Call for Applications: University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026 – Apply By 31 October 2026
Overview
The University of Melbourne provides Graduate Research Scholarships to attract high-achieving domestic and international candidates to advanced research degrees. The portfolio includes the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Research Training Program Scholarship, which offer substantial financial support to reduce tuition and living expenses so students can concentrate on their academic work and research outputs.
Who can apply
The scholarships are open to both domestic and international students across numerous academic fields, 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, and natural sciences. Eligible study levels are the Master by Research and the Doctor of Philosophy. Applicants must have applied for, met entry requirements for, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the university.
What you get
Successful candidates receive a comprehensive financial package that can total up to AUD $135,000 depending on the study level and duration. Benefits include a full tuition fee offset for up to two years for Master by Research students and up to four years for doctoral students. An annual living allowance stipend of approximately AUD $39,500 is provided for up to two years for Master by Research students and up to 3.5 years for doctoral students, which may be indexed annually and includes provisions for paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parenting leave. Relocation grants of AUD $2,000 are available for students moving from other Australian states or territories outside Victoria, and AUD $3,000 for international students arriving from outside Australia. Additional support covers Overseas Student Health Cover for international students on student visas and full access to university research infrastructure.
Requirements
Selection for stipend-based scholarships is competitive and based on academic excellence and research potential. Candidates are assessed through academic performance in their most recently completed degree, research experience, completion of a degree at a similar or higher level, relevant professional experience, peer-reviewed publications, creative research outputs, and specialist qualifications in fields such as medicine. Continued funding depends on maintaining satisfactory academic progress and strong research performance.
How to apply
Most new applicants are automatically considered for scholarship funding upon applying for a graduate research degree by the course closing date, with consideration notifications added to applicant records within about 10 working days. Domestic students receiving admission offers automatically obtain fee offset support. Current students and deferred offer holders must submit an online scholarship application form by 31 October to be considered for the following year.
Key dates
The application deadline for current students and deferred offer holders is 31 October 2026.