Are you an aspiring researcher looking to pursue a Master’s or PhD at a world-class institution without the burden of tuition fees? The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship is one of the most prestigious and generous funding opportunities available globally. For the 2025-2026 academic intake, the university is offering approximately 600 scholarships to both domestic and international students.

Whether you are interested in Engineering, Humanities, Science, or Medicine, this scholarship provides a comprehensive financial package, including a 100% tuition fee offset and a substantial living allowance. In this guide, we will break down the eligibility criteria, benefits, and the “automatic” application process that makes studying in Australia more accessible than ever.

What is the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship?

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship is the primary funding vehicle for students undertaking a Master by Research or a Doctoral (PhD) degree. It is often awarded in conjunction with the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP).

The program aims to attract the brightest minds to Melbourne, Australia’s leading research-intensive university. With a total award value that can reach up to $135,000 AUD, it covers everything from your daily morning coffee to your high-tech laboratory requirements.

Key Benefits of the Scholarship

Securing this scholarship means more than just having your fees paid. It is a full-support system designed to let you focus entirely on your research. check the benefits that will you get in this scholarship.

100% Fee Remission

Recipients receive a full tuition fee offset. This covers the entire cost of your degree for up to two years for a Master’s student and up to four years for a PhD student.

Living Allowance (Stipend)

For the 2025 intake, the annual living stipend is $38,500 AUD (tax-free for full-time students). This is paid fortnightly to cover your rent, food, and transport. This rate is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living.

Relocation Grant

Moving to Melbourne from another state or country? The scholarship includes a one-off relocation grant:

• $2,000 AUD for students moving from within Australia (outside Victoria).
• $3,000 AUD for students moving from overseas.

Health Cover (OSHC)

International students receive a Single Membership Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is a mandatory requirement for the Australian student visa.

Paid Leave Provisions

Unlike many other grants, this scholarship includes provisions for paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave, ensuring your well-being throughout your candidature.

Feature	Masters by Research	Doctoral Degree (PhD)
Fee Offset Duration	Up to 2 Years	Up to 4 Years
Stipend Duration	Up to 2 Years	Up to 3.5 Years
Annual Stipend (2025)	$38,500 AUD	$38,500 AUD
Relocation Grant	Up to $3,000 AUD	Up to $3,000 AUD

Eligibility Criteria for International and Domestic Students

To be considered for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, you must meet specific academic and residency requirements.

Academic Excellence

The primary selection criterion is academic merit. Generally, applicants need a minimum of 75% in their last completed degree. However, because these scholarships are highly competitive, successful candidates often have scores significantly higher or possess significant research potential demonstrated through publications or professional experience.

Enrollment Status

• You must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
• Alternatively, you can be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the university and have at least 12 months (full-time equivalent) of candidature remaining.

Field of Study

The scholarship is open to all study areas. Whether you are delving into Quantum Computing, Environmental Science, or Fine Arts, you are eligible for consideration.

How to Apply for University of Melbourne

One of the best features of the University of Melbourne’s system is that no separate application is required for most students.

1. Submit Your Course Application: When you apply for a Master by Research or PhD via the university’s online portal, you are automatically considered for the range of Graduate Research Scholarships.
2. Wait for the Outcome: You will typically receive notification of your scholarship status alongside your offer of admission.
3. Exceptions: If you have already accepted an offer but deferred your commencement, or if you are a currently enrolled student seeking a scholarship for the first time, you must submit an online application form by the relevant deadline depends on the course you are doing now.

Life as a Researcher in Melbourne

Choosing the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship isn’t just about the money; it’s about the location. Melbourne is consistently ranked as one of the world’s most livable cities. As a researcher, you will have access to:

• The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct: A global leader in health research.
• World-Class Libraries: Extensive digital and physical archives.
• Professional Development: Through the “Melbourne CSHE” and various doctoral academies.

Tips for a Winning Application

While the process is automatic, your admission application determines your scholarship ranking. Follow these tips:

• Find a Supervisor Early: Having a supportive supervisor who backs your research proposal can strengthen your case.
• Highlight Research Potential: Include any published papers, conference presentations, or relevant industry experience in your CV.
• Refine Your Research Proposal: A clear, impactful, and feasible research question is vital for PhD candidates.

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity to gain an elite qualification without the stress of financial debt. With 600 spots available annually, your dream of studying in Australia is within reach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship fully funded?

Yes, it covers 100% of tuition fees and provides a living stipend of $38,500 per year (2025 rate), making it a fully-funded opportunity for most recipients.

2. Can international students apply for this scholarship?

Absolutely. The scholarship is open to both domestic (Australian/NZ) and international students from all countries including India.

3. What is the deadline for the 2025 intake?

Deadlines vary by faculty, but generally, to be considered for the major scholarship rounds, you should apply by October 31, 2025 or based on course details, for commencement the following year.

4. Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately?

In most cases, no. New applicants are automatically considered when they apply for their research course.

Disclaimer: Please note this blog is for informational purposes only. The details shared here are based on publicly available information. Viewers are advised to visit the official University of Melbourne website to verify the latest scholarship details, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.

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