The Melbourne Research Scholarship offers high-achieving domestic and international students full fee remission, generous stipends, and relocation support for graduate research degrees at the University of Melbourne.
The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) stands as one of the most prestigious and comprehensive funding opportunities offered by the University of Melbourne. Designed to attract and support high-achieving domestic and international students, this scholarship enables talented researchers to pursue Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) degrees with substantial financial support and minimal administrative burden.
With no separate scholarship application required for most applicants, the Melbourne Research Scholarship removes common barriers to postgraduate study and ensures that academic excellence and research potential are recognised and rewarded.
What Is the Melbourne Research Scholarship?
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is awarded to students enrolling in, or currently undertaking, a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students and is awarded based on academic merit and research potential, rather than financial need.
Each year, approximately 350 scholarships are awarded across a wide range of disciplines, supporting research that contributes to global knowledge, innovation, and societal impact.
A Fully Funded Graduate Research Opportunity
One of the defining features of the Melbourne Research Scholarship is its generous funding package, which can be valued at up to AUD $135,000, depending on the degree and duration of study.
1. Full Fee Remission (Fee Offset)
Successful recipients receive a 100% tuition fee offset, covering:
- Up to two years for a Masters by Research
- Up to four years for a Doctoral (PhD) degree
For domestic students, the fee offset is typically provided through the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP), offered automatically with the course offer.
2. Living Allowance (Stipend)
Students who receive the stipend component of the scholarship are awarded a fortnightly living allowance, currently valued at:
- AUD $38,500 per year (2025 full-time study rate)
The stipend is paid for:
- Up to two years for Masters by Research students
- Up to 3.5 years for Doctoral students
The allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick leave, parental leave, and partner leave, offering stability and support throughout the research journey.
3. Relocation and Health Cover Support
Additional benefits further ease the transition to studying in Melbourne:
- Relocation allowance
- AUD $2,000 for students moving from outside Victoria
- AUD $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Single membership for international students requiring a student visa
Together, these benefits ensure that scholars can focus on their research without undue financial pressure.
Who Is Eligible?
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is open to a broad pool of candidates, provided they meet the academic and enrolment criteria.
Eligible Applicants 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
The scholarship is available for both:
- Future students (those applying to commence study)
- Current students (including those seeking funding after enrolment or following a deferral)
Selection Criteria: How Recipients Are Chosen
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is highly competitive and awarded to candidates ranked highest by faculty-based selection panels.
Key factors considered include:
- Academic performance in previous tertiary studies
- Demonstrated research potential in the chosen field
- Completion of prior degrees at a relevant level
- Relevant professional or research experience
- Refereed academic publications
- Specialist qualifications (including professional or creative outputs such as original music compositions, where applicable)
Selection is strictly merit-based, ensuring that the scholarship supports candidates most likely to excel in advanced research.
How to Apply: Automatic Consideration
One of the most attractive aspects of the Melbourne Research Scholarship is its automatic consideration process.
For New Applicants:
- Students who apply for a graduate research course by the course application deadline are automatically considered for the scholarship.
- Within seven days of submitting the course application, applicants receive confirmation that they are being considered for a range of graduate research scholarships.
For Current or Deferred Students:
- Students who have deferred their course offer to the following year, or who are already enrolled and seeking a scholarship, must submit an online scholarship application form.
This streamlined process ensures that applicants are considered for funding without navigating multiple complex applications.
When Are Scholarship Outcomes Released?
- Domestic students typically receive confirmation of a Research Training Program (Fee Offset) together with their course offer.
- Offers for scholarships that include both a stipend and fee offset are made separately, usually around the same time as course offers.
Terms and Conditions
All Melbourne Research Scholarships are awarded subject to the Graduate Research Scholarships Terms and Conditions, which govern matters such as enrolment status, progress requirements, leave entitlements, and continuation of funding.
A Gateway to World-Class Research
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is more than financial support—it is an investment in future researchers, innovators, and leaders. By removing financial barriers and recognising academic excellence, the scholarship enables students to fully immerse themselves in world-class research at one of Australia’s leading universities.
For students with strong academic records and a passion for discovery, the Melbourne Research Scholarship represents a powerful opportunity to pursue advanced research with confidence, stability, and global recognition.
APPLY HERE
Join our WhatsApp Channel: Click here to join
Join our Telegram Channel: Click here to join
