University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 – Fully Funded for International Students

If you are an ambitious researcher with dreams of studying in Australia, this is your moment. The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 is one of the most prestigious and fully funded opportunities available to international students worldwide. Covering tuition, living costs, health insurance, and relocation — this scholarship takes care of everything so you can focus on what matters most: your research.

Here is everything you need to know.

About the University of Melbourne

Independent world rankings place the University of Melbourne as number one in Australia and among the leading universities internationally. With more than 100 research centres and institutes, the university brings together expertise from across disciplines and connects with thought leaders worldwide to tackle society’s complex problems in innovative ways. For international students, it offers a world-class research environment backed by exceptional academic mentorship and cutting-edge infrastructure.

What Is the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship?

The Melbourne Research Scholarship and Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship are offered to high-achieving international and domestic students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. These are fully funded awards that remove the financial burden of pursuing a Master’s by Research or a doctoral degree (PhD) at one of the world’s top universities.

Around 600 graduate research scholarships are available for domestic and international students to study at the University of Melbourne. Open to students from all countries, this is a truly global opportunity.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

This is a comprehensive funding package. Here is a full breakdown of what the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 provides:

Full Tuition Fee Offset Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.

Living Allowance (Stipend) A living allowance of $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time study rate) for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a doctoral degree. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.

Relocation Grant A relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from States or Territories other than Victoria, or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.

Overseas Student Health Cover Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia.

This is one of the most complete funding packages offered by any Australian university — and it is available to students from every corner of the world.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, applicants must have applied for and met the entry requirements for a Master’s or doctorate by research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the university. The required language is English, and the scholarship is open to all countries.

Eligible applicants are scored and ranked according to their academic achievement in their last completed degree and their research potential in their field of study. Factors such as completion of a degree at the same level of the research course, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications, or composition of original music may be taken into consideration.

In short, strong academic results combined with demonstrable research potential are the two most important factors in selection.

How to Apply

The application process for this scholarship is straightforward and largely automatic for new applicants.

Step 1 — Choose Your Course Browse available Master’s by Research and PhD programmes at the University of Melbourne and identify the one that aligns with your research interests and background.

Step 2 — Apply for Admission Submit your graduate research course application through the University of Melbourne’s official application portal.

Step 3 — Automatic Scholarship Consideration If you have applied for a graduate research course by the application closing date for that course, you do not need to apply for this scholarship separately. Within seven days of submitting your course application, you will receive confirmation that you will be automatically considered for a range of graduate research scholarships.

Step 4 — Existing Students If you have already received an offer for a graduate research course and deferred commencement, or are currently enrolled in a graduate research course for which you seek a scholarship, you will need to submit an online application form.

Application Deadline

Applications for admission close on 31 October 2026. Most scholarships are awarded in Round 1 for commencement the following year. You are strongly encouraged to submit your application well before the October deadline to maximise your chances of selection.

Tips for a Competitive Application

• Strengthen your academic record — selection is heavily merit-based, so a strong GPA from your last completed degree is essential.
• Highlight your research potential — publications, conference papers, research experience, and strong referee statements all count towards your ranking.
• Apply early — submitting ahead of the deadline gives you a stronger position in the selection cycle.
• Write a clear research proposal — if required by your chosen department, a focused and well-articulated research proposal significantly improves your chances.

Final Thoughts

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 is more than financial support — it is a gateway to world-class research, global academic networks, and a career-defining experience in one of the world’s most liveable cities. With full tuition coverage, a generous annual stipend, health insurance, and a relocation grant, this scholarship truly sets you up for success from day one.

Applications are open to students from all countries. Do not miss your chance — begin your application today.

Ready to Apply? Visit the official scholarships page to explore available research degrees and begin your application: 👉 scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/graduate-research-scholarships