented researchers and help them pursue advanced study across a broad range of disciplines. It includes scholarship arrangements supported by the University and the Australian Government's Research Training Program (RTP).
Depending on the award offered, financial assistance may cover tuition fees, living expenses and certain additional costs associated with relocating to Australia. Some international recipients may also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
An important distinction is that not every recipient receives the same combination of benefits. A fee-offset scholarship covers eligible tuition costs, while a stipend scholarship provides a living allowance in addition to the applicable fee support. Stipend awards are competitive and are not guaranteed simply because an applicant receives admission.
The University automatically considers many eligible applicants for graduate research scholarships when they submit a complete application for an eligible research degree by the relevant closing date. Applicants should therefore focus on identifying a suitable research programme, meeting its admission requirements and submitting a strong application on time.
Who Can Apply?
The scholarship scheme is open to eligible domestic and international students who have applied for admission to, or are already enrolled in, an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
It may suit applicants who want to undertake original research under academic supervision and have a strong academic background relevant to their proposed field.
Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their research potential through their previous academic results, research experience and other achievements relevant to their intended programme.
Prospective students should also identify the specific scholarship arrangement for which they may be considered. Some awards provide tuition support only, while others combine tuition support with a living allowance and additional benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy the University's admission requirements and the conditions attached to the relevant scholarship.
1. Eligible graduate research programme
Applicants must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or already be enrolled in an eligible programme.
Eligible study may include a Master's by Research, Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or another qualifying doctorate by research.
Not every postgraduate qualification is a graduate research degree. Applicants should confirm that their intended course is eligible.
Scholarship selection is competitive, particularly for awards that include a living stipend.
The University assesses previous academic results and research potential. Applicants should review the academic entry requirements and selection criteria for their chosen programme rather than assume that a general minimum grade guarantees scholarship consideration.
3. Research potential
Applicants should demonstrate their ability to undertake independent, high-quality research.
Relevant evidence may include a research thesis, previous research projects, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, professional experience or other scholarly achievements, depending on the discipline and programme.
4. English-language requirements
Applicants must meet the English-language requirements applicable to their intended graduate research course, unless they qualify for an accepted exemption.
The required evidence and accepted tests can vary, so applicants should consult the relevant course page.
5. Programme-specific requirements
Some graduate research programmes require applicants to identify a suitable research topic, contact potential supervisors or obtain supervisor support before submitting an application.
Applicants should follow the requirements of their selected faculty or department.
6. Scholarship-specific conditions
Eligibility for a fee-offset scholarship does not automatically establish eligibility for every stipend or supplementary award.
Applicants should read the conditions attached to the scholarship they are offered and confirm any additional requirements relating to enrolment, study load, duration or other circumstances.
Available Study Levels
The Graduate Research Scholarships support eligible research degrees, including:
Master's by Research: A research-focused postgraduate degree in which students investigate a defined question or topic under academic supervision.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil): A research degree available in eligible fields, subject to the University's course-specific requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): A doctoral research programme for candidates undertaking substantial original research and producing a thesis that meets the University's academic standards.
Other eligible doctorates by research: Availability and scholarship eligibility depend on the particular course and its conditions.
Applicants should confirm the exact degree title and scholarship eligibility before applying.
Research Areas
The University of Melbourne offers graduate research opportunities across a wide range of academic fields, including:
Agriculture and veterinary sciences.
Architecture, building, planning and design.
Arts, humanities and social sciences.
Business and economics.
Education.
Engineering.
Environment and sustainability.
Health and medical sciences.
Information technology and computer science.
Law.
Music, performing arts and visual arts.
Science and mathematics.
The availability of a research topic depends on the faculty, academic expertise, facilities and supervisory capacity. Applicants should explore individual research programmes and identify where their proposed project fits.
Scholarship Benefits
The benefits depend on the scholarship awarded and the recipient's eligibility.
1. Full tuition fee offset
Eligible recipients may receive a full tuition fee offset for up to two years for a Master's by Research degree or up to four years for a doctoral degree.
The fee offset applies for the eligible period and under the scholarship's conditions. It should not be interpreted as covering every possible university or living expense.
2. Living allowance
Selected recipients of stipend scholarships may receive a living allowance to help meet everyday expenses while undertaking their research.
The University lists the 2026 full-time stipend rate as AUD $39,500 per year, pro rata, for the Graduate Research Scholarships award. Rates may be indexed, and the amount applicable to a future recipient should be confirmed in the official scholarship offer.
The living allowance is generally available for up to two years for a Master's by Research degree or up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree, depending on the scholarship conditions.
3. Relocation grant
Eligible recipients may receive a one-off relocation grant to assist with moving to Melbourne.
The published amounts are AUD $2,000 for eligible students moving from an Australian state or territory other than Victoria, or AUD $3,000 for eligible students moving from outside Australia.
Applicants should confirm the applicable amount and conditions in their scholarship offer.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover
Eligible international recipients who require a student visa may receive single-membership Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) under the applicable scholarship arrangement.
This benefit is not necessarily available under every award, so international applicants should verify the conditions attached to their offer.
5. Research and university resources
Graduate researchers work within the University's academic and research environment and may access relevant facilities, libraries, research infrastructure and supervisory support according to their programme.
Access to particular laboratories, equipment, field sites or other specialist resources depends on the research project and faculty.
How Much Is the Scholarship Worth?
The overall value depends on the scholarship type, duration of support and benefits included in the individual offer.
An award that combines tuition fee support and a living stipend has a different financial value from a fee-offset-only award. Relocation support and health insurance may add further value where applicable.
Applicants should therefore assess the actual benefits stated in their scholarship offer instead of assuming that every Graduate Research Scholarship includes all available benefits.
How to Apply
For most new applicants, scholarship consideration is linked to the application for an eligible graduate research degree.
Step 1: Find a suitable research degree
Explore the University of Melbourne's graduate research programmes and identify a degree that aligns with your academic background and research interests.
Check the entry requirements, academic prerequisites, English-language requirements and application deadlines for your chosen programme.
Requirements may differ between faculties and research degrees.
Step 3: Identify a potential research supervisor
Where required, identify an academic whose research expertise aligns with your proposed project.
Some faculties expect applicants to contact a potential supervisor and obtain support before applying. Follow the instructions for your chosen programme.
Step 4: Develop your research proposal
If the programme requires a proposal, prepare a clear description of the research problem, objectives, relevant literature, methods and expected contribution.
Make sure the project is realistic and aligned with the expertise and facilities available within the relevant faculty.
Step 5: Prepare your supporting documents
Depending on the course, applicants may need to provide:
Academic transcripts and qualification certificates.
An academic CV.
Evidence of English-language proficiency, where required.
A research proposal or research-interest statement.
Information about previous research experience and publications.
Referee details or recommendation letters, where requested.
Any additional documents required by the faculty.
Use the course-specific checklist because the exact requirements vary.
Step 6: Submit your graduate research application
Complete the University's online application and upload all required documents.
Submit the application by the relevant course closing date. An incomplete application or a submission after the applicable deadline may not be considered in the relevant selection round.
Step 7: Confirm scholarship consideration
Eligible new applicants who apply for a graduate research course by the relevant closing date are generally automatically considered for Graduate Research Scholarships.
The University indicates that applicants should receive confirmation of automatic consideration within seven days of submitting their course application.
Some circumstances, including deferred commencement or current enrolment, may require a separate scholarship application. Check the official instructions that apply to your situation.
Step 8: Monitor your application
Check your email and University application portal for updates about admission, scholarship consideration and any additional information requested.
A course admission offer and an offer of a stipend scholarship are not necessarily issued together.
Application Deadlines
There is no single universal deadline for every University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship applicant.
Closing dates depend on the intended research degree, faculty and application round. Some programmes assess applications at set times, while others may consider applications on a rolling basis.
Applicants should check the official course page for the relevant deadline and ensure that their application is complete before submitting it.
The University considers academic achievement and research potential when selecting candidates for competitive scholarships that include a living stipend.
Factors that may be considered include:
Academic results in previous study.
Evidence of research ability and potential.
Relevant professional or research experience.
Peer-reviewed publications and other scholarly outputs.
Specialist qualifications or other achievements relevant to the discipline.
The importance of each factor depends on the applicable selection criteria.
Applicants should present their academic record clearly and explain how their previous experience prepares them to undertake the proposed research. However, meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee an offer of a stipend scholarship.
Tips for Strengthening Your Application
Choose a focused research topic. A well-defined question is generally easier to assess than a proposal that attempts to address too many unrelated problems.
Demonstrate research readiness. Explain how your previous study, thesis, projects, publications or professional experience have prepared you for advanced research.
Find an appropriate supervisor. Where supervisor support is required, identify researchers whose expertise closely matches your topic and follow the faculty's contact procedure.
Prepare complete documentation. Ensure that transcripts, certificates, CVs and other required documents are accurate and submitted in the requested format.
Explain the significance of the project. Show what the research could contribute to existing knowledge and why the question matters to the field.
Check the scholarship conditions carefully. Confirm whether the award includes a living stipend, tuition fee offset, relocation grant and health insurance. Do not assume all benefits apply to every recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship fully funded?
Some awards combine a full tuition fee offset with a living stipend and additional benefits. Other awards may cover tuition fees without providing a stipend. Applicants should confirm the exact benefits in their scholarship offer.
2. Can international students apply?
Yes. Eligible international students can be considered for Graduate Research Scholarships, subject to the admission requirements and scholarship conditions.
3. Can Nigerian students apply?
Nigerian applicants may be eligible as international students if they meet the requirements for their intended graduate research degree and the relevant scholarship.
4. Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
Many new applicants are automatically considered when they apply for an eligible graduate research course by the relevant closing date. Some circumstances require a separate application, so applicants should check the University's current instructions.
5. Is a PhD the only eligible degree?
No. Eligible research degrees may include Master's by Research programmes, MPhil degrees and doctoral research programmes. Eligibility depends on the specific course.
6. Does everyone who receives admission get a living stipend?
No. Admission and scholarship selection are separate decisions. Stipend scholarships are competitive and are awarded to eligible candidates selected on the basis of academic results and research potential.
7. Does the scholarship cover accommodation?
The published benefits do not mean that every recipient receives free accommodation. A living allowance, where offered, helps with living expenses, but applicants should plan their accommodation budget independently.
8. Is there one deadline for all applicants?
No. Deadlines depend on the course and faculty. Applicants should check the relevant programme page and submit a complete application by the applicable closing date.
9. Can a student who is already enrolled apply?
Some current graduate research students may be eligible for scholarship consideration or reconsideration. The procedure depends on their circumstances and the scholarship rules, so they should consult the official guidance.
Final Note
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships offer a range of financial support options for eligible domestic and international students pursuing advanced research in Australia.
The most important first step is to identify an eligible graduate research degree and understand its admission requirements. Applicants should then prepare a strong academic application, follow any supervisor-contact requirements and submit all supporting documents before the relevant deadline.
Because scholarship benefits vary, candidates should confirm whether their award includes tuition fee support alone or also provides a living allowance, relocation assistance and health insurance.
For the latest scholarship information, application instructions and course-specific deadlines, consult the official University of Melbourne website before applying.
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