University of Melbourne Scholarships 2026 – Fully Funded
Host Country: Australia Funding: Fully Funded Open To: International & Domestic Students Study Levels: Master’s by Research | PhD (Doctoral) Deadline: Rolling — Apply by each course’s closing date to be considered
Overview
The University of Melbourne is Australia’s #1 ranked university and consistently listed among the top 15 universities in the world. Every year, it awards hundreds of fully funded Graduate Research Scholarships to high-achieving domestic and international students who want to pursue a Master’s by Research or PhD (Doctoral by Research) degree.
The flagship programs under this umbrella are the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) and the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, both of which cover tuition fees, provide a generous living stipend, and include additional benefits like health cover and relocation support.
One of the biggest advantages of this scholarship is its application process: you do not need to fill out a separate scholarship form. If you apply for an eligible graduate research degree by the course closing date, you are automatically considered. Scholarship outcomes are issued around the same time as course admission decisions.
Official Sources Used: University of Melbourne Scholarships Portal (scholarships.unimelb.edu.au), Graduate Research Office (gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au), and the official English Language Requirements page (study.unimelb.edu.au) — all verified as of February 2026.
Quick Summary Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| University | University of Melbourne, Australia |
| Scholarship Name | Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) / RTP Scholarship |
| Study Level | Master’s by Research, PhD |
| Who Can Apply | International & Domestic Students (all nationalities) |
| Tuition Coverage | 100% — Full fee offset |
| Annual Stipend | AUD $39,500/year (2026 rate, tax-free, paid fortnightly) |
| Stipend Duration | Up to 2 years (Master’s) / Up to 3.5 years (PhD) |
| Tuition Offset Duration | Up to 2 years (Master’s) / Up to 4 years (PhD) |
| Relocation Grant | AUD $2,000 (interstate) / AUD $3,000 (international) |
| Health Cover (OSHC) | Included for international students on a student visa |
| Application Fee | No scholarship application fee |
| Separate Application? | No — automatically considered when you apply for admission |
| Application Deadline | Rolling by course; Semester 2 (mid-year 2026): apply by 31 May |
What the Scholarship Covers (Benefits)
1. Full Tuition Fee Offset — 100%
All tuition fees are completely waived for the funded duration of your degree:
- Master’s by Research: Up to 2 years
- PhD / Doctoral Degree: Up to 4 years
Note: Tuition fee remission does not cover the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), which must be paid separately if it appears on your Statement of Liability.
2. Living Stipend — AUD $39,500/Year (Tax-Free)
- 2026 confirmed rate: AUD $39,500 per year (full-time)
- Paid fortnightly directly to your Australian bank account
- May be indexed annually to account for inflation
- Part-time students receive 50% of the full-time rate
- Stipend duration:
- Master’s by Research: up to 2 years
- PhD: up to 3.5 years
- Includes limited paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parental/partner leave
3. Relocation Grant (One-Time Payment)
- AUD $3,000 for students relocating from outside Australia
- AUD $2,000 for students moving from a state or territory other than Victoria
- Paid after you commence your studies, usually with your first stipend payment
- Conditions: You must not have studied in Victoria within 12 months before applying
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Provided automatically for international students on a student visa
- Covers single membership for the duration of your visa
- Arranged by the University through its preferred OSHC provider at no extra cost to you
5. Additional Benefits
- Access to world-class research infrastructure, labs, and libraries
- Professional development workshops, networking, and global academic communities
- Opportunity to apply for supplementary grants for research travel and conference attendance
Who Is Eligible?
To be considered for the Melbourne Research Scholarship or RTP 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 one
- Demonstrate outstanding academic merit based on your most recently completed degree
- Show research potential in your field (this is assessed through publications, research experience, your proposal, professional experience, or specialist qualifications)
- Meet the University’s English language requirements (see below)
- Not hold another equivalent scholarship or award providing similar full funding from another higher education provider
Academic Entry Requirements
- For PhD: Typically a completed Honours degree (First Class or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline
- A research component of at least 25% in your final undergraduate or master’s year is generally expected
- Selection is competitive — applicants are ranked by academic achievement and research potential
English Language Requirements (Updated November 2025)
The University updated its English language requirements in November 2025. For applications for mid-year 2026 intake and beyond, the updated scores apply. Accepted tests include:
| Test | Minimum Overall Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 overall (higher for some programs — check your specific course page) |
| TOEFL iBT | Minimum scores vary by program |
| PTE Academic | Minimum scores vary by program |
| Cambridge English C1 Advanced (CAE) | Minimum scores vary by program |
| LanguageCert Academic | Now accepted (added November 2025) |
| Michigan English Test (MET) | Now accepted (added November 2025) |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | Now accepted (added November 2025) |
Important: All tests must be completed in a single sitting, taken within 24 months of your proposed start date, and at an official test centre (no online/at-home versions accepted). TOEFL results should be sent using institution code 0974.
If you completed a degree taught and assessed entirely in English, you may be exempt from submitting a language test — check the University’s English language requirements page for full details.
Fields of Study (Open to Almost All Disciplines)
The scholarship is open across virtually all faculties and research areas, including:
- Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
- Architecture, Building, Planning and Design
- Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
- Business and Economics (Melbourne Business School)
- Education
- Engineering and Information Technology
- Environment and Sustainability
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Law
- Music, Visual and Performing Arts (Melbourne Conservatorium of Music)
- Science and Technology
Visit the University’s course browser to explore all eligible research programs: study.unimelb.edu.au
Required Documents
Prepare the following before applying. Requirements can vary slightly by faculty and course, so always verify on your specific course page:
- Official academic transcripts and degree certificates from all previously completed qualifications
- English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.) — if required
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) — including academic history, research experience, publications, awards
- Research proposal — essential for research degrees; should clearly outline your research question, methodology, and significance
- Supervisor confirmation — for many research programs, you are expected to contact and secure a potential supervisor before applying
- Academic reference letters — typically 2–3 letters from academics or professionals who can speak to your research ability
- Statement of purpose / motivation letter — outlining your research goals, why Melbourne, and why this field
- Passport copy (for international applicants)
- Prior research outputs — if applicable (publications, conference papers, creative works, specialist qualifications)
Application Deadlines
Applications for graduate research programs are accepted year-round, but you must submit by each course’s specific closing date to be considered for scholarships in that round.
| Intake | Key Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 2026 (Feb/March start) | Already passed for most courses |
| Semester 2 / Mid-year 2026 (July start) | 31 May 2026 (timely closing date for most international applicants) |
| Ongoing / Rolling | Check individual course pages |
Important: Most scholarships are awarded in the first two intake rounds. If your final degree results are not available at least two weeks before the outcome date, your application will be considered in the next round.
If you are a currently enrolled student or have deferred your course offer, you must submit a separate online scholarship application form by 31 October of the offer year.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Step 1: Find a Supervisor (For Research Degrees)
Before applying, identify a potential supervisor at the University of Melbourne whose research aligns with your interests. Contact them directly — many faculties require confirmation of supervisor interest before your application can be assessed. Search for supervisors at: findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au
Step 2: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Write a clear, concise research proposal (typically 1,000–2,000 words) that explains your proposed topic, methodology, its originality, and its contribution to the field. Tailor it to align with your supervisor’s work.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents listed in the “Required Documents” section above. Ensure transcripts are official and translations are certified if not in English.
Step 4: Apply for Admission Online
Submit your graduate research course application through the University of Melbourne’s official online application portal at study.unimelb.edu.au. Pay the course application fee (AUD $154 for international applicants; some exemptions may apply — check the portal).
Step 5: Automatic Scholarship Consideration
Once you submit a complete course application by the closing date, you are automatically considered for all Graduate Research Scholarships you are eligible for. Within 7 business days, you will receive a notification confirming a scholarship application has been added to your record.
Step 6: Wait for Outcome
Scholarship offers are issued around the same time as course admission decisions. You do not need to follow up separately. Check your University of Melbourne student portal (my.unimelb.edu.au) for updates.
Step 7: Accept Your Offer and Set Up Bank Details
If you receive a scholarship offer, accept it promptly and provide your Australian bank account details via the student portal (BSB and account number) to begin receiving fortnightly stipend payments.
If you do not yet have an Australian bank account: You may consider deferring your start date until you can open one in Australia, or use an approved transfer service like Wise (TransferWise) that provides an Australian BSB and account number.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Contact a supervisor early — this is often the single most important step. A supportive supervisor significantly strengthens your application.
- Apply in the first round — most scholarships are allocated in rounds 1 and 2. Applying early maximises your chances.
- Be specific in your research proposal — vague proposals are a common reason for rejection. Show you understand the field and have a clear methodology.
- Highlight research outputs — publications, conference presentations, thesis work, and relevant professional experience all boost your ranking.
- Match your research to Melbourne’s strengths — review your faculty’s research priorities and align your proposal where possible.
- Proofread everything — especially your CV, statement of purpose, and proposal. Errors undermine credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately? A: No. If you are a new applicant and submit your course application by the closing date, you are automatically considered. Only deferred or currently enrolled students need to submit a separate scholarship form.
Q: Is this scholarship open to all nationalities? A: Yes. Both international and domestic (Australian/New Zealand) students are eligible.
Q: Can I work while on this scholarship? A: Yes, in most cases. However, your primary commitment must be full-time research. Check your scholarship offer conditions for any restrictions.
Q: What is the difference between MRS and RTP? A: Both provide tuition offsets and stipends. The RTP (Research Training Program) is supported by the Australian Government; the MRS is funded by the University of Melbourne. In practice, eligible students are considered for both simultaneously.
Q: Is the stipend taxable? A: No. Most University of Melbourne stipend scholarships are tax-exempt in Australia, as they are equity or merit-based and typically fall under the Centrelink income test exemption threshold.
Q: Can I bring my family? A: You can, but family members are not covered under the OSHC single membership. You would need to upgrade to a family OSHC policy at your own expense.
Official Links
- Scholarship Page (MRS): scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-research-scholarship
- Graduate Research Scholarships Overview: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/graduate-research-scholarships
- RTP Scholarship: scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/research-training-program-scholarship
- Apply Online: study.unimelb.edu.au
- Find a Supervisor: findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au
- English Language Requirements: study.unimelb.edu.au/how-to-apply/english-language-requirements
- Graduate Research Scholarship Terms & Conditions: gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/graduate-research-scholarship-terms-and-conditions
This article was verified against official University of Melbourne sources in February 2026. Scholarship values, deadlines, and eligibility criteria are subject to change. Always confirm the latest information directly on the University of Melbourne’s official website before applying.