About the opportunity
The Graduate Research Scholarships, including the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, are provided by the University of Melbourne to high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking graduate research degrees such as a Master by Research or a doctoral degree (PhD). Around 600 scholarships are awarded to support students based on academic merit and research potential. Recipients benefit from comprehensive fee offsets, living allowances, relocation grants, and health cover depending on the specific scholarship tier awarded.
Funding and benefits
- Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to four years for a doctoral degree.
- Living allowance of $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time study rate) for up to two years for Masters by Research or 3.5 years for doctoral degrees, including limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
- Relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from Australian States or Territories other than Victoria, or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa.
Who can apply?
- Have applied for and meet the requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the institution.
When to apply
- New students who apply for a graduate research course by the application closing date for that course are automatically considered.
- Current students or those who have accepted an offer and deferred commencement to be reconsidered must submit an online application form by 31 October to be considered for a scholarship in the following year.
How to apply
- New students applying for an eligible graduate research course are automatically considered upon submitting their course application.
- Applicants who have deferred commencement or are currently enrolled must submit an online application form by 31 October.
Additional information
- All domestic students offered admission to a Masters by Research or doctoral degree receive an RTP Scholarship (Fee Offset).
- Scholarships providing a stipend and fee offset are awarded based on academic merit, last completed degree performance, and research potential.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- High-achieving students applying for or currently enrolled in graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne.
- Researchers seeking full fee offsets and living allowances to support their doctoral or master's studies.
- International students requiring health cover and relocation support.
What should you think carefully about?
- Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and research potential, making them highly competitive.
- Current students or those who have deferred must submit a specific application by October 31.
- Relocation grants vary depending on whether the student is moving from within Australia or internationally.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
These scholarships are essential for those aiming to pursue advanced research without the financial burden of tuition, allowing for full-time focus on academic and research objectives.
Our take
Prospective and current graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne should ensure their applications are submitted on time to be considered for this comprehensive funding.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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