Melbourne Research Scholarship – Eligibility, Benefits & How to Apply

🌟 About the Scholarship

Opens
Closes31 May, 2026

The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) supports high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship provides full tuition fee remission for the duration of the degree—up to two years for Master’s by Research and up to four years for PhD students. Recipients receive a generous living stipend of AUD 39,500 per year (2026 full-time rate), paid fortnightly and pro rata according to enrollment status. The stipend includes certain paid leave entitlements, such as limited sick, parental, and partner leave. Additionally, the scholarship offers a relocation allowance: AUD 2,000 for students moving within Australia and AUD 3,000 for those relocating from overseas. International students who require a visa also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership.

🎓 Scholarship Snapshot

Here’s everything you need at a glance: the documents to prepare, what the award covers, and key dates so you don’t miss a beat. From transcripts and essays to tuition and living support, this gives you a clear picture of the Melbourne Research Scholarship before you apply.

Eligible Countries

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Seirra Leone, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Korea, South Sudan, South-Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syrian Arab Republic, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tokelau, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Study Fields

Accounting, Actuarial Studies, Agricultural Sciences, Architecture, Building and Planning, Arts, Biomedical Science, Business Administration and Analytics, Chemistry, Dental Science, Education, Engineering and IT, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Law, Management, Marketing, Medicine, Music, Psychology, Sciences, Social Work, Surgery, Veterinary Science

GPA / Grade

70%-95%+

Languages

C1 Advanced 169, IELTS 6.5, PTE A 64, TOEFL iBT 81

Tests

Study Levels

Master's, MS, PhD

Total Scholarships

350

Transcripts

Yes

Degrees

Yes

Essay

Yes

Passport ID

Recommendation Letters

Yes (2)

Result Date

Program Start

September 2026

Tuition Fee

Covered

Living Allowance

Yes

AUD 39,500/year

Travel Allowance

AUD 2,000- 3,000

Research Grant

Health Insurance

Visa Assistance

📞 Contact Information

Call if you want a quick answer, send an email for detailed questions, or follow the university’s social channels to keep an eye on updates and reminders. Use whatever fits your style and timezone.

Scholarship Summary

Award AmountAUD 39,500/year
Deadline31 May, 2026
LevelMaster's, MS, PhD
InstitutionUniversity of Melbourne
CountryAustralia
ModeOnline
TypeFully funded

Apply Now

The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) supports high-achieving domestic and international students pursuing graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship applies to both Master’s by Research and Doctoral (PhD) programs. It provides comprehensive financial assistance throughout the duration of the research degree. By reducing financial barriers, the MRS enables students to focus fully on their research.

Background and Purpose

The University of Melbourne established the MRS to attract and retain excellent researchers. The scholarship promotes academic excellence and fosters innovation across disciplines. Furthermore, it supports the development of future leaders in academia, industry, and society. By offering financial stability, the MRS allows scholars to pursue ambitious research projects. It also reinforces the university’s commitment to providing a supportive and stimulating research environment.

Melbourne Research Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides full tuition fee remission for the duration of the degree—up to two years for Master’s by Research and up to four years for PhD students. Recipients receive a generous living stipend of AUD 39,500 per year (2026 full-time rate), paid fortnightly and pro rata according to enrollment status. The stipend includes certain paid leave entitlements, such as limited sick, parental, and partner leave. Additionally, the scholarship offers a relocation allowance: AUD 2,000 for students moving within Australia and AUD 3,000 for those relocating from overseas. International students who require a visa also receive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must apply for admission to a graduate research degree by the relevant closing date. Both domestic and international students are eligible. The selection process is merit-based, focusing on academic excellence and demonstrated research potential. Most candidates are automatically considered for the scholarship when they submit their admission application.

Melbourne Research Scholarship Application Process

Applicants do not usually need to submit a separate scholarship application. The university reviews all admission applications and determines scholarship eligibility simultaneously. Successful candidates are notified through the University’s scholarship portal, generally at the same time as the course offer.

Opportunities for Scholars

Recipients gain access to world-class research facilities, expert supervision, and interdisciplinary collaborations. They also participate in professional development programs and networking opportunities. As a result, scholars enhance their research skills, expand their global perspectives, and prepare for leadership roles in their chosen fields.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is eligible?

Domestic and international students who have applied for or are enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne are eligible for automatic consideration.

Do I need to apply separately?

No, you’re automatically considered when you apply for your graduate research course by the deadline.