University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2026 for Students (Fully Funded)
Application Deadline: Varies by course (Final deadline for current/enrolled applicants: 31 October)
If you’re planning to pursue a research degree in Australia, this is one opportunity you shouldn’t overlook. The University of Melbourne is offering its prestigious Graduate Research Scholarships to both domestic and international students, with generous funding and automatic consideration.
What makes this scholarship stand out is simple: you don’t need a separate application. Once you apply for an eligible research program, you’re automatically in the running.
The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship combines two major funding streams, the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the Research Training Program (RTP). Together, they provide one of the most comprehensive support packages for postgraduate researchers.
Each year, around 600 scholarships are awarded, making it not only prestigious but also relatively accessible compared to highly competitive global programs.
Successful applicants receive full tuition coverage along with a substantial living stipend. For 2026, the annual living allowance is set at $39,500, which is designed to support your day-to-day expenses while you focus on your research.
Another detail many applicants overlook is the automatic consideration process. This removes a major barrier. There’s no need to prepare a separate scholarship application unless you fall into specific categories like deferred or currently enrolled students.
The scholarship is available across a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and health sciences to arts, law, business, and IT, so it suits almost any academic background.
Eligibility
To be considered, you must:
- Apply for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate research program at the university
Selection is based on:
- Academic excellence from your previous degree
- Research potential in your chosen field
- Additional strengths such as:
- Relevant professional experience
- Published research work
- Specialized qualifications
You may also like: Amber Scholar 2026 for International Students ($50,000 Funding)
Benefits
This is a fully funded scholarship, and the support package includes:
- Full tuition fee coverage
- Up to 2 years (Master’s by Research)
- Up to 4 years (PhD)
- Living allowance of $39,500 per year
- Paid for up to 2 years (Master’s)
- Up to 3.5 years (PhD)
- Total funding value up to $135,000
- Relocation grant
- $3,000 for international students
- $2,000 for interstate students within Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students
- Additional benefits like paid sick leave, maternity, and parenting support
Application
For most applicants, the process is straightforward:
- Apply for a graduate research course at the University of Melbourne
- Once submitted, you will automatically be considered for the scholarship
- A scholarship application will be added to your record within 10 working days
However:
- If you are already enrolled or deferred your admission, you must submit an online scholarship application before 31 October
Offers are usually made around the same time as course admission decisions.
For more details, visit University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship.
If you’re aiming for a fully funded postgraduate experience in Australia, this scholarship ticks almost every box: strong funding, no extra application stress, and a globally respected university. The key is to focus on a strong admission application, because that’s what ultimately determines your chances.
