University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027: Fully Funded Master’s and PhD Opportunities

Are you looking for a fully funded scholarship in Australia for 2027? The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships are currently open for eligible domestic and international students planning to undertake a research degree.

The scholarship can provide a full tuition fee offset and a living allowance, making it an important opportunity for students looking to pursue a Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia.

The University of Melbourne states that applications for 2027 are now open and encourages eligible applicants to apply by 31 October 2026.

This guide explains the scholarship benefits, eligibility requirements, application process and what international students need to know before applying.

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027

The Graduate Research Scholarships are offered by the University of Melbourne to high-achieving students undertaking eligible graduate research degrees.

The programme includes scholarships supported by the University of Melbourne and the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP).

The scholarships are available to both domestic and international students and are intended to support students undertaking research-based postgraduate study.

For international students, the scholarship can include both tuition fee remission and financial support for living expenses.

Official scholarship page:
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

What Does the University of Melbourne Scholarship Cover?

One of the main attractions of this opportunity is the combination of tuition support and a living allowance.

According to the University of Melbourne’s current scholarship information, successful applicants may receive:

100% tuition fee remission
A living allowance of AUD $39,500 per year pro rata based on the 2026 full-time study rate
Living allowance for up to 2 years for a Master’s by Research
Living allowance for up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree
Tuition fee remission for up to 2 years for a Master’s by Research
Tuition fee remission for up to 4 years for a doctoral degree
Limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave
Additional scholarship support depending on the applicant’s circumstances

The university lists the overall benefit amount as up to AUD $135,000. Scholarship benefits and allowance rates can be updated, so applicants should check the official scholarship page for the latest terms.

Who Can Apply for the Graduate Research Scholarship?

The scholarship is open to domestic and international students who meet the requirements for an eligible graduate research programme.

International students can apply for research degrees such as:

Master’s by Research
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Other eligible doctoral research programmes

The specific academic requirements depend on the graduate research course you want to study.

The University of Melbourne explains that applicants generally need a qualification considered equivalent to an Australian honours degree or comparable research experience.

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically guarantee admission or a scholarship. Applications are assessed based on the university’s selection criteria.

Are International Students Eligible?

Yes.

The Graduate Research Scholarships are available to international students, making this an opportunity that can be relevant to students from Africa and other regions who want to pursue postgraduate research in Australia.

The University of Melbourne says that international applicants who apply for a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree will automatically be considered for Graduate Research Stipend and Fee Offset Scholarships, provided they meet the relevant conditions.

This means eligible applicants generally do not need to submit a separate scholarship application for these automatic-consideration scholarships.

However, applicants should make sure they submit their graduate research admission application by the relevant scholarship deadline.

What Can You Study?

The University of Melbourne offers graduate research opportunities across a wide range of disciplines.

Potential areas include:

Agriculture and veterinary sciences
Architecture, building and planning
Arts and humanities
Business and economics
Education
Engineering
Environment
Health and medicine
Information technology and computer science
Law
Science
Social sciences
Music and performing arts

The university recommends that prospective students explore available research projects or develop their own research idea before applying.

Explore graduate research programmes:
University of Melbourne Graduate Research Degrees

What Are the Entry Requirements?

Graduate research programmes have their own academic and English-language requirements.

For international applicants, the university states that applicants need to meet the minimum requirements for their selected research course.

Depending on the programme, you may need:

A relevant previous degree
Strong academic results
Evidence of research experience
Academic transcripts
A CV
English-language proficiency
A research proposal
Evidence of research capability
Support from a potential supervisor

Requirements can differ between faculties and programmes, so applicants should carefully check the requirements for their chosen degree.

The university also notes that many graduate research programmes require applicants to obtain in-principle support from a potential supervisor before submitting an application.

Do You Need a Supervisor Before Applying?

This depends on the faculty and programme.

The University of Melbourne recommends that prospective graduate researchers find a suitable supervisor and explore research opportunities before applying.

A research supervisor can be particularly important because your proposed research needs to align with the expertise and research capacity available within the university.

Applicants can search the university’s research opportunities and academic experts before preparing their application.

How to Apply for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship

The scholarship application process is closely connected to applying for an eligible graduate research degree.

Step 1: Choose a research degree

First, identify the Master’s by Research, MPhil, PhD or other eligible research programme you want to pursue.

Step 2: Find a research area

Research the available projects and areas of expertise within your preferred faculty.

Step 3: Identify a potential supervisor

Where required, contact an appropriate academic and discuss your proposed research.

Step 4: Check the entry requirements

Review the academic, English-language and other requirements for your selected programme.

Step 5: Prepare your documents

Depending on your programme, you may need documents such as:

Academic transcripts
CV or résumé
Research proposal
Evidence of English proficiency
Previous degree certificates
Evidence of research experience
Other supporting documents requested by the faculty

Step 6: Submit your graduate research application

International applicants submit their applications directly to the University of Melbourne through its online application system, unless the university specifies another process for their circumstances.

Step 7: Automatic scholarship consideration

Eligible applicants are automatically considered for Graduate Research Scholarships when they apply for an eligible graduate research course by the relevant scholarship deadline.

Apply and check the requirements:
University of Melbourne – International Graduate Research Applications

When Is the Deadline?

The University of Melbourne’s scholarship website currently states that applications for 2027 are open and encourages applicants to apply by:

31 October 2026

However, applicants should not wait until the final day.

Individual graduate research courses and faculties can have their own application closing dates, and some courses assess applications in specific rounds.

For example, the university’s Engineering and IT PhD information currently lists a 11 October 2026 closing date for one 2027 scholarship round. This demonstrates why applicants should check the deadline for their specific programme rather than relying only on the general scholarship date.

Can International Students Get Tuition-Free Study?

Eligible international graduate researchers can receive a tuition fee remission scholarship.

The University of Melbourne states that international students applying for a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree are automatically considered for Graduate Research Stipend and Fee Offset Scholarships. If awarded the relevant fee remission scholarship, tuition fees are offset for the applicable period.

For doctoral students, the tuition fee remission can apply for up to four years, while Master’s by Research students can receive it for up to two years, subject to the scholarship conditions.

This is why the opportunity can be particularly valuable for international students who would otherwise face substantial Australian university tuition costs.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying?

A strong application requires preparation.

If you are applying from Africa or another country outside Australia, consider preparing the following well in advance:

Academic documents:Collect your university transcripts, degree certificates and other academic records.
Research proposal: Develop a clear research idea that demonstrates your understanding of the subject and explains what you want to investigate.
Academic CV: Highlight your education, research experience, publications, projects, professional experience, awards and relevant skills.
English-language evidence: Check whether your programme requires an approved English-language test and confirm the minimum score.
Supervisor research:
Identify academics whose research interests align with your proposed project.
References: Prepare academic or professional referees if your selected programme requires them.

Is the University of Melbourne Scholarship Fully Funded?

The Graduate Research Scholarship can provide a full tuition fee offset together with a living allowance for eligible students.

However, applicants should understand that “fully funded” does not necessarily mean that every possible expense is covered.

Students should still research costs such as:

Accommodation
Food
Flights
Personal expenses
Health insurance arrangements
Visa-related costs
Relocation expenses

The exact financial support available depends on the scholarship awarded and the student’s circumstances.

The university also provides information about fees, living expenses and financial support for international graduate researchers.

Why This Scholarship Could Be Important for African Students

For students across Africa who are searching for fully funded scholarships abroad, research scholarships can provide an opportunity to pursue advanced education without having to cover the full international tuition cost themselves.

The University of Melbourne accepts applications from international students, including those seeking graduate research degrees.

However, applicants should focus on academic preparation and research fit rather than applying simply because the scholarship is fully funded.

Your proposed research, academic background and eligibility for the specific degree all matter.

Important Things to Know Before Applying

Before submitting your application, remember:

The scholarship is primarily for graduate research, not ordinary taught Master’s programmes.
You must meet the admission requirements for your chosen research degree.
Scholarship consideration does not guarantee admission.
Admission does not necessarily guarantee every type of scholarship.
Some programmes may have earlier or separate deadlines.
International students require an Australian student visa to study a full-time graduate research course.
Research programmes can have specific supervisor and proposal requirements.
Always verify the current requirements on the University of Melbourne website before applying.

The university specifically advises international applicants to apply early where possible because visa processing and scholarship assessment can take time.

Final Thoughts

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 2027 offer eligible international and domestic students an opportunity to pursue postgraduate research in Australia with substantial financial support.

For international students, the combination of tuition fee remission and a living allowance can significantly reduce the financial burden associated with postgraduate study.

The university currently has its 2027 scholarship applications open, with 31 October 2026 listed as the general scholarship deadline. However, applicants should check the closing date for their particular graduate research course or faculty before applying.

If you are considering this opportunity, start by choosing your research programme, reviewing the entry requirements, identifying potential supervisors and preparing your academic documents.

Official Application Links

Graduate Research Scholarships:
Apply / View the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship

International Graduate Research Applications:
University of Melbourne International Application Guide

Graduate Research Degrees:
Explore University of Melbourne Graduate Research Degrees

University of Melbourne Scholarships:
Search University of Melbourne Scholarships

check out other opportunities below!

Global Korea Scholarship 2027 for Undergraduates – Fully Funded

Max Planck MTL Internship 2027 in Germany – Fully Funded

CRG Research Training Program 2027 in Spain – Fully Funded

WCSJ Travel Fellowship 2027 in the UK – Fully Funded

Scotland Fully Funded Scholarships 2027–2028 for International Students

Cone Health Executive Office Intern – Temporary Hybrid Internship in North Carolina