University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships provides a stipend as well as fee offset to domestic and international students based on academic merit.
The Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship are offered to high-achieving international and domestic students enrolling in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. This post provides the details of the scholarship and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for the 2025 academic session.
Is the University of Melbourne a Good School?
Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria. With a history of producing notable alumni, including four Australian prime ministers and five governors-general, the university has a strong academic reputation. Eight Nobel Laureates have taught, studied, or researched at the University of Melbourne, more than any other Australian university.
Located in Melbourne, one of the world’s most livable cities, the university offers a vibrant academic environment and access to cutting-edge research facilities. The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked as number 1 in Australia and number 31 globally (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021).
University of Melbourne Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Study Abroad: Study in Australia
- Category: Postgraduate Scholarships | Masters Scholarships | PhD Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Full Scholarship | $38,500 Stipend | Relocation Allowance | Health Insurance
- Deadline: October 31, 2025
The University of Melbourne awards over 600 scholarships annually to support high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing Master’s by Research or doctoral degrees. These scholarships, including the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, provide comprehensive financial support to enable students to focus on their research.
University of Melbourne Scholarship Details
The Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships are fully funded opportunities for international and domestic students to pursue graduate research programs at the University of Melbourne. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living costs, and other related expenses, allowing students to engage in groundbreaking research without financial constraints.
Fields of study include but are not limited to:
- Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
- Melbourne Business School
- Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
- Melbourne Graduate School of Education
- Melbourne Dental School
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
- School of Biomedical Sciences
- Faculty of Science
- Victorian College of the Arts
University of Melbourne Scholarship Requirements
To be eligible for the Graduate Research Scholarships, applicants must:
- Have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree.
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree (16 years of education) or equivalent with at least 75% grades for a Master’s by Research program.
- Have completed a master’s degree (18 years of education) or equivalent with at least 75% grades for a PhD program.
- Have demonstrated research potential at their previous level of study (undergraduate or master’s).
- Meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements (e.g., TOEFL: 94+ with Writing 27, Speaking 18, Reading & Listening 13).
Eligible applicants are scored and ranked based on academic achievement in their last completed degree and research potential in their field of study. Factors such as relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications, or composition of original music may also be considered.
[](https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/graduate-research-scholarships)
University of Melbourne Scholarship Duration and Reward
The scholarship provides:
- Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Master’s by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.
- A living allowance of $38,500 per year pro rata (2025 full-time study rate) for up to two years for Master’s by Research students or up to 3.5 years for doctoral students, indexed annually and including limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
- A relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from states or territories other than Victoria 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 Scholarship
To apply for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships, follow these steps:
- New Applicants: Apply for a graduate research course (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne by the course application closing date. You will be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships, and a notification will be sent within ten business days of submitting your course application.
- Current Students or Deferred Applicants: If you are already enrolled in a graduate research course or have deferred your course offer, submit an online application form by October 31, 2025.
- Supporting Documents: Provide academic transcripts, CV, research proposal, and reference letters. Some graduate schools may require a specific research proposal.
- Find a Supervisor: Identify and contact a potential supervisor through the University of Melbourne Supervisors Portal to discuss your research interests before applying.
For more details, visit the University of Melbourne Scholarships page or contact the Scholarships Office at scholarships-office@unimelb.edu.au or +61 3 9035 5511.
