The University of Melbourne is offering fully funded scholarships for Master’s and Doctoral studies through the Human Rights Scholarship.
The University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship is awarded to graduate students researching human rights issues, providing financial support for living expenses and tuition fees. This scholarship supports both domestic and international students pursuing a graduate research degree focused on human rights at the University of Melbourne. This article outlines the scholarship details and provides a step-by-step guide for applying in the 2025 academic session.
Is the University of Melbourne a Good School?
Founded in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second-oldest university and a global leader in higher education. Renowned for its academic excellence, it has produced notable alumni, including four Australian prime ministers and eight Nobel Laureates, more than any other Australian university. Located in Melbourne, one of the world’s most livable cities, the university offers a vibrant academic environment with access to cutting-edge research facilities. It is consistently ranked as Australia’s top university and 31st globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021).
University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Study Abroad: Study in Australia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: $42,000 Stipend | Full Tuition | Health Insurance
- Deadline: October 31, 2025
The Human Rights Scholarship at the University of Melbourne is designed to support graduate students whose research focuses on human rights. Up to two scholarships are awarded annually to domestic and international students enrolled in a graduate research degree, such as a Master’s by Research or PhD, providing financial assistance to cover living costs, tuition fees, and health insurance for international students.
University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship Details
Established to promote human rights research, this scholarship supports students whose academic work advances the understanding and practice of human rights. Recipients join a vibrant research community at the University of Melbourne, collaborating with leading scholars in fields such as law, social sciences, and humanities. The scholarship provides comprehensive support, enabling students to focus on their research without financial burdens.
University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for the Human Rights Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be enrolled or have applied for a graduate research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne with a focus on human rights.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) or equivalent with at least 75% grades for a Master’s by Research, or a master’s degree (18 years of education) with at least 75% grades for a PhD.
- Demonstrate a commitment to human rights, evidenced through prior academic work, professional experience, or community engagement.
- Meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements (e.g., TOEFL: 94+ with Writing 27, Speaking 18, Reading & Listening 13; or IELTS: 7.0 overall with no band below 6.5).
- Not have completed a research qualification at the same or higher level as the course for which the scholarship is sought.
- Not be receiving another scholarship or award that provides a benefit greater than 75% of the Human Rights Scholarship living allowance.
Selection is based on academic merit, the strength of the human rights focus in the proposed research, and the applicant’s demonstrated commitment to human rights.
University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship Duration and Reward
The scholarship provides:
- A living allowance of $42,000 per year (2025 rate, pro rata, indexed annually) for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students or up to 3.5 years for PhD students, including limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
- Full tuition fee offset for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research or up to 4 years for PhD students.
- A relocation allowance of $2,000 for students moving from within Australia or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa.
How to Apply for University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship
To apply for the Human Rights Scholarship, follow these steps:
- New Applicants: Submit an application for a graduate research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne with a focus on human rights by the course application closing date. Indicate your interest in the Human Rights Scholarship in your application.
- Current Students or Deferred Applicants: If already enrolled in a graduate research degree or have deferred your offer, submit an online Human Rights Scholarship application form by October 31, 2025.
- Supporting Documents: Provide academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal outlining the human rights focus, evidence of human rights commitment (e.g., publications, volunteer work, or professional experience), and two academic reference letters.
- Find a Supervisor: Contact a potential supervisor via the University of Melbourne Supervisors Portal to discuss your human rights research project before applying.
Applications are assessed by a selection committee, and successful applicants will be notified within ten business days of submission. For further details, visit the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship page or contact the Scholarships Office at scholarships-office@unimelb.edu.au or +61 3 9035 5511.