Melbourne Research Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded)

if you’re finishing a bachelor’s or master’s and itching to tackle some serious research projects in Australia, the Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) is one of those game-changers that makes it all possible without the money panic. It’s a top-tier fully funded graduate scholarship from the University of Melbourne, dishing out around 350 spots a year to sharp internationals chasing masters by research or PhD programs.

This MRS scholarship Australia setup lets you zero in on breakthroughs in fields like biomedical sciences, engineering research, or environmental programs, with everything from tuition fee offsets to a hefty living allowance thrown in.

Details About Melbourne Research Scholarship

Host Country	Australia (Melbourne, VIC)
Host Institution	University of Melbourne
Degree Level	Masters / PhD (Graduate Research)
Eligibile For	International students
Benefits	Fully Funded
Number of Awards	~350 per year
Duration	2 years Masters / 3.5-4 years PhD
Application Fee	Varies by course (~AUD 130, waivable)
Deadline	Varies by course

Melbourne Research Scholarship Overview

The University of Melbourne isn’t just any school — it’s a powerhouse driving innovation in science and technology, social sciences, and health studies, with alumni shaping everything from vaccines to urban design. The MRS scholarship targets high-achievers ready for graduate research degrees, spanning 2 years for masters research or up to 4 years for doctoral research. You can pick from killer options across schools like the Melbourne School of Engineering, Melbourne Medical School, Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Melbourne Business School, or even niche spots like the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and Victorian College of the Arts.

See Also: Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship 2026

What elevates this in the stack of Australian PhD scholarships for international students? It’s merit-fueled, ranking you on past academics and research potential, with extras like thesis allowances or paid leave baked in. As an international, you’re diving into a diverse crew — 40%+ from abroad — tackling real issues like climate adaptation or AI in health, all while soaking up Melbourne’s trams, street art, and endless flat whites.

Scholarship Benefits

The support here is solid and thoughtful, easing the shift Down Under.

• Full fee offset → tuition wiped clean — up to 2 years for masters by research, 4 years for PhD research.
• Living allowance → $38,500 AUD per year (2026 rate, full-time) for up to 2 years masters or 3.5 years PhD.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) → single membership for visa holders, sorting doctor visits, hospital stays, and even ambulance rides.
• Relocation grant → $3,000 AUD if you’re flying in from overseas, or $2,000 from interstate — perfect for that initial Airbnb or flight home.
• Other perks → limited paid sick/maternity/parenting leave, thesis allowance (varies by field), and access to professional development programs like workshops or conference funding.

Eligibility Requirements for 2026 Intake

They keep it merit-based but open — it’s about proving you’re a fit for rigorous postgraduate research in Australia.

• Applied and eligible for a masters by research or doctoral degree at Melbourne, or already enrolled.
• Strong academic record: High marks in your last degree (think 80%+ or equivalent), plus signs of research output like publications, projects, or relevant experience.
• English proficiency: IELTS 6.5+ overall or TOEFL iBT 79+ if your prior studies weren’t in English.
• Open to internationals from all countries — no quotas, just your potential shining through.

For MRS eligibility criteria, they weigh factors like professional gigs in your field or creative works (e.g., original compositions for music PhDs). It’s all about that spark for advanced research degrees, whether in population health or custom graduate programs.

See Also: Imperial College London President’s PhD Scholarship 2026

Required Documents

Tailor these to showcase your research aptitude:

• Academic transcripts and degree certificates from prior studies.
• Proof of English — IELTS / TOEFL scores if required.
• Research proposal (for some programs) — outline your aims, methods, and impact.
• CV — highlighting publications, experience, or awards in your study area.
• References — two academic or professional, vouching for your potential.

For newbies, it’s all via your course app; enrolled folks upload extras online. Keep formats clean (PDFs) for University of Melbourne graduate applications.

How to Apply For Melbourne Research Scholarship

It’s mostly seamless — no standalone form for fresh apps.

1. Scout your program: Pick a masters research or PhD in your faculty (e.g., School of Biomedical Sciences).
2. Submit course app by deadline — include transcripts, English proof, proposal if needed.
3. Auto-flag for MRS: Within 7 days, you’ll get email confirmation you’re in the running.
4. If deferred/enrolled: Log into the online scholarship form, upload extras like updated CV/refs.
5. Await ranking: Panels score on merit; decisions sync with admission.
6. Accept and relocate: If yes, sort visa/OSHC — uni guides you.

The MRS application process rewards strong course apps, so nail that proposal for fields like Melbourne School of Design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Sources

For full details and deadline visit the official Melbourne Research Scholarship page.