The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 are now open for automatic consideration, offering one of Australia’s most prestigious fully funded scholarship opportunities for both international and domestic students pursuing graduate research degrees.
Each year, the University of Melbourne awards approximately 600 Graduate Research Scholarships to outstanding students enrolling in Master by Research and Doctoral (PhD) programmes. The scholarships provide 100% tuition fee remission, a generous living stipend, relocation assistance, and health insurance for eligible international students.
With scholarship benefits valued at up to AUD $135,000, this highly competitive programme supports talented researchers across a wide range of academic disciplines while enabling them to undertake world-class research at Australia’s leading university.
About the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
The Graduate Research Scholarships combine the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship to support exceptional graduate researchers.
The programme is designed to attract outstanding students with strong academic records and demonstrated research potential from around the world.
Importantly, no separate scholarship application is required for most new applicants. Eligible students who apply for an approved graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne are automatically considered for the scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive one or more of the following benefits depending on the scholarship awarded.
Full Tuition Fee Remission
Recipients receive a 100% tuition fee offset covering:
- Up to two years for a Master by Research degree.
- Up to four years for a Doctoral (PhD) degree.
This allows scholars to focus entirely on their research without paying tuition fees.
Living Allowance
Scholarship recipients receive a living stipend of AUD $39,500 per year (2026 full-time rate).
The stipend is provided:
- For up to two years for Master’s by Research students.
- For up to 3.5 years for Doctoral (PhD) students.
The allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited provisions for:
- Paid sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Parenting leave
Relocation Grant
Students relocating to commence their studies may receive:
- AUD $2,000 for students moving from another Australian state or territory outside Victoria.
- AUD $3,000 for students relocating from outside Australia.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Eligible international students requiring an Australian student visa receive Overseas Student Health Cover (Single Membership) for the duration of their scholarship.
Total Scholarship Value
The Graduate Research Scholarships offer benefits valued at:
Up to AUD $135,000
This includes tuition fee remission, annual living allowance, relocation support, and additional eligible benefits.
Number of Scholarships
The University of Melbourne awards approximately:
600 Graduate Research Scholarships each year
This makes it one of Australia’s largest and most competitive graduate research scholarship programmes.
Eligible Study Levels
The scholarship supports students enrolling in:
- Master by Research
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Both future students and eligible current graduate research students may be considered.
Eligible Applicants
The scholarship is open to:
- Domestic students
- International students
Applicants must either:
- Have applied for admission to an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- Be currently enrolled in an eligible graduate research programme at the university.
Selection Criteria
Graduate Research Scholarships are awarded based primarily on academic merit and research potential.
Eligible applicants are assessed and ranked using factors such as:
- Academic performance in their most recent completed degree.
- Demonstrated research capability.
- Relevant professional experience.
- Refereed academic publications.
- Specialist professional qualifications.
- Original creative works, where applicable.
The university may also consider additional achievements relevant to the applicant’s research discipline.
Fields of Study
Graduate Research Scholarships are available across numerous academic disciplines, including:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Architecture, Building, Planning and Design
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Law
- Music, Visual and Performing Arts
- Science
Students from a broad range of research areas are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
New Applicants
Students applying for an eligible graduate research programme at the University of Melbourne before the course application deadline are automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
There is no separate scholarship application required for most new applicants.
Following submission of the course application, applicants will receive confirmation that a scholarship application has been added to their record.
Deferred Students
Applicants who have deferred commencement and wish to be reconsidered for a scholarship must submit the required online scholarship application by 31 October for consideration in the following academic year.
Current Graduate Research Students
Students already enrolled in an eligible graduate research programme who wish to be considered for a scholarship must also submit the online scholarship application by 31 October.
Scholarship Outcomes
Domestic students awarded a Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset Scholarship will normally receive notification alongside their graduate research admission offer.
Scholarships that include both the tuition fee offset and living stipend are generally awarded separately but around the same period as graduate research admission offers.
Why Apply?
The University of Melbourne consistently ranks among Australia’s leading universities and is internationally recognised for research excellence across numerous disciplines.
The Graduate Research Scholarships provide outstanding financial support while enabling scholars to work alongside internationally recognised academics, access world-class research facilities, and contribute to innovative research addressing global challenges.
For aspiring researchers seeking a fully funded Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia, this scholarship represents one of the country’s most comprehensive funding opportunities for international and domestic students alike.
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