The University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive range of scholarships designed to support international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, and research degrees. From the prestigious Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship to the widely available Research Training Program funding, these awards help talented students from around the world access one of Australia's leading universities. Understanding which scholarships align with your academic goals and how to navigate the application process is essential for maximising your chances of securing financial support.
This guide covers the major university of melbourne scholarships international students can apply for in 2026, including eligibility requirements, what each award covers, and how to strengthen your application. Whether you are planning a PhD, a master's by research, or a coursework degree, the right scholarship can make your Melbourne education financially viable.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Administering body | University of Melbourne |
Main scholarship categories | Research Training Program (RTP) scholarships, Melbourne Graduate Scholarships, Chancellor's awards |
Eligibility | International students (non-Australian citizens or permanent residents) applying for or enrolled in eligible programmes; specific academic merit and residency requirements vary by award |
Application process | Most research scholarships are assessed automatically upon admission application; some awards require separate applications via the University of Melbourne scholarships portal |
Current award values and deadlines | Check the official University of Melbourne scholarships website at scholarships.unimelb.edu.au for up-to-date stipend amounts, fee coverage, and closing dates |
Melbourne Graduate Scholarships for international students
Melbourne graduate scholarships encompass a range of awards targeting different study levels and academic disciplines. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving international students and reduce the financial barriers to studying at one of Australia's Group of Eight universities.
Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship
The Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship is one of the most accessible awards for international students applying to coursework master's programmes. This scholarship recognises academic excellence and provides a partial tuition fee reduction to help offset the cost of postgraduate study. Eligibility is based on your prior academic record, and the university automatically considers all eligible applicants when you apply for admission to a qualifying graduate coursework programme.
Because the scholarship is awarded on merit, maintaining a strong academic transcript throughout your undergraduate or previous postgraduate studies is critical. The award does not cover living expenses, so you will need to budget separately for accommodation, food, and other costs while in Melbourne.
Melbourne Global Scholars Award
The Melbourne Global Scholars Award is another merit-based scholarship aimed at international students enrolling in graduate coursework programmes. This award typically offers a larger tuition fee remission than the Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship and may be available to students across a wider range of faculties. Selection criteria emphasise academic achievement, leadership potential, and the applicant's contribution to their community or field of study.
Applicants do not need to submit a separate scholarship application in most cases; the university assesses your eligibility based on the information provided in your course application. However, you should review the Graduate Research Scholarships page and the specific award guidelines to confirm whether additional documentation or statements are required.
Melbourne Research Scholarships for PhD and master's by research
Research students form a significant part of the University of Melbourne's international cohort, and the institution offers robust funding through the Research Training Program and university-funded research scholarships. These awards are essential for PhD candidates and master's by research students who need full financial support to complete their degrees.
Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
The Research Training Program scholarship, often referred to as the RTP scholarship, is funded by the Australian Government and administered by the University of Melbourne. It is the primary source of financial support for domestic and international research students. The RTP scholarship covers tuition fees and, for eligible recipients, provides a living allowance stipend to support you during your candidature.
International students who receive an RTP scholarship benefit from full tuition fee coverage and may also be awarded the RTP stipend, which helps with day-to-day living costs in Melbourne. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic merit, research potential, and the quality of your research proposal. You apply for the RTP scholarship by submitting a research application to the University of Melbourne; there is no separate scholarship form, but your application materials, including your research proposal, academic transcripts, and referee reports, are assessed together.
For current stipend rates and eligibility details, consult the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships page.
Melbourne Research Scholarship
The Melbourne Research Scholarship is a university-funded award that complements the RTP scheme. It is available to high-achieving international students undertaking a PhD or master's by research degree. Like the RTP scholarship, the Melbourne Research Scholarship typically covers tuition fees and provides a living allowance stipend. In some cases, students may receive both an RTP fee offset and a Melbourne Research Scholarship stipend, or the awards may be combined depending on funding availability and university policy.
Selection is highly competitive and based on academic excellence, the strength of your research proposal, and your potential to contribute to your field. Because research scholarships are assessed as part of your admission application, submitting a compelling research proposal and securing strong academic references are crucial steps.
Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship and other prestigious awards
For the most outstanding international applicants, the University of Melbourne offers a small number of highly prestigious scholarships that provide comprehensive financial support and additional benefits.
Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship
The Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship is one of the university's most distinguished awards, recognising exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community engagement. This scholarship is available to both undergraduate and graduate students, including international applicants, and it typically covers full tuition fees plus a generous living allowance.
Recipients of the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship are selected not only for their academic records but also for their demonstrated leadership, extracurricular involvement, and potential to make a positive impact in their communities and professions. The selection process is rigorous, and applicants are usually required to submit a separate scholarship application, including personal statements, evidence of leadership and community service, and referee reports.
Faculty-specific and discipline-based scholarships
In addition to university-wide awards, many faculties at the University of Melbourne offer their own scholarships for international students. These awards may target specific disciplines such as engineering, medicine, business, or the humanities, and they often have tailored eligibility criteria related to your field of study or research area.
Faculty scholarships can range from small grants that cover part of your tuition to substantial awards that include stipends and research support. When you apply for admission, check whether your intended faculty has dedicated scholarships and whether you need to submit additional materials or a separate application.
Melbourne scholarship eligibility and how to apply
Understanding melbourne scholarship eligibility is the first step in securing funding. While each scholarship has its own criteria, there are common requirements across most University of Melbourne awards for international students.
General eligibility requirements
To be eligible for university of melbourne international student funding, you must typically meet the following conditions:
Hold international student status (not be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen)
Have received an offer of admission, or be applying for admission, to an eligible University of Melbourne programme
Meet the academic merit threshold for the specific scholarship, which is usually based on your prior degree results and, for research awards, the quality of your research proposal
Satisfy any additional criteria set by the scholarship, such as residency requirements, field of study, or demonstrated financial need
Some scholarships, particularly research awards, require you to be enrolled full-time and on-campus in Melbourne. Others may have specific nationality or regional eligibility, such as awards for students from particular countries or scholarship partnerships.
Application process and deadlines
The melbourne scholarship application process varies depending on the type of award. For most research scholarships, including the RTP scholarship and Melbourne Research Scholarship, you do not submit a separate scholarship application. Instead, the university automatically considers you for available funding when you apply for admission to a research degree. Your application for admission, including your academic transcripts, research proposal, and references, serves as your scholarship application.
For coursework scholarships such as the Melbourne International Graduate Scholarship and Melbourne Global Scholars Award, the process is similarly streamlined: you apply for your degree programme, and the university assesses your eligibility for scholarships based on your application materials. However, prestigious awards like the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship typically require a separate, detailed application with additional essays, evidence of leadership, and referee statements.
Application deadlines vary by scholarship and intake period. Research degree applications are often assessed in multiple rounds throughout the year, while coursework scholarships may align with semester start dates. Always check the official University of Melbourne scholarships portal at scholarships.unimelb.edu.au for the most current deadlines and application instructions.
Strengthening your scholarship application
Competition for University of Melbourne scholarships is intense, so presenting a strong application is essential. Consider the following strategies:
Academic excellence: Maintain the highest possible grades in your current or most recent degree, as most scholarships are awarded primarily on academic merit.
Research proposal quality: For research scholarships, invest significant time in developing a clear, feasible, and innovative research proposal. Seek feedback from potential supervisors and mentors before submitting.
Strong references: Choose referees who know your academic work well and can provide detailed, positive assessments of your abilities and potential.
Leadership and impact: For awards like the Chancellor's Scholarship, demonstrate your leadership, community involvement, and commitment to making a difference in your field or society.
Clear communication: Write concisely and persuasively in any personal statements or essays, highlighting your achievements, goals, and why you are an excellent fit for the scholarship and the University of Melbourne.
Other sources of university of melbourne international student funding
Beyond the major scholarships outlined above, international students at the University of Melbourne can explore additional funding sources to support their studies.
External scholarships and government awards
Many international students receive funding from their home governments, non-profit organisations, or international scholarship programmes. Examples include scholarships for Chinese PhD students, Fulbright awards for US students, and Commonwealth Scholarships for students from eligible Commonwealth countries. The University of Melbourne partners with several of these schemes, and you can find information about external awards on the university's scholarships website.
If you are considering external funding, start your research early, as application deadlines for government and foundation scholarships are often six to twelve months before the academic year begins.
Research grants and faculty support
Research students may also be eligible for additional grants to cover fieldwork, conference travel, or specialised equipment. These grants are typically administered by your faculty or graduate research office and can supplement your main scholarship. Speak with your supervisor and the graduate research coordinator in your faculty to learn about available opportunities.
Part-time work and financial planning
While scholarships provide crucial support, many international students also work part-time to help cover living expenses. Australian student visa conditions allow international students to work a certain number of hours per week during term time and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. Balancing work and study requires careful planning, especially if you hold a research scholarship with full-time study requirements.
For budgeting and cost-of-living guidance, the University of Melbourne's student services and the Australian Government's Study in Australia website offer helpful resources.
Exploring more scholarship opportunities
The University of Melbourne is just one of many institutions in Australia offering generous support to international students. If you are still exploring your options or want to compare awards across universities and countries, the Zovra scholarships database allows you to search and filter scholarships by destination, study level, and field of study, helping you identify the best funding opportunities for your academic journey.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for multiple University of Melbourne scholarships at the same time?
Yes, you can be considered for multiple scholarships simultaneously. For most awards, the university automatically assesses your eligibility when you apply for admission, so you do not need to choose between scholarships. However, you can typically only hold one major scholarship at a time, and the university will offer you the most generous award for which you qualify. If a scholarship requires a separate application, such as the Chancellor's Scholarship, you can submit that in addition to being considered for automatic awards.
Do I need to apply separately for the Research Training Program scholarship?
No, there is no separate application for the RTP scholarship. When you submit your application for admission to a research degree at the University of Melbourne, you are automatically considered for available RTP funding. Your academic record, research proposal, and references are assessed together, and if you are offered admission, the university will inform you whether you have been awarded an RTP scholarship as part of your offer package.
What is the difference between the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the RTP scholarship?
Both the Melbourne Research Scholarship and the RTP scholarship support research students, and both can cover tuition fees and provide a living stipend. The RTP scholarship is funded by the Australian Government, while the Melbourne Research Scholarship is funded by the university. In practice, you may receive an RTP fee offset combined with a Melbourne Research Scholarship stipend, or you may be awarded one or the other depending on available funding and your ranking in the selection process. The university manages the allocation, and the specific combination will be detailed in your offer letter.
Are University of Melbourne scholarships available for undergraduate international students?
Yes, the University of Melbourne offers scholarships for undergraduate international students, including the Melbourne Chancellor's Scholarship and other merit-based awards. However, the range of scholarships for undergraduates is more limited compared to postgraduate and research students. Undergraduate applicants should review the scholarships portal carefully and consider external funding sources, such as government scholarships from their home countries, to supplement university awards.
When should I apply for University of Melbourne scholarships for 2026 entry?
Application deadlines vary by scholarship and programme. For research scholarships, applications are often assessed on a rolling basis, but it is advisable to apply at least six to nine months before your intended start date to maximise your chances of securing funding. Coursework scholarships typically align with semester intakes, so check the official University of Melbourne scholarships website for specific closing dates. Applying early not only improves your scholarship prospects but also allows time to arrange visas and other logistics if you are successful.
