Fully Funded: How to Get the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship
Dreaming of pursuing a Master’s by Research or a PhD in Australia without draining your bank account? The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship is widely regarded as one of the most generous packages in the world.
With approximately 350 awards given out to high-achieving domestic and international students each year, it offers complete financial relief so you can focus entirely on your breakthrough discoveries.
The Big Benefits: What is Covered?
The scholarship is a full ride designed to take care of you from the moment you land in Victoria until you submit your final thesis. The financial support scales up depending on whether you are pursuing a 2-year Master’s or a 4-year Doctoral degree.
| Coverage Type | What You Receive |
| Tuition Fees | 100% fee remission (up to 2 years for Master’s, up to 4 years for PhD). |
| Living Allowance (Stipend) | $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate), paid fortnightly. Includes limited paid sick, parental, and partner leave. |
| Relocation Grant | $2,000 for students moving from other Australian states or $3,000 for international students moving to Melbourne. |
| Health Cover | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Full Single Membership for international student visa holders. |
Total Value: The combined package of tuition remission and living stipends can reach an estimated $138,000 in total value over the course of a doctoral program.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
The absolute best part about this scholarship? There is no separate application form.
If you apply for an eligible Graduate Research course (Master of Philosophy, Masters by Research, or PhD) at the University of Melbourne by the course’s application deadline, you are automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarship. Within seven days of submitting your course application, you will receive a confirmation email stating you are in the running.
How Candidates Are Evaluated
Because competition is intense, selection panels look at more than just a high GPA. Your application is stacked up against candidates using these core metrics:
- Academic Excellence: Your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and performance in your previous degree levels.
- Research Potential: The strength, originality, and feasibility of your research proposal.
- Professional Background: Relevant professional experience, refereed publications, or specialist qualifications that prove you can handle high-level research.
Step-by-Step Application Roadmap
To ensure you don’t miss out on automatic consideration, you must nail the admissions process. Follow these critical steps to lock in your application:
1.Check Entry & Visa Requirements:Prerequisites.
Verify the specific minimum entry requirements for your chosen faculty (e.g., Engineering, IT, Biomedicine). International applicants must ensure they meet the English language proficiency standards and are eligible for an Australian Student Visa.
2.Find a Research Supervisor:Critical First Step.
Explore the University’s researcher directory. Reach out to a faculty member whose work aligns with yours, pitch your research concept, and secure their formal agreement to supervise your degree.
3.Prepare Your Documentation:Gather Papers.
Get verified digital copies of your academic transcripts, a comprehensive academic CV highlighting any publications, and your finalized research proposal.
4.Submit via the Online Portal:The Final Push.
Submit your course application directly through the University of Melbourne application portal. Watch your inbox for the confirmation email within 7 days verifying your automatic scholarship review status.
Key Timelines & Outcomes
While some faculties accept research applications year-round, others operate on strict cut-off dates. Always check the “How to Apply” section of your specific course page.
If you are successful, your scholarship offer is typically sent out alongside or shortly after your formal course letter of offer. Domestic students will see their Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset included right in their course details, while stipend allocations are processed through the university payroll system fortnightly after your official on-campus enrollment.
Link to the application site: https://study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/graduate-research/international-applications/applications
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