University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026
Applications are now open for the prestigious University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026, offering fully funded opportunities for outstanding domestic and international students pursuing Master’s by Research and Doctoral (PhD) degrees.
The scholarships combine the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, providing recipients with full tuition coverage, generous living stipends, relocation assistance, and health insurance support for international students.
With approximately 600 scholarships awarded annually, this is one of Australia’s largest and most competitive postgraduate research funding programmes.
About the Scholarship
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world and support groundbreaking research across a wide range of disciplines.
The scholarship programme supports students enrolled in graduate research degrees and enables them to focus on their studies while receiving substantial financial assistance throughout their candidature.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
Recipients receive:
- 100% tuition fee remission
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Up to 4 years for PhD candidates
Living Allowance
Successful scholars receive:
- AUD $39,500 per year (2026 rate)
- Paid fortnightly
- Available for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Available for up to 3.5 years for PhD students
- Annual indexation may apply
The stipend also includes limited paid time off:
- Sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Parenting leave
Relocation Grant
Students relocating to Melbourne may receive:
- AUD $2,000 for students moving from other Australian states or territories
- AUD $3,000 for students relocating from outside Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students requiring a student visa receive:
- Overseas Student Health Cover (Single Membership)
Scholarship Value
Amount
Recipients may receive:
100% fee remission plus funding worth up to AUD $135,000
Number of Scholarships
Approximately:
600 scholarships awarded annually
Duration
Scholarships support study for:
- One or more years depending on programme duration
- Master’s by Research
- Doctoral (PhD) programmes
Eligible Study Levels
The scholarship supports:
Master’s by Research
Research-intensive postgraduate degrees that prepare students for advanced careers and further academic research.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctoral programmes across a broad range of academic disciplines.
Available Fields of Study
Scholarships are available across numerous disciplines, including:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Architecture, Building, Planning and Design
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Business and Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- Environment
- Health Sciences
- Information Technology and Computer Science
- Law
- Music, Visual and Performing Arts
- Science
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered, applicants must:
New Applicants
- Apply for a graduate research programme at the University of Melbourne; and
- Meet all admission requirements for the chosen programme.
Current Students
Applicants currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne may also be eligible.
Selection Criteria
Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset
All domestic students admitted to an eligible Master’s by Research or PhD programme automatically receive consideration for the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship.
Graduate Research Scholarships
Scholarships that include both stipend and fee remission are awarded based on the following:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Academic achievements in the most recently completed degree
- Alignment with research goals
Additional factors that may strengthen an application include:
- Relevant professional experience
- Refereed publications
- Specialist qualifications
- Creative or artistic achievements
- Original research outputs
How to Apply
New Students
Students applying for a graduate research programme by the course application deadline are automatically considered for Graduate Research Scholarships.
No separate scholarship application is required.
Deferred Students
Applicants who have accepted a graduate research offer and deferred commencement must submit an online scholarship application by 31 October for consideration in the following year.
Current Graduate Research Students
Currently enrolled students seeking scholarship consideration must submit an online application by 31 October.
Scholarship Results
Domestic Students
Eligible domestic students receive notification regarding RTP fee offset scholarships as part of their admission offer.
Stipend Scholarships
Offers for scholarships that include living allowances are issued separately and generally around the same time as course offers.
Why Study at the University of Melbourne?
The University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is internationally recognised for research excellence, innovation, and academic achievement.
Graduate researchers benefit from:
- World-class research facilities
- Global research collaborations
- Expert academic supervision
- Access to extensive funding opportunities
- Strong industry and international partnerships
Apply on the Official Website
Prospective students should apply for an eligible graduate research programme through the University of Melbourne admissions portal. Eligible applicants will automatically be considered for scholarship funding.
Disclaimer
FlexJobs is a third-party opportunity-sharing platform. We are not affiliated with the University of Melbourne or the Australian Government. We do not process applications, make admissions decisions, or award scholarships. Applicants should verify all details, eligibility requirements, deadlines, and application procedures through the official University of Melbourne website before applying.
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