Master (Research), PhDFull funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. The stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). A relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate Australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa. The total benefit can be up to $138,000.

Melbourne Research Scholarship

Last verified 8 May 2026 by the Scholarships for Africans editorial team

The Melbourne Research Scholarship is offered by the University of Melbourne to high-achieving domestic and international students who are enrolling in or currently enrolled in a graduate research degree. It provides comprehensive financial support including full fee remission, a living stipend, relocation allowance, and health cover for international students. There is generally no separate application required, with automatic consideration provided for eligible candidates who apply for a graduate research course. Selection is based on academic results and research potential.

Provider: University of Melbourne
Host country: Australia
Deadline: The scholarship deadline is linked to the graduate research course application deadlines. For international students, the general deadline is October, and for domestic students, it is late October. Scholarship offers are made around the same time as course offers.
Region: Oceania

Official source

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Eligibility & requirements at a glance

Melbourne Research Scholarship is open to African students applying to study in Australia at the Master (Research), PhD level, with full funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. the stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). a relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with overseas student health cover (oshc) single membership for international students requiring a student visa. the total benefit can be up to $138,000. funding. Below is a quick summary of who can apply, what's covered, and the key dates — full details are further down the page.

Who can apply: Master (Research), PhD · applicants for Australia
Funding: Full funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. The stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). A relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate Australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa. The total benefit can be up to $138,000.
Study level: Master (Research), PhD
Deadline: The scholarship deadline is linked to the graduate research course application deadlines. For international students, the general deadline is October, and for domestic students, it is late October. Scholarship offers are made around the same time as course offers.

Key eligibility criteria

To be considered for this scholarship, you must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. This scholarship is open to both domestic and international students pursuing Master (Research) or PhD level studies. It is applicable for both future study and current study stages.

What the full funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. the stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). a relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with overseas student health cover (oshc) single membership for international students requiring a student visa. the total benefit can be up to $138,000. award covers

Monthly stipend
Health insurance

About the Melbourne Research Scholarship (2026)

## Melbourne Research Scholarship: Comprehensive Brief for Prospective Applicants ## Overview The Melbourne Research Scholarship, offered by the University of Melbourne, is a prestigious award designed to support high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing graduate research degrees. This scholarship aims to alleviate financial burdens by providing comprehensive funding, allowing recipients to focus fully on their academic and research endeavors. There is no separate application required for this scholarship if you are applying for a graduate research course, with automatic consideration provided for eligible candidates. The scholarship supports both future and currently enrolled graduate research students within a variety of disciplines at one of Australia's leading universities. ## Benefits The Melbourne Research Scholarship offers substantial financial support, encompassing several key benefits: * **Full Fee Offset:** Recipients receive a 100% fee remission. This covers up to two years for students undertaking a Master by Research degree and up to four years for those pursuing a doctoral degree. Domestic research students will typically receive their fee offset as a Research Training Program Scholarship. * **Stipend:** A fortnightly stipend of $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate) is provided. This stipend duration is up to two years for Masters by Research students and up to 3.5 years for doctoral students. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, parental, and partner leave. * **Relocation Allowance:** A one-off payment designed to assist with relocation costs is available. This includes $2,000 for students moving from Australian States or Territories outside of Victoria, and $3,000 for students relocating from outside Australia. * **Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC):** International students who require a student visa to study in Australia will receive coverage for a Single Membership. * **Combined Benefits:** The scholarship can offer a combination of both the stipend and fee offset benefits, providing comprehensive support. The total benefit amount for deserving candidates can be up to $138,000. ## Eligibility To be considered for the Melbourne Research Scholarship, applicants must meet specific criteria: * **Application for or Enrollment in a Graduate Research Degree:** Prospective applicants must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. Alternatively, current students already enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne are also eligible for consideration. * **Study Level:** The scholarship is specifically for graduate research degrees, including Master by Research and doctoral programs. * **Student Type:** Both domestic and international students are eligible to apply. * **Study Stage:** The scholarship is open to students who are planning future study as well as those currently undertaking a graduate research degree. ## Required Documents The provided information does not explicitly list specific "required documents" for the scholarship application itself, as automatic consideration is a key component. However, applicants will need to submit all necessary documents for their chosen graduate research course application. These documents would typically include academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, a research proposal, and references, among others, as required for admission to a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. It is crucial to ensure all course application requirements are met comprehensively. ## How to Apply The application process for the Melbourne Research Scholarship is largely automatic for most prospective students: * **Automatic Consideration:** If you have applied for a graduate research course by its application closing date, you generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. 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, including the Melbourne Research Scholarship. * **Online Application Form (Specific Cases):** A separate online application form is required in particular circumstances. This applies if you have already received an offer for a graduate research course and have deferred your commencement to the following year, or if you are currently enrolled in a graduate research course at the University of Melbourne and are seeking scholarship support. The online application form can be accessed directly from the university's scholarship portal. ## Key Dates While specific scholarship application deadlines are not explicitly stated due to the automatic consideration process, it is critical to adhere to the application closing dates for graduate research courses. Scholarship offers are typically made around the same time as course offers. For international students, this generally means applying by October, and for domestic students, by late October. Domestic students will receive an offer for the Research Training Program Scholarship (Fee Offset) as part of their course offer. Offers for Graduate Research Scholarships that include both a stipend and fee offset are made separately but concurrently with course offers. ## Selection Criteria The Melbourne Research Scholarship is highly competitive, and selection is based on a thorough evaluation by relevant panels. The primary selection criteria emphasize academic excellence and research potential: * **Academic Results:** Applicants are assessed based on their academic performance in previous studies. * **Research Potential:** Demonstrated research aptitude in their chosen field of study is a crucial factor. This may be evidenced by previous research experience, publications, or other relevant contributions. * **Additional Factors:** The selection panels may also take into account other valuable experiences and qualifications, such as the completion of a degree at the same level as the research course sought, relevant professional experience, refereed publications, specialist medical qualifications, or the composition of original music. ## Tips To maximize your chances of securing the Melbourne Research Scholarship, consider the following tips: * **Excel Academically:** Focus on achieving the highest possible academic results in your previous studies, as this is a primary selection criterion. * **Craft a Strong Research Proposal:** If your course application requires a research proposal, ensure it is well-articulated, innovative, and demonstrates significant research potential. * **Highlight Research Experience:** Showcase any prior research experience, publications, conference presentations, or relevant professional experience that demonstrates your capability as a researcher. * **Apply Early for Your Course:** Since scholarship consideration is often automatic with your course application, submitting your graduate research course application well in advance of the deadline is advisable. * **Meet All Course Entry Requirements:** Ensure you meet all the entry requirements for your chosen graduate research degree. A successful course application is the first step toward scholarship consideration. * **Seek Advice:** If you have specific questions about the process or your eligibility, contact Stop 1 Scholarships at the University of Melbourne for personalized guidance. ## Official Source For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the Melbourne Research Scholarship, please refer to the official University of Melbourne scholarships website: * **Official Scholarship Page:** [https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-research-scholarship](https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-research-scholarship) * **Graduate Research Scholarships Terms & Conditions:** [https://gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/graduate-research-scholarship-terms-and-conditions](https://gradresearch.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/graduate-research-scholarship-terms-and-conditions)

What the Full funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. The stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). A relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate Australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa. The total benefit can be up to $138,000. Melbourne Research Scholarship covers

The award components below were extracted from the sponsor's published description. Always cross-check the exact figures, ceiling amounts and conditions on the official site before you budget around them.

Monthly stipend
Health insurance

Melbourne Research Scholarship eligibility for Australia applicants

Always cross-check eligibility against the sponsor's official site before applying — sponsor rules can change between intakes.

To be considered for this scholarship, you must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. This scholarship is open to both domestic and international students pursuing Master (Research) or PhD level studies. It is applicable for both future study and current study stages.

Documents required for the Melbourne Research Scholarship application

A planning baseline drawn from how 90%+ of African scholarship sponsors structure their checklist. The sponsor's portal is the source of truth for any single application.

Valid international passport (bio page scan)
Most recent academic transcripts (sealed or e-verified copies)
Curriculum vitae / résumé (1–2 pages, reverse-chronological)
Personal statement or motivation letter (500–1,000 words, tailored to the sponsor)
Two to three reference letters (academic for students, professional for working applicants)
Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo) — Medium-of-Instruction letter may substitute for Anglophone-Africa graduates
Passport-sized photograph meeting ICAO biometric standards
Research proposal or statement of purpose (500–2,000 words for PhD)
Published or unpublished writing sample (PhD and research-led Masters)
Country-of-origin proof (national ID or birth certificate) — required by many Africa-focused funders

How to apply for the Melbourne Research Scholarship 2026

A practical, sponsor-agnostic sequence used by >95% of international scholarship applicants. Adapt to the sponsor's specific portal — the order rarely changes.

1
Confirm eligibility on the official site
Open https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-research-scholarship and verify the sponsor's stated criteria match your profile — currently: "To be considered for this scholarship, you must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at th…". Sponsor rules change between intakes, so always confirm against the live call.
2
Secure a study place or admission offer
Identify a supervisor whose research aligns with yours, exchange emails, and either obtain a conditional offer or confirmation that they will host your project. Many University of Melbourne awards require this before the funding application opens.
3
Sit required tests and gather documents
Register for IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo (or SAT / GRE where required), request official transcripts, brief two or three referees, and prepare passport and identity documents at high resolution.
4
Draft your essays and statements
Write a focused 1,000–2,000-word research proposal and a separate personal statement. Tailor every paragraph to the sponsor's stated priorities — generic recycled essays are the most common reason strong applicants are rejected.
5
Complete the online application
Create an account on https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/awards/melbourne-research-scholarship, fill in every field, and upload the required documents in the formats specified (PDF, max file size, single-file vs multi-file). Save progress frequently — most portals time out after 30–60 minutes.
6
Submit by The scholarship deadline is linked to the graduate research course application deadlines. For international students, the general deadline is October, and for domestic students, it is late October. Scholarship offers are made around the same time as course offers. (aim 7 days early)
Sponsor portals routinely slow or fail in the final 24 hours. Submit early, download the confirmation receipt, and screenshot the submission timestamp. Late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.
7
Prepare for shortlist interviews
If shortlisted, University of Melbourne will contact you within 4–12 weeks. Re-read your essays, rehearse 3–5 likely questions out loud, and confirm your time zone for any video interview.

Melbourne Research Scholarship deadline & application timeline

The sponsor has not published a fixed deadline yet. Use the milestones below as a generic 12-month plan; substitute dates once the intake window opens.

12 months out
Register for tests (IELTS/TOEFL/SAT/GRE), shortlist 3–5 universities, identify referees.
6 months out
Sit your tests, draft a personal statement, request transcripts and confirm reference letters.
3 months out
Finalise essays, upload supporting documents, complete the online application portal.
1 month out
Final review, double-check uploaded files, submit a week before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Application deadline
Submit by 23:59 in the sponsor's stated time zone — usually local to the sponsor, not your country.

Ready to apply?

Cross-check the latest eligibility rules and deadline on the sponsor's official portal before you start your application.

Visit official site

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Melbourne Research Scholarship?+

Applicants must be eligible African nationals applying at the Master (Research), PhD level, meet the academic and English-language requirements set by University of Melbourne, and be able to relocate to Australia for the duration of the programme.

Is the Melbourne Research Scholarship fully funded?+

Funding model: Full funding is provided, encompassing 100% fee remission and a stipend. The stipend is $39,500 per year pro rata (2026 full-time rate). A relocation allowance of $2,000 (for interstate Australian students) or $3,000 (for international students) is also provided, along with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students requiring a student visa. The total benefit can be up to $138,000.. Where listed as fully funded, the award typically covers tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance and round-trip airfare. Always confirm the latest funding breakdown on the sponsor's official page.

When is the application deadline?+

The application deadline is The scholarship deadline is linked to the graduate research course application deadlines. For international students, the general deadline is October, and for domestic students, it is late October. Scholarship offers are made around the same time as course offers.. Submit at least one week early — sponsor portals frequently slow or fail in the final 24 hours, and late submissions are not accepted under any circumstances.

What documents do I need to apply?+

At minimum: passport bio page, academic transcripts, CV, personal statement, two to three references, and an English-language test score (IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo). Research-led Masters and PhD applications also require a research proposal and a writing sample.

How can I improve my chance of winning?+

Apply early, tailor every essay to the specific sponsor (do not recycle a generic statement), secure at least one reference who knows your work in detail, and apply to two or three additional scholarships in parallel — never rely on a single application.

What Australian visa do I need for the Melbourne Research Scholarship?+

Scholarship holders enter Australia on a Student visa (Subclass 500). You apply after receiving a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) from your university, and must show your scholarship award letter, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), evidence of the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, and a valid passport. Apply at least 6–12 weeks before your course start date.

Sources

Subclass 500 Student visa

What English-language score do Australian universities require?+

Australian universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) for undergraduate and coursework Masters, and 6.5–7.0 for research degrees. For the Subclass 500 visa, you generally need IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent PTE Academic 42, TOEFL iBT 46) unless your prior degree was taught entirely in English. Some universities accept PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, and Cambridge English alongside IELTS.

Can I stay and work in Australia after my scholarship ends?+

Yes — the Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) lets you stay 2–4 years after completing an Australian degree, depending on the qualification (2 years for a Bachelor or coursework Masters, 3 years for a research Masters, 4 years for a PhD). Regional graduates can apply for an additional 1–2 years. You must apply within 6 months of completing your course and meet English and health requirements.

Sources

Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa

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