The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships — including the Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship — offer exceptional support to both domestic and international students pursuing a Master’s by Research or Doctoral (PhD) degree.
The University of Melbourne awards hundreds of these prestigious scholarships annually, with over 300 dedicated to international applicants. These scholarships recognise academic excellence and research potential, helping talented researchers focus on groundbreaking work without financial stress.
Key Benefits of the Melbourne Research Scholarship & RTP Scholarship
- Full tuition fee offset (100% coverage):
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research degrees
- Up to 4 years for Doctoral (PhD) degrees
- Generous living allowance (stipend): $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time study rate)
- Paid fortnightly for up to 2 years (Master’s by Research) or 3.5 years (Doctoral degree)
- Indexed annually; includes limited paid sick, maternity, parenting, and partner leave
- Relocation grant (one-off payment):
- $2,000 for students moving from other Australian States or Territories (outside Victoria)
- $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Single membership for international students requiring a student visa
These benefits make the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships one of the most comprehensive funding packages for graduate research in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, you must:
- Have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne, OR
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne
Applications are open to:
- Australian domestic students (including citizens and permanent residents)
- International students from all countries
Selection is competitive and based on:
- Academic achievement in your most recent completed degree
- Research potential in your chosen field of study
How to Apply for University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships
No separate scholarship application is required in most cases — it’s automatic!
- Apply for a graduate research degree (Master’s by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne.
- Submit your course application by the relevant closing date for your chosen program.
- If eligible, you will be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
- New applicants: A notification will appear in your record within 10 business days confirming a scholarship application has been added.
- Current students or deferred offers: You may need to submit a separate online scholarship application form.
For the most up-to-date deadlines, entry requirements, and course-specific closing dates, visit the official University of Melbourne scholarships page.
Why Choose the University of Melbourne for Your Graduate Research?
- World-class research facilities and supervision
- Strong support for international and domestic researchers
- Opportunities across diverse fields: sciences, engineering, humanities, health, business, and more
- A top-ranked global university with a vibrant research community