Do you aspire to pursue advanced research like a Master’s degree or Ph.D abroad? Do you dream of scholarship opportunities to finance this dream and make it a reality? Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarships are exactly what you need. These scholarships cover not just tuition, but also living costs, relocation grant, and health cover — for both domestic and international students. Reading this is already your very first step on the road to success. Stick with us whilst we walk you through all you should know about Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarships.
In this post, you’ll discover:
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✅ What the Graduate Research Scholarships are and who is eligible
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✅ What benefits (stipends, fee exemption, health cover, etc.) does the scholarship include
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✅ How the application & selection process works, including deadlines
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✅ What it takes to stand out — tips & common pitfalls
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✅ A question-and-answer section to clarify frequent doubts
By the end, you’ll be fully prepared to decide whether this scholarship is right for you — and how to swing into action to apply with confidence.
📘 What Are the Graduate Research Scholarships?
The Graduate Research Scholarships at the University of Melbourne are high-achieving awards offered to students pursuing research degrees (Master’s by Research or Doctorate). They combine two major scholarship schemes:
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Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)
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Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
These are available to both domestic and international students across different stages (future study or current enrolment).
They are “open for automatic consideration” for most new applicants, meaning that if you apply for a research degree by the closing date, you will usually be considered for the scholarship without needing a separate initial application.
See Also: MAGMa Erasmus Mundus Scholarship: Your Fully Funded Ticket to a Global Career in Art & Heritage
💵 What’s Included (Benefits at a Glance)
Here’s what the scholarship offers to those selected:
| Benefit | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Fee exemption (Full Fee Remission) | Your tuition fees are fully covered: up to 2 years for a Master’s by Research, up to 4 years for a PhD. |
| Living stipend/allowance | ~ AU$38,500/year for full-time research students. Duration: up to 2 years (Master’s) or up to 3.5 years (PhD), depending on the level. |
| Relocation grant | If you’re moving from outside Victoria, you’ll be paid either AU$2,000 (if moving within Australia) or AU$3,000 (if moving from outside Australia). |
| Health cover for international students | Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) single membership if you need a student visa. |
🧾 Who’s Eligible & What Are the Requirements
To qualify for these scholarships, you must:
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Have applied for, or already hold, admission in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
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Be either a domestic or international student.
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Meet the academic merit criteria — this means a strong record in your previous degree(s), research potential, possibly publications, or relevant professional / project experience.
Selection is competitive. Apart from grades, evaluators consider research potential, relevance of your proposal or field, previous work, and sometimes unique qualifications (e.g., specialized medical or creative work).
🗓️ Application Process & Timeline
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There’s no separate scholarship application needed if you are a new student applying for a research degree by the deadline. You’ll be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
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If you have deferred commencement or are already enrolled and want to be reconsidered, you must submit an online application form (by 31 October) to be considered in the next round.
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You will receive notification within ten business days of submitting your course application or scholarship expression.
🌟 Tips to Strengthen Your Application
To give yourself the best chance:
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Ensure your undergraduate or previous research degree transcript & CV are strong and clearly relate to your proposed research area.
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If you’ve published anything or have relevant experience (projects, fieldwork, labs, etc.), highlight that clearly.
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Craft your research proposal (if required) to show clarity of purpose, feasibility, and how your project contributes to your field.
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Request references from people who can speak to your research ability (supervisors, professors, employers).
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If you’re international, make sure your English proficiency and visa requirements are in order.
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Don’t delay — meet the internal deadlines for course admission & scholarship eligibility.
See Also: Study in UK: Fully Funded Chevening Scholarship for Nigerians Now Open!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do international students get the same benefits as domestic ones?
Yes — international students are eligible, and if selected, receive the full fee remission, stipend, health cover, etc.
2. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
Usually not. If you’re applying for a new research degree by the course deadline, you are automatically considered. Only in deferred or current enrolment cases do you need to submit a specific scholarship application by 31 October.
3. What is the living allowance, and how long does it last?
About AU$38,500/year (pro rata). Duration depends: up to 2 years for a Master’s; up to 3.5 years for a PhD.
4. If I defer or I’m currently enrolled, can I still get the scholarship?
Yes, but you’ll need to submit the scholarship application form by 31 October for the next year.
5. What happens if I’m from outside Australia — any relocation or additional support?
Yes — there is a relocation grant: $2,000 for incoming students from within Australia (outside Victoria), or $3,000 for those from overseas. Also, health cover if a visa is required.
🔗Time to Grab the Bull by the Horn:
The University of Melbourne’s Graduate Research Scholarships offer a powerful opportunity — full tuition remission, living allowance, support for relocation, and health cover — for both domestic and international students like you who are committed to advanced research. If you’re ambitious, curious, and ready to contribute to knowledge in your field, this scholarship can be the accelerator your career needs.
Do this today:
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Check the University of Melbourne’s research programmes in your field and apply by the admission deadline.
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Gather your transcripts, CV, research proposal (if relevant), and solid references.
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If you’re deferred or already enrolled and want a scholarship, make sure to submit the additional form by 31 October.
🌱 Your research journey could begin here in Melbourne — take the first step and apply now. Because opportunity favors the prepared.
