Study in Australia | University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2026/2027
Are you ready to take your research to the next level at one of the world’s leading universities? The University of Melbourne has just opened one of the largest graduate research funding rounds in Australia for the 2026-2027 academic cycle. A total of 600 Graduate Research Scholarships, including the prestigious Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, await both domestic and international students entering masters by research or doctoral programs.
These awards require no separate application for new applicants. They cover full tuition and offer living stipends worth up to $135,000. This combination makes them among the most financially comprehensive research scholarships in the Asia Pacific region. If you dream of conducting world class research in a vibrant Australian city, this opportunity demands your attention.
The Financial Package: Two Tiers of Support
The University of Melbourne structures these graduate research scholarships in two distinct tiers. Each tier removes different layers of financial pressure, allowing you to focus entirely on your studies.
Stipend and Fee Offset Scholarship (Full Package)
- Full Tuition Coverage: You receive complete tuition fee coverage for up to 2 years for a Masters by Research or up to 4 years for a doctoral degree.
- Generous Living Allowance: You get an annual living allowance of AUD $39,500 at the 2026 full time rate. This payment continues for up to 2 years for masters students or up to 3.5 years for doctoral candidates. The allowance includes annual indexing and covers limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
- Relocation Grant: You receive AUD $2,000 if moving from Australian states or territories outside Victoria. Alternatively, you get AUD $3,000 if relocating from outside Australia.
- Health Cover: International students requiring a student visa receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) single membership provided by the university.
Fee Offset Scholarship
- Tuition Remission: You receive full tuition fee remission for up to 2 years for a Masters by Research or up to 4 years for a doctoral program. All admitted domestic research students automatically receive this scholarship.
Eligibility Requirements
The University of Melbourne keeps eligibility broad by design, but selection remains strictly merit driven. Here is what you need to enter the running:
- You must have applied for, or already hold an offer for, a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. This includes both Masters by Research and PhD programs.
- Currently enrolled graduate research students at Melbourne can also apply for the following year’s scholarship round.
- All domestic students admitted to a research degree automatically receive the RTP Fee Offset Scholarship. This guarantee removes tuition anxiety from day one.
- Stipend inclusive scholarships go to both domestic and international applicants through competitive selection based on academic merit.
- The selection ranking considers the academic record of your most recently completed degree and your demonstrated research potential.
- Additional weight may go to factors like holding a degree at the same level as your applied program, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications, or original music composition.
How to Apply
The application process is refreshingly straightforward. However, it differs slightly depending on where you stand in your academic journey.
If you are a new applicant, simply submit your graduate research course application by the published closing date. The university will automatically generate a scholarship application on your behalf. Expect a confirmation notification within ten business days of submitting your course application. You do not need to fill out any extra forms or track down additional recommenders.
If you have accepted an offer but deferred your start date and want reconsideration for a scholarship, you need to take an extra step. Submit an online scholarship application form to remain eligible for the following year’s round. A confirmation will follow within ten business days.
Application Deadline
New students at the University of Melbourne will receive automatic consideration for this graduate research scholarship based on their course application submitted before 31 October 2026. Mark this date on your calendar and start preparing your materials now. Late applications will not receive automatic consideration, and you do not want to miss this opportunity.
Visit the official University of Melbourne scholarships website today. Explore the graduate research programs on offer, review the specific requirements for your field, and submit your application before the deadline. This could be your first step toward a fully funded research career in one of the world’s most liveable cities
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