Melbourne University Announces $135K Scholarship for Postgraduates : If you’re looking to pursue a top-tier research degree without the burden of financial strain, Melbourne University has an incredible opportunity for you—the $135,000 Graduate Research Scholarship. Open to both domestic and international students, this prestigious award is one of Australia’s most generous funding options for aspiring researchers. Whether you’re wrapping up your undergraduate studies or currently enrolled in a PhD program, this scholarship could be your pathway to a fully funded, debt-free academic experience at one of the world’s leading universities.
The $135,000 Graduate Research Scholarship from Melbourne University lets you study top-tier research without debt. This coveted scholarship, open to domestic and international students, is one of Australia’s most substantial financing alternatives for researchers. Whether you’re finishing college or getting a PhD, this scholarship might help you study at one of the world’s top colleges without debt.
Melbourne University Announces $135K Scholarship for Postgraduates
The University of Melbourne’s $135,000 Graduate Research Scholarship stands as one of the most generous and competitive postgraduate awards in Australia. Designed to support ambitious and high-achieving individuals from across the globe, this scholarship enables students to pursue advanced research without the burden of financial stress. Whether your goal is to tackle global issues, become a leading academic, or make a transformative impact in your field, this scholarship offers the resources, recognition, and support to help you take that critical first step toward your future.
Melbourne’s $135,000 Graduate Research Scholarship is one of Australia’s most generous and competitive. These scholarships allow motivated and high-achieving students from around the world to pursue advanced research without financial concern. To address global concerns, become a top academic, or alter your area, this scholarship provides the resources, recognition, and support you need to take that initial step.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Graduate Research Scholarship at the University of Melbourne is more than just a financial award; it’s a powerful launchpad for aspiring academics, scientists, policymakers, engineers, and creatives. With Melbourne ranked #14 globally for graduate employability (QS Rankings), scholars gain access to a world-class research environment and mentorship from top-tier experts in their fields. The scholarship covers tuition fees for up to four years, offers a generous living allowance, and includes travel and relocation grants, along with healthcare coverage for international students making it a truly transformative opportunity for those ready to shape the future.
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships are more than financial awards; they launch aspiring academics, scientists, policymakers, engineers, and creatives. QS Rankings rank Melbourne #14 globally for graduate employability, giving scholars access to world-class research and mentorship from leading specialists. The scholarship provides a large living allowance, tuition for up to four years, travel and relocation subsidies, and healthcare for overseas students, making it a transforming opportunity for future leaders.
What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The University of Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarship offers comprehensive financial support to help you focus fully on your academic journey. First, it provides a full tuition fee offset, covering up to 2 years for Master’s by Research and up to 4 years for PhD students, potentially saving you between AUD 70,000 to AUD 130,000, depending on your program. In addition, the scholarship includes a living allowance of AUD 38,500 per year (tax-free as of 2025) to help with rent, food, and everyday expenses. This stipend is indexed annually and includes added benefits like paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parenting leave. For those relocating, the scholarship offers a relocation grant—AUD 2,000 if you’re moving from within Australia and AUD 3,000 if you’re coming from overseas. Finally, international students receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), ensuring access to essential medical care throughout their studies.
Full Tuition Fee Offset
- Covers tuition for the entire course duration:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research
- Up to 4 years for Doctoral (PhD) students
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research
- Saves you between AUD 70,000 to AUD 130,000, depending on the program
Living Allowance
- AUD 38,500 per year (tax-free) as of 2025
- Helps cover rent, food, transport, and other living costs
- Indexed annually to keep up with inflation
- Includes:
- Paid sick leave
- Paid maternity leave
- Paid parenting leave
- Paid sick leave
Relocation Grant
- AUD 2,000 if relocating from within Australia
- AUD 3,000 if relocating from overseas
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Single membership health insurance for international students
- Covers access to essential medical services during your studies in Australia
Who Can Apply?
- You are eligible if you:
- Have applied for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- Are currently enrolled in a graduate research program
- Have applied for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- There is no age limit
- Open to students of any academic background and any nationality
Selection Process
Melbourne University values more than just academic scores — they seek applicants with strong research potential.
Your application will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Research performance and potential
- Publications (if applicable)
- Relevant work or research experience
- References and recommendation letters
- Proposed research impact
- A strong, well-structured research proposal is crucial for success
The University of Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarship is open to a wide range of candidates, including those who have applied for a graduate research degree or are already enrolled in one. There is no age limit, and applicants from all academic backgrounds and nationalities are encouraged to apply. What sets this scholarship apart is its holistic selection process. While academic excellence is important, the university also evaluates your research potential, previous experience, publications (if any), reference letters, and the impact of your proposed research. A well-crafted, compelling research proposal is essential, as it plays a key role in demonstrating your readiness and fit for the program.
How to Apply for the University of Melbourne’s $135,000 Graduate Scholarship
Find the Right Program
- Explore the list of graduate research degrees offered by the university
- Choose a course that aligns with your academic goals and research interests
Prepare Your Application
- Gather the following documents:
- Academic transcripts
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal
- English language proficiency test results (IELTS/TOEFL), if applicable
- Two referees (academic or professional references)
- Academic transcripts
Submit an Application
- New students: Apply for a graduate research course — you’ll automatically be considered for the scholarship (no separate form needed)
- Current students: Submit the online scholarship application by 31 October for consideration in the next academic year
Wait for the Outcome
- Scholarship results are typically released between November and January
- If selected, you’ll be notified directly by the university
Applying for Melbourne University’s $135,000 Graduate Research Scholarship is easy. First, investigate graduate research degrees and pick one that fits your academic and career aspirations. Next, prepare academic transcripts, a good research proposal, a CV, English language test scores (if required), and two referee contact details. No additional application is needed for the scholarship for new research course applicants. For the following academic year, current students must submit an online scholarship form by 31 October. Scholarship offers are usually announced between November and January, so once you apply, you just wait.
FAQ’s
When is the application deadline?
Deadlines vary depending on the program. It’s best to check with the University of Melbourne’s official graduate research page or your specific faculty for the most accurate deadlines.
How important is the research proposal?
The research proposal is extremely important. A clear, well-written, and impactful proposal significantly improves your chances of being selected, especially for competitive programs.
When will I know if I’ve received the scholarship?
Scholarship offers are usually made between November and January, depending on the timing of your course application and assessment.
