University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2025/2026

Masters by Research • PhD • 100% fee remission • Stipend up to AUD $38,500/yr (2025 rate) • Relocation grant • OSHC

Australia • International & domestic • Graduate research (coursework excluded)

The University of Melbourne offers two flagship graduate research awards — the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) and the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship — often grouped under “Graduate Research Scholarships.” Packages include full fee remission, a living stipend, relocation support, and (for internationals) OSHC. This guide covers value, eligibility, timelines, and a step-by-step application plan, with FAQs and pro tips for a competitive file. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Value & coverage (2025/2026)

Stipend + fee offset scholarships

Full fee offset for up to 2 years (Masters by Research) and up to 4 years (Doctoral). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Living allowance: AUD $38,500/year (2025 full-time rate), up to 2 years (Masters) or 3.5 years (PhD), indexed annually; includes limited paid sick, parental/partner leave. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Relocation grant: $2,000 (from another Australian state/territory) or $3,000 (from overseas). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
OSHC: Single Overseas Student Health Cover for international students needing a student visa. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Fee offset only

Full fee remission with no stipend for the same standard durations. Some candidates later add school/department stipends or external funding to reach a “fully-funded” level. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Official listing notes total package “up to $135,000” for stipend+fee awards; actual value varies by duration and indexation. Quantity listed as “about 600”. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Also note: There’s a distinct RTP (Indigenous) stipend stream with a higher living-allowance rate shown for 2025. Check eligibility if applicable. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Who can apply (eligibility)

Basic requirements

Apply for (or be enrolled in) a graduate research degree (Masters by Research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Domestic & international applicants are eligible; awards are merit-based and ranked within your field. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Academic record and research potential determine stipend offers; fee-offset RTP for domestic candidates is normally guaranteed with admission. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

What strengthens your case

Honours/Masters research experience, refereed publications, relevant professional practice. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Clear supervisor alignment and feasible proposal matching faculty strengths.
Evidence you can finish on time (good for ranking and later extensions).

Timeline & key dates

Milestone	When	What to do
Course application	By your program’s closing date	Submit your graduate research application. You’re automatically considered for scholarships after you apply. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Already enrolled / deferring?	By 31 October (for following year)	Submit the University’s online scholarship form to be (re)considered in the next round. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Offer timing	Around course offer windows	Fee-offset RTP typically comes with the course offer (domestic); stipend+fee awards follow on a similar timeline. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

How to apply (step-by-step)

Find your supervisor & fit: shortlist research groups, read recent papers, and draft a 1-page “fit memo” (topic → why Melbourne → potential supervisors).
Contact labs early: send a concise email (5–7 lines) + CV + 1-page proposal; ask about supervision capacity and project scope.
Prepare your documents (see checklist) and complete the course application before the deadline; this triggers automatic scholarship consideration for most new applicants. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
If enrolled/deferring: lodge the online scholarship form by 31 October to join the next ranking cycle. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Track status: watch your portal/email; if asked for updates (e.g., publications), respond quickly.
Plan finances: if you receive a fee-offset only offer, explore faculty top-ups, RA/TA work, or external awards to reach a full stipend level.

Apply Now (add your internal link to Melbourne’s apply page)

Documents checklist

Academic & ID

Transcripts (with grading scale) and degree certificates.
Passport/ID; current CV (2–4 pages; include outputs and impact).
English test (if required by faculty).

Research materials

1–3 page proposal or research outline (problem → method → contribution → feasibility).
Supervisor email confirmations (if any) and alignment notes.
Publications/preprints or a portfolio of relevant outputs.

Relocation & OSHC: stipend+fee winners may receive a $2,000/$3,000 relocation grant and (for internationals) OSHC single cover — budget your arrival accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Selection & ranking: how decisions are made

Scholarships with stipends are merit-ranked by academic record and research potential; discipline-specific panels may weigh outputs (publications), prior degree level, and professional indicators. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
Domestic admits normally receive a RTP fee-offset with their course offer; stipend awards are separate. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Package headline values and “quantity” are indicative and may change with funding cycles. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Writing tips (boost your competitiveness)

Your proposal in 4 moves

Problem & stakes: precise gap, who is affected, why now.
Method & design: data, models, archives, or lab methods; risks & mitigations.
Original contribution: what is new vs. prior work; expected outputs.
Feasibility & timeline: milestones for 24–42 months; finish on time.

Make your CV “outcome-first”

List outputs (papers, datasets, code, designs) before duties.
Quantify reach: citations, downloads, users, policy uptake.
Show independence: led a study; built a tool; secured a mini-grant.

Reality check on costs: Stipends are indexed and competitive, but Melbourne’s official 2025 rate is $38,500/yr for most streams; plan prudent housing and part-time RA/TA options if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

University of Melbourne Parkville campus research labs — Research at Parkville campus — replace with your licensed/copyright-free WebP photo.

Graduate research student life in Melbourne 2026 — Graduate researcher life — add your own creative or stock image (WebP, compressed).

FAQs

Is there a separate application for the Graduate Research Scholarship?

New applicants: No — scholarship consideration is automatic once you apply for a graduate research course. Current/deferring students: submit the online scholarship form by 31 October. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

What’s the stipend amount and duration?

The official 2025 full-time rate is AUD $38,500/year, paid for up to 2 years (Masters) or 3.5 years (PhD), with indexation and limited paid leave. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

Do international students get health insurance?

Yes — stipend+fee packages include OSHC Single membership where a student visa is required. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

What if I only receive a fee-offset (no stipend)?

That is still a major award — your tuition is fully remitted. You can combine with school/department top-ups, external grants, and paid RA/TA to reach living support. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

How many awards are there?

The official page lists package value “100% fee remission and up to $135,000” and a quantity around 600, but figures are indicative and can change. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

p • This page summarises official University of Melbourne information. Always verify details on the University’s scholarship pages before you apply.