Victoria University (VU) in Melbourne, Australia, is inviting applications from international students for its 2027 Round 1 International Research Scholarships.
The scholarships support eligible international students undertaking postgraduate research degrees in Australia. Depending on the specific scholarship, funding can include tuition fee coverage, a living stipend, and overseas student health cover.
The flagship opportunity is the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship – International, which provides a tuition fee offset, an annual living allowance, and health insurance for eligible international PhD applicants.
Victoria University International Research Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host Institution: Victoria University
- Study Level: Research Master’s and PhD
- Eligible Countries: International students
- Funding: Fully funded for eligible scholarship categories
- Annual Stipend: Up to AUD $35,707 for the RTP Stipend Scholarship – International
- Tuition: Covered through a fee offset for eligible recipients
- Health Insurance: Overseas Student Health Cover for eligible international recipients
- Application Round: 2027 Round 1
- Application Deadline: September 13, 2026
About the Victoria University International Research Scholarships
Victoria University offers several research scholarships designed to support high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking postgraduate research.
The scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic achievement and research potential.
One of the main funding opportunities for international students is the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarship – International.
The RTP scholarship provides financial support to eligible international students commencing a research doctoral degree at Victoria University.
Victoria University also offers project-based research scholarships, which may have their own eligibility requirements, research topics, and funding packages.
International applicants who do not qualify for the specific fully funded scholarships may also be considered for the VU Global Research Scholarship, which provides a tuition fee reduction rather than full funding.
RTP Stipend Scholarship – International
The RTP Stipend Scholarship – International is designed for high-achieving international students commencing a research doctorate at Victoria University.
Successful recipients receive financial support for their research degree, including tuition fee coverage, a living allowance, and overseas student health cover.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Victoria University RTP Stipend Scholarship – International, applicants must:
- Be a citizen of a country other than Australia or New Zealand.
- Meet Victoria University’s academic entry requirements for a research degree.
- Meet the university’s English-language requirements for research degree enrolment.
- Have achieved a H1 equivalent result, with a VU standard of 85% or above, or an equivalent result in their most recent eligible qualification.
- Be commencing a research doctoral degree (PhD).
- Enrol as a full-time research student.
- Nominate an approved Research Focus Outline as part of the application.
Priority may be given to applicants who:
- Have not previously completed a PhD or equivalent qualification.
- Have not previously held an IPRS, VUIPRS, or OPRS scholarship, except where the previous scholarship was for a Master of Research and the applicant is now applying for PhD studies.
Scholarship Benefits
RTP Stipend Scholarship – International
Eligible recipients receive:
- AUD $35,707 per year living allowance based on the 2026 rate.
- An RTP Fee Offset Scholarship, which covers the applicable tuition fees.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for single cover.
The stipend amount is based on the 2026 rate and may be adjusted for the 2027 scholarship year.
Tony Kruger Education for Social Justice Research Scholarship
The source also identifies the Tony Kruger Education for Social Justice Research Scholarship, which provides:
- AUD $40,707 per year based on the 2026 rate.
- Tuition fee coverage through the Research Training Program.
- Overseas Student Health Cover for single cover.
This is a separate scholarship and applicants should check its specific eligibility requirements and research focus before applying.
Project-Based Research Scholarships
Victoria University also offers research scholarships attached to specific research projects.
At a minimum, these scholarships generally include:
- An annual living stipend.
- A fee offset covering applicable tuition fees.
The exact value and conditions depend on the individual project.
Research Focus Outlines
Applicants for the RTP Stipend Scholarship – International are required to select a Research Focus Outline as part of their application.
These outlines identify available research topics and provide information about the relevant research area, supervisory arrangements, course details, and other information needed for the application.
Applicants should review the available research topics and select one that closely matches their academic background and research interests.
How to Apply for Victoria University International Research Scholarship 2027
The application process generally involves the following steps:
Step 1: Select a Research Focus Outline
Review Victoria University’s available Research Focus Outlines and identify a research topic that matches your academic background and interests.
Step 2: Contact the Principal Supervisor
Contact the listed Principal Supervisor to discuss your interest in the research topic and determine whether your academic background and research interests are suitable.
Step 3: Review the Application Guide
Read Victoria University’s application guide for Graduate Research Stipend Scholarships and ensure that you understand the application and documentation requirements.
Step 4: Prepare Your Application
Prepare the required academic and supporting documents and complete the university’s graduate research application.
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Submit your application through Victoria University’s graduate research application system.
Use the information provided in your selected Research Focus Outline, including the RFO number, supervisory panel, institute, course code, and Field of Research (FoR) code, where required.
📋 Required Documents
- A copy of the applicant’s passport or other identification document for international admission. .
- Academic transcripts and certificates from previous tertiary studies
- Contact details and/or reports from nominated academic referees, where required
- Evidence of meeting Victoria University’s English-language requirements
- Curriculum vitae or résumé outlining academic, professional, research, and other relevant experience
- A research proposal or research statement, where required for the selected research programme or scholarship
- Details of previous research experience, publications, presentations, awards, or other academic achievements, where applicable
- Details of the selected Research Focus Outline, including the relevant RFO number, supervisory panel, institute, course code, and Field of Research (FoR) code
- Any additional documents requested for the specific research project or scholarship