The University of Melbourne runs one of Australia’s largest graduate research funding programs, offering around 600 Graduate Research Scholarships each year to high-achieving students starting a Masters by Research or a doctoral (PhD) degree. The awards are open to both domestic and international students, which makes them a genuine route for African researchers who want to study at a top-ranked Australian university.
What sets these scholarships apart is that you don’t file a separate scholarship application. If you apply for an eligible graduate research course by that course’s closing date, you’re automatically considered. The next intake covered here begins in 2026, and because the program runs on an annual cycle, deadlines vary by faculty rather than sitting on a single fixed date.
For an African applicant, the combination of a full fee offset, a yearly living allowance, a relocation grant and Overseas Student Health Cover removes most of the financial barriers that usually make studying abroad difficult, provided you first secure a place in a research degree.
Scholarship benefits
- Full fee offset for up to two years for a Masters by Research, or up to four years for a doctoral degree.
- Living allowance of $38,500 per year (pro rata, based on the 2026 full-time study rate) for up to two years for Masters by Research students, or up to 3.5 years for doctoral students.
- Relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from an Australian state or territory other than Victoria, or $3,000 for those moving from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who need a student visa to study in Australia.
Eligibility checklist
✔ You have applied for, and meet the entry requirements for, an eligible graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne or you are already enrolled in one.
✔ You are undertaking a Masters by Research or a doctoral (PhD) degree.
✔ You are either a domestic or an international student (both groups are eligible).
✔ You have submitted your course application by the relevant faculty’s application closing date to be automatically considered.
Application tips for African students
- Focus first on getting accepted into a research degree — the scholarship follows the course application, so a strong admission case is your real priority.
- Contact a potential supervisor early. Research degrees usually require you to identify an academic whose work aligns with yours, and a supportive supervisor strengthens both your admission and scholarship prospects.
- Plan your English test (IELTS or TOEFL) months ahead so your score is ready before the faculty closing date. Don’t let a delayed test push you past the cut-off.
- Get your transcripts and degree certificates officially certified, and translated into English where needed, well before you apply.
- Draft a sharp research proposal that shows a clear question, feasibility and fit with Melbourne’s research strengths. This is often what separates funded candidates from the rest.
- Line up strong referees early, ideally academics who supervised your prior research and can speak to your capacity for independent work.
- Check the specific closing date for your chosen faculty and apply comfortably ahead of it, since deadlines vary across the university.
How to apply
There is no separate scholarship form. New students who apply for an eligible graduate research course by that course’s application closing date are automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships. Because each faculty sets its own deadline, you should confirm the closing date and full requirements for your specific program. Access the official details and application information here: University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply for these scholarships?
Both domestic and international students who have applied for, or are enrolled in, an eligible Masters by Research or doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne. This includes African students, subject to meeting the course entry requirements.
Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. If you apply for an eligible graduate research course by that course’s closing date, you are automatically considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship.
What does the scholarship cover?
It provides a full fee offset, a living allowance of $38,500 per year (pro rata, 2025 rate), a relocation grant of $2,000 or $3,000, and OSHC Single Membership for international students who require a student visa.
How long does the funding last?
The fee offset covers up to two years for a Master’s by Research and up to four years for a doctoral degree. The living allowance covers up to two years for Master’s by Research students and up to 3.5 years for doctoral students.
When is the deadline?
Deadlines vary and the program runs on an ongoing, annual basis each faculty sets its own course application closing date. Check the official page for the deadline that applies to your program.
How many scholarships are available?
The University of Melbourne offers about 600 of these awards each year.