The University of Melbourne Scholarship is a strong opportunity for international students who want to pursue graduate research studies in Australia with full financial support. This scholarship supports eligible students across different research fields and helps cover major study-related expenses. In this guide, we explain the University of Melbourne Scholarship 2026, including the benefits, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and step-by-step application process.
The University of Melbourne Scholarships 2026-2027 are fully funded opportunities for master’s and PhD research students. The scholarship covers full tuition fees, relocation support, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a living allowance of AUD 39,500 per year.
The University of Melbourne is one of Australia’s leading universities and is widely known for research excellence, innovation, and strong global academic partnerships. Through this scholarship, successful applicants can focus on their studies and research without the heavy financial burden of tuition and living costs.
The university also offers an international learning environment, access to advanced research facilities, and opportunities to work with experienced academics and researchers. Graduate students may also benefit from global research networks, conferences, and international academic engagement.
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Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Master’s / PhD
- Institution(s): University of Melbourne
- Study Destination: Australia
- Opportunity Focus Areas: Applicants can explore available programs through the graduate course pages.
- Program Period:
- Up to 2 years for students undertaking a master’s by research degree
- Up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a doctoral degree
University of Melbourne Scholarship Application Deadlines
Applicants who submit an application for a graduate research course by the relevant course closing date are automatically considered for graduate research scholarships. Applications for graduate research programs may be submitted throughout the year, but most scholarships are awarded in Round 1 for students beginning the following year. Applicants are strongly advised to submit their application before 31 October for better consideration.
Scholarship Coverage
The University of Melbourne Scholarship provides selected students with the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee offset for up to two years for master’s by research students or up to four years for doctoral students.
- Living allowance of AUD 39,500 per year pro rata based on the 2026 full-time study rate. This support may be available for up to two years for master’s by research students and up to 3.5 years for doctoral students.
- Monthly stipend of approximately AUD 3,290 to support living expenses during the study period.
- Relocation grant of AUD 2,000 for students moving from Australian states or territories outside Victoria.
- Relocation grant of AUD 3,000 for students relocating from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia.
- Limited paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parenting leave under the scholarship conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for the University of Melbourne Scholarship
To qualify for the University of Melbourne Scholarship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Required Language: English.
- Eligible Countries: Applicants from all countries can apply.
- Applicants must have applied for and met the entry requirements for a master’s or doctorate by research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- Students who are already enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne may also be considered.
How to Apply for the University of Melbourne Scholarship?
Please follow the application instructions below to apply for the University of Melbourne Scholarship:
- Step 1. Choose your course
- Step 2. Check eligibility and fees
- Step 3: Prepare your documentation
- Step 4: Apply to Melbourne
- Step 5. Be assessed and wait for offers
- Step 6: Search for a scholarship
- Step 7: Plan for accommodation
Website
To know more about the University of Melbourne Scholarship, please visit the official website:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this scholarship for coursework master’s programs, or only research degrees?
The scholarship is mainly for graduate research degrees, including master’s by research and PhD programs at the University of Melbourne. Coursework master’s programs are generally not covered under this graduate research scholarship package.
How competitive is it, and what do selection panels actually look at besides GPA/WAM?
The scholarship is highly competitive. Selection is based on academic merit, but the university may also consider research potential, relevant experience, publications, specialist qualifications, creative work, and other achievements depending on the field of study.
If I apply after 31 October, do I lose my chance for a scholarship?
Not always. Some scholarships are assessed in different rounds, but applying later may reduce the number of available scholarships. It is better to submit a complete graduate research application by the earliest deadline for your course or faculty.
I’m already enrolled or I started earlier. When would the scholarship actually start, and how are stipend payments made?
If you started your course before the offer year, the scholarship start date is usually the later of 1 January in the offer year or the date you accept the scholarship. Stipend payments are generally made fortnightly from the scholarship commencement date.
Everyone mentions a relocation grant, but who actually qualifies, and when is it paid?
The relocation grant is usually available to eligible students who were living outside Victoria when they applied and who relocate to Melbourne to begin their course. Students moving from outside Australia may qualify for a higher relocation grant. Payment is commonly made after commencement, often with the first stipend payment.
Can I switch to part-time after I start, and what happens to the stipend and end date?
If a change to part-time study is approved, the stipend is normally adjusted according to the new study load. The scholarship end date may also be recalculated based on the remaining duration and approved study rate.
What leave can I take on this scholarship, and does the scholarship extend?
The scholarship may include paid recreational leave, personal leave, and other approved leave options under specific conditions. Some leave types may not extend the scholarship, while approved course suspension or leave of absence may affect the scholarship end date.
If I transfer projects/faculties, or upgrade/downgrade between masters by research and PhD, will I lose the scholarship?
Transfers usually require approval from the University. A transfer does not automatically extend the scholarship duration. If a student moves between master’s and PhD study, the scholarship duration may be recalculated based on the original start date and the rules for the new degree level.