Melbourne Research Scholarship 2027 in Australia | Fully Funded — University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne sits consistently among the world’s top research universities, and its Melbourne Research Scholarship is the main route international graduate researchers use to study there without paying tuition or living costs out of pocket. It combines two of the university’s funding streams, the Research Training Program and the university’s own scholarship funds, into one package covering both fees and a stipend.
About the Scholarship
The Melbourne Research Scholarship supports high-achieving domestic and international students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree, meaning a Masters by Research or a doctoral program, at the University of Melbourne. Rather than requiring a separate scholarship application form, most eligible applicants are automatically considered for the award once they submit a complete application for their research course, which keeps the process simpler than many competing programs.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full remission of tuition fees for the standard duration of the research degree
- A living allowance stipend, with the 2027 full-time rate set at $41,100 per year pro rata
- Stipend paid for up to two years for a Masters by Research
- Stipend paid for up to three and a half years for a doctoral degree
- A one-off AUD $3,000 relocation grant for students moving to Melbourne from outside Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover for international scholars who require an Australian student visa
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be commencing a graduate research degree (Masters by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne
- Open to both domestic and international applicants, including students from any country
- Must meet the academic entry requirements of the chosen research degree and faculty
- Must apply by the relevant course application deadline for automatic consideration
- Applicants already holding an equivalent scholarship from another source may not be eligible to hold both simultaneously
Fields of Study Covered
The scholarship is available across nearly every research discipline at the university, including science, engineering, medicine, biomedicine, arts, law, business, and education, since it is tied to the research degree itself rather than to a single faculty.
Required Documents
- Completed graduate research degree application
- Certified academic transcripts from all previous tertiary study
- A detailed research proposal outlining the intended project
- Letters of support from potential academic supervisors
- English-language proficiency test results for applicants from non-English-speaking backgrounds
- Curriculum vitae detailing academic and research experience
- Two academic referee reports
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Identify a potential supervisor in your research area and discuss your proposed project with them before applying
- Prepare a research proposal that clearly states your objectives, methodology, and expected contribution to the field
- Submit a complete graduate research application through the university’s online admissions system
- Upload certified transcripts, English test results, and reference letters as requested
- Apply well ahead of the course application deadline, since the scholarship uses automatic consideration tied to that date
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the graduate research office
Selection Process
Applications are assessed primarily on academic merit, the quality and feasibility of the proposed research project, and the strength of supervisor support. A faculty-level committee reviews eligible applications and recommends candidates for funding, with final offers issued alongside the university’s standard research degree offer.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Reach out to a prospective supervisor early, since a confirmed supervisor who is willing to support your application strengthens your case significantly
- Write a research proposal that is specific and realistic in scope rather than overly broad
- Make sure transcripts and English test scores are submitted well before the deadline to avoid processing delays
- International applicants exploring other fully funded graduate options sometimes compare it against the Australia Awards Scholarships, which funds coursework rather than research degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship itself?
No, most applicants are automatically considered for the Melbourne Research Scholarship once they submit a complete application for an eligible graduate research course.
Is the scholarship open to students from any country?
Yes, it is open to both domestic Australian students and international students from any country, as long as they meet the academic entry requirements.
How long does the stipend last?
Up to two years for a Masters by Research and up to three and a half years for a doctoral degree, covering the standard duration of each program.
Can I bring family members to Melbourne on this scholarship?
The scholarship itself does not directly fund dependents, though international scholars can apply for appropriate dependent visas separately through the usual immigration process.
Is work experience required before applying?
It is not strictly required, though relevant research or industry experience can strengthen an application, particularly for competitive faculties.
What happens if I already have another scholarship?
Students holding another scholarship of similar value are generally not eligible to receive the Melbourne Research Scholarship at the same time, so this should be disclosed during application.
Does the scholarship cover conference travel or research costs?
The core award covers tuition and stipend; additional research or conference funding is typically available separately through faculty-level grants.
When should I start preparing my application?
Ideally six to twelve months before your intended start date, since identifying a supervisor and preparing a strong research proposal takes time.