Explore the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2027 at Monash University in Australia, including eligibility for international students, $53,608 annual scholarship value, benefits, selection criteria, application process and the October 31 deadline.
The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2027 at Monash University is a prestigious research scholarship opportunity for PhD candidates, including international students, who plan to undertake doctoral study at a Monash University campus in Australia.
The scholarship is designed to support PhD students with living costs while completing their research degree. According to Monash University, the Maxwell King Scholarship has a total scholarship value of $53,608 per year at the 2026 rate, and only two scholarships are offered each year.
One scholarship is awarded in the Humanities and Social Sciences, while the other is reserved for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines.
Applications close on October 31 each year, and eligible applicants do not need to select the Maxwell King Scholarship separately when applying. Monash states that graduate research scholarship applications are submitted together with the course application, and eligible applicants are automatically considered for available graduate research scholarships.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Maxwell King Scholarship |
| University | Monash University |
| Country | Australia |
| Study level | PhD |
| Eligible applicants | Domestic and international students |
| Scholarship value | $53,608 per year at the 2026 rate |
| Scholarships available | 2 per year |
| HASS award | 1 scholarship |
| STEM award | 1 scholarship |
| Main benefits | Living allowance, research allowance and eligible relocation allowance |
| Study location | Monash campus in Australia |
| Selection basis | Academic excellence, research outputs and prior research experience |
| Application route | Course and scholarship application through myApp Portal |
| Separate scholarship selection required | No |
| Deadline | October 31 each year |
| English requirement | Must meet Monash English language proficiency requirements |
What Is the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship?
The Maxwell King Scholarship, commonly abbreviated as MKS, is one of Monash University’s prestigious graduate research scholarships.
It is named after Professor Maxwell King, who made a significant contribution to graduate research at Monash University, including serving for eight years as Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Research Training.
The scholarship supports a student undertaking a PhD at a Monash campus in Australia, particularly by helping with living costs during doctoral study.
This is not a general bachelor’s or master’s scholarship. It is specifically connected to graduate research and PhD study.
How Much Is the Maxwell King Scholarship Worth?
Monash University lists the total scholarship value as:
$53,608 per year at the 2026 rate.
Applicants should pay attention to the wording.
The university identifies this as the 2026 rate, so the exact 2027 amount may be adjusted.
It would therefore be inaccurate to claim that every 2027 recipient is guaranteed exactly $53,608 unless Monash confirms the same rate for the relevant year.
For applicants planning for 2027, the published 2026 rate is a strong indication of the scholarship’s current value, but the official rate applicable when the award begins should be checked.
What Does the Maxwell King Scholarship Cover?
The scholarship provides several forms of support.
Living Allowance
The Maxwell King Scholarship includes a living allowance or stipend.
This is intended to support everyday living costs while undertaking doctoral research.
Research Allowance
Recipients also receive a research allowance.
This can help support costs connected with their research activities, subject to Monash University’s applicable scholarship conditions.
Relocation Allowance
An eligible relocation allowance is also available.
This may be particularly relevant to students moving to Australia or relocating within Australia in order to begin their PhD at Monash.
The source states that the relocation allowance applies if eligible, so applicants should not assume it is automatically provided to every recipient.
Is the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship Fully Funded?
The scholarship provides substantial support, including a living stipend, research allowance and possible relocation assistance.
However, the supplied Monash University page does not explicitly state that the Maxwell King Scholarship independently covers every possible PhD cost, including tuition fees, health insurance, visa costs, airfare or all personal expenses.
For that reason, the safest description is that it is a high-value PhD scholarship providing living, research and eligible relocation support.
Applicants should review the wider Monash graduate research funding framework to determine whether additional tuition or fee scholarships apply to their individual circumstances.
How Many Maxwell King Scholarships Are Available?
Monash University offers only:
Two Maxwell King Scholarships per year.
These are divided by disciplinary area.
Humanities and Social Sciences
One scholarship is offered to a candidate in the Humanities and Social Sciences, commonly referred to as HASS.
STEM
One scholarship is awarded in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics disciplines.
Because only two scholarships are offered annually, applicants should expect the selection process to be highly competitive.
Can International Students Apply?
Yes.
Monash University explicitly lists international students among the applicant categories eligible for the Maxwell King Scholarship.
The university also identifies the following eligible groups:
- Australian citizens
- New Zealand citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian humanitarian visa holders
- International students
This makes the scholarship particularly relevant to international researchers looking for high-level PhD funding in Australia.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must satisfy Monash University’s eligibility rules.
The supplied source states that candidates must:
- Have submitted a scholarship application in the current year
- Meet Monash University’s competitive scholarship selection process requirements
- Meet Monash English language proficiency requirements
The scholarship is also available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards when Monash University is the home institution.
English Language Requirements
Applicants must satisfy Monash University’s English language proficiency requirements for graduate research admission.
The scholarship page supplied does not provide one universal IELTS, TOEFL or other test score.
Therefore, applicants should not assume a specific English-language score solely from the Maxwell King Scholarship page.
The exact requirement should be checked through Monash University’s graduate research admission guidance.
Academic Eligibility
Monash does not list one universal GPA threshold on the scholarship page.
Instead, it states that applicants must meet the university’s competitive scholarship selection process requirements.
This is important because the Maxwell King Scholarship is not awarded simply because a student satisfies basic PhD admission criteria.
Monash states that graduate research scholarships are highly competitive.
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research outputs
- Prior research experience
This means a strong research profile may be just as important as academic grades.
Selection Criteria
Monash University specifically identifies three major selection factors.
Academic Excellence
Applicants should demonstrate a strong academic history.
This can include excellent performance in prior university qualifications relevant to the proposed doctoral study.
Research Outputs
Research publications and other scholarly outputs can strengthen an application.
The scholarship page does not provide a fixed minimum number of publications.
Candidates should therefore focus on presenting the strongest evidence of their research achievements rather than assuming a specific publication threshold.
Prior Research Experience
Previous research experience is another important selection factor.
For prospective PhD candidates, this may include research completed during honours, master’s degrees or other academic projects.
Can Current Monash Students Apply?
Yes.
Monash explains that both new applicants and current students use the myApp Portal for scholarship applications.
However, current students and new applicants may have different practical application steps because new candidates also need to apply for their PhD course.
How to Apply for the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2027
One of the most useful features of the Monash scholarship process is that candidates do not need to submit a separate application specifically naming the Maxwell King Scholarship.
Monash states that graduate research scholarship applications are submitted at the same time as the course application unless the student is already enrolled.
The process is generally as follows:
Step 1 — Choose Your PhD Research Area
Applicants should first identify the area in which they want to undertake doctoral research.
Because one Maxwell King Scholarship is allocated to HASS and one to STEM, candidates should understand which broad disciplinary group their research falls under.
Step 2 — Check Monash PhD Admission Requirements
Before preparing the scholarship application, confirm that you satisfy the graduate research admission requirements for your chosen faculty or program.
Step 3 — Prepare Your Research Application
Applicants should gather the academic and research materials needed for Monash graduate research admission and scholarship assessment.
Step 4 — Apply Through the myApp Portal
New applicants use Monash University’s myApp Portal to apply for both course admission and scholarships.
Current students also use the same portal for scholarship applications.
Step 5 — Do Not Select the Maxwell King Scholarship Separately
Monash states that applicants do not need to select specific scholarships.
Eligible applicants are automatically considered for available graduate research scholarships.
Step 6 — Submit Before the Relevant Deadline
The Maxwell King Scholarship is awarded in the October 31 scholarship round only.
Applicants should make sure their course and scholarship application is complete in time for consideration.
Important October 31 Rule
The Maxwell King Scholarship has an important timing rule.
Monash states that this prestigious scholarship is awarded in the:
October 31 scholarship round only.
However, eligible applicants from Rounds 1 through 4 of the same year will automatically be considered for nomination by the relevant faculty.
This means applicants may already have entered the broader graduate research scholarship system earlier in the year and still be considered for the Maxwell King Scholarship in the October round, provided they meet the requirements.
What Is the 2027 Application Deadline?
The official Maxwell King Scholarship page states:
Applications close 31 October each year.
For students targeting the 2027 scholarship cycle, October 31 is therefore the key annual deadline to monitor.
Applicants should still verify the live Monash scholarship calendar for the relevant year before submission, especially because scholarship round schedules can be updated.
Is a Separate Scholarship Application Required?
No separate application naming the Maxwell King Scholarship is required.
Monash states:
Eligible applicants are automatically considered for all available graduate research scholarships.
This simplifies the process.
Instead of submitting separate applications for multiple scholarships, students focus on building one strong graduate research scholarship application.
Why the Automatic Consideration Process Matters
Automatic consideration can be beneficial for applicants because they may be assessed for more than one Monash graduate research scholarship.
A candidate who meets the criteria may therefore be considered for different funding opportunities without needing to submit several nearly identical scholarship applications.
However, this also means that the strength of the main graduate research application is extremely important.
Documents You May Need
The Maxwell King Scholarship page itself does not provide a complete document checklist.
Applicants should follow Monash University’s graduate research admission and scholarship application requirements.
Depending on the program, candidates may need materials associated with:
- Previous academic qualifications
- Academic transcripts
- Research experience
- Research outputs
- Proposed research
- English language proficiency
- Supporting admissions documentation
Applicants should avoid assuming that one universal document checklist applies to every faculty or PhD program.
Do You Need a Supervisor?
The supplied Maxwell King Scholarship page does not explicitly state one universal supervisor requirement.
However, because the award is linked to graduate research admission at Monash, applicants should follow the relevant faculty’s PhD application procedures regarding supervision and research proposals.
Students should not assume that scholarship eligibility by itself guarantees PhD admission or access to a supervisor.
Can Joint PhD Students Apply?
Yes, under specific circumstances.
Monash states that the Maxwell King Scholarship is available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards when Monash University is the home institution.
This is an important condition.
Applicants in a joint research arrangement should confirm which university is formally designated as the home institution.
How Competitive Is the Maxwell King Scholarship?
Monash explicitly describes its graduate research scholarships as highly competitive.
The Maxwell King Scholarship is particularly selective because only two awards are offered per year.
One is allocated to HASS and one to STEM.
Selection is based on academic excellence, research outputs and previous research experience.
The supplied source does not provide an acceptance rate or number of annual applicants, so no specific percentage should be attached to the scholarship.
How to Make Your Application More Competitive
Because the university identifies research quality as an important factor, applicants should focus on presenting a strong overall research profile.
Academic results matter, but candidates should also clearly document their research experience and outputs.
Applicants with publications should ensure they are accurately presented.
Those without extensive publications should still clearly communicate previous research projects, dissertations, theses and other evidence demonstrating research potential.
The application should also show a strong match between the candidate’s background and intended doctoral research.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
A major mistake would be looking for a separate Maxwell King Scholarship form.
Monash explicitly states that applicants do not need to select individual graduate research scholarships.
Another mistake is waiting until after October 31 without understanding that the Maxwell King award is tied to the 31 October scholarship round.
Applicants should also avoid assuming that international student status reduces eligibility. International students are explicitly included among eligible applicants.
Finally, candidates should not assume that meeting basic admission criteria will guarantee scholarship success. Monash says its scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, research outputs and prior research experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship?
It is a prestigious Monash University scholarship supporting students undertaking a PhD at a Monash campus in Australia.
Can international students apply?
Yes. International students are explicitly listed as eligible applicants.
How much is the scholarship worth?
Monash lists a total scholarship value of $53,608 per year at the 2026 rate.
Will the 2027 amount definitely be $53,608?
Not necessarily. The university specifically identifies $53,608 as the 2026 rate, so applicants should confirm the applicable 2027 amount.
How many scholarships are offered?
Only two per year.
Which disciplines receive the scholarships?
One scholarship is awarded in Humanities and Social Sciences, and one is awarded in STEM.
What benefits are included?
The scholarship provides a living allowance, research allowance and eligible relocation allowance.
Does it cover tuition?
The supplied Maxwell King Scholarship page does not state that the MKS itself universally covers tuition fees. Applicants should review the wider Monash graduate research funding arrangements.
What degree does the scholarship support?
The scholarship supports PhD study.
Where must I study?
The scholarship supports PhD study at a Monash campus in Australia.
What is the deadline?
Applications close October 31 each year.
Do I need to submit a separate Maxwell King Scholarship application?
No. Eligible graduate research scholarship applicants are automatically considered.
Where do I apply?
Monash uses the myApp Portal for graduate research admission and scholarship applications.
Are current Monash students eligible?
Yes. Both new applicants and current students can use the scholarship application process, subject to eligibility.
Do I need IELTS?
Applicants must meet Monash University’s English language proficiency requirements, but the scholarship page does not state one universal IELTS score.
What does Monash look for when selecting scholars?
Selection is based on academic excellence, research outputs and prior research experience.
Can joint research candidates apply?
Yes, if they are undertaking a Joint Research Award and Monash University is the home institution.
Why the Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2027 Is Worth Considering
The Maxwell King PhD Scholarship 2027 at Monash University stands out because of its high annual value, international eligibility and strong support for doctoral researchers.
At the published 2026 rate of $53,608 per year, the scholarship provides substantial financial assistance toward living costs, while also offering research support and possible relocation assistance.
Its availability to both domestic and international students makes it particularly relevant to researchers considering doctoral study in Australia.
Competition will be significant, however.
Only two Maxwell King Scholarships are awarded each year, with one going to HASS and one to STEM.
Applicants should therefore treat their entire graduate research application as part of the scholarship competition, paying particular attention to academic excellence, research outputs and previous research experience.
The scholarship is awarded in the October 31 round only, so prospective 2027 candidates should start preparing their Monash graduate research application well before that deadline.
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