The Graduate Research Scholarships at the University of Melbourne

Pursuing a graduate research degree is an academic adventure—often thrilling, always rewarding, yet sometimes financially daunting. The University of Melbourne recognizes this and offers a suite of prestigious scholarships aimed at empowering both domestic and international scholars. Here’s everything you need to know about these opportunities.

What Are the Graduate Research Scholarships?

These scholarships include the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) and the government-supported Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship. They aim to support high-achieving applicants entering or already enrolled in graduate research degrees—either a Master by Research or a PhD.

Key Highlights:

• Application process: No separate application required. Most applicants are considered automatically when applying for their course.
• Eligibility: Open to both new applicants and current students already enrolled in graduate research at the university.

What’s Included in the Scholarship Package?

Financial Coverage

• Full tuition fee remission:
  • Up to 2 years for Master by Research.
  • Up to 4 years for PhD students.
• Living stipend:
  • A $38,500 AUD annual allowance (2025 full-time rate, pro rata).
    • Up to 2 years for Master’s.
    • 3.5 years for PhD—includes limited sick, maternity, and parental leave.

Additional Supports

• Relocation allowance:
  • AUD 2,000 for moves from other Australian states/territories.
  • AUD 3,000 for international relocations.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):
  • Provided for international students requiring a student visa.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

• Eligibility:
  • Must have applied for or be enrolled in a graduate research degree (Masters by Research or PhD).
• Selection process:
  • Domestic students typically receive the RTP fee offset automatically with their course offer.
  • Stipend + fee-offset scholarships (like MRS) are awarded based on academic merit and research potential. Considerations include:
    • Grades from previous degrees.
    • Professional experience.
    • Peer-reviewed publications.
    • Specialized qualifications or creative accomplishments.

⏰ Important Dates & Timeline

• Automatic consideration:
  • If you apply for the graduate research course by its closing date, you’re automatically in the running. No extra submissions are needed.
• For deferred or enrolled students:
  • You must submit a separate online scholarship application—by October 31—to be considered for the following year.
• When will you hear back?
  • Domestic students get the RTP fee offset as part of their course offer.
  • Stipends + fee-offer awards, like the MRS, are delivered around the same time as course offers.

Why It Matters

• These scholarships are worth up to AUD 135,000—a transformative financial package for dedicated scholars.
• The package includes not just tuition and living costs, but also relocation and health cover—reflecting a holistic approach to academic support.
• They’re available to everyone: domestic, international, new applicants, and current students alike.
• With automatic consideration built into the admissions process, there’s no extra hassle for applicants.

Quick Snapshot

Final Thoughts

If you’re an applicant or current graduate research student at the University of Melbourne, these scholarships represent a substantial opportunity to support your academic journey—financially and beyond.

📌 Official Link to Apply & Learn More:
👉 University of Melbourne – Graduate Research Scholarships