The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS/RTP) is the University of Melbourne’s flagship funding package for high-achieving researchers. It provides a full tuition fee offset, a tax-free living stipend, relocation support, and OSHC (single) for eligible international students, so you can focus on research, not finances. The scholarship sits within the University’s Graduate Research Scholarship portfolio and is available across a wide range of disciplines.
Both Master by Research and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) applicants can be considered, including domestic and international candidates. Awards are competitive and assessed on academic excellence and research potential, typically evidenced through grades, research experience, publications, and the strength of your proposal and referee reports. The package is designed to support sustained, high-quality research at one of the world’s leading universities.
Applying is straightforward: new applicants are automatically considered for scholarship when they submit their graduate research course application by the course deadline. Current or deferred students submit a brief online form (commonly due 31 October) to be considered for the following year. Strong early preparation, shortlisting supervisors, refining your research statement, and checking English-language requirements will improve your competitiveness.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: eligibility, funding details, timelines and rounds, how selection works, a step-by-step application plan, document checklists, supervisor-finding tips, and common mistakes to avoid. You’ll also see program durations (typically up to 2 years for a Master by Research and up to 4 years for a PhD, with stipend support usually up to 3.5 years for PhD) and practical notes on OSHC and relocation.
Scholarship at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Institution | University of Melbourne |
| Study Levels | Master by Research, PhD |
| Program Length | Up to 2 years (Master by Research); up to 4 years (PhD) |
| Quantity | ~600 Graduate Research Scholarships overall; ~350 specifically listed for MRS/RTP stream |
| Funding (headline) | 100% fee remission + benefits valued up to AUD $135,000 |
| Stipend (2025 rate) | AUD $38,500/year (fortnightly), up to 2 years (Master) or 3.5 years (PhD) |
Scholarship Coverage
- Full Fee Offset: Up to 2 years (Master by Research) or 4 years (Doctoral).
- Living Stipend: AUD $38,500/year (2025 full-time rate), paid fortnightly; indexed; includes limited paid sick/parental/partner leave; up to 2 years (Master) or 3.5 years (PhD).
- Relocation Grant: AUD $2,000 (from within Australia) or AUD $3,000 (from overseas).
- OSHC (Single) for internationals who require a student visa (arranged via the University’s preferred provider when applicable).
Eligibility
You’re considered if you (a) apply for and meet the entry requirements of a UniMelb graduate research degree or (b) are currently enrolled in one. All domestic admits receive an RTP Fee Offset; stipend+fee packages are awarded competitively based on academic merit and research potential (publications, experience, etc.).
Minimum academic background: UniMelb notes graduate-research applicants are normally expected to have at least a four-year bachelor (or equivalent) with strong results; check your course page for exact thresholds.
English language: You must meet UniMelb’s Graduate English language requirements (accepted tests, score bands, and validity windows). Course-specific bands apply.
Deadlines & When to Apply
- New applicants: Apply for your course by its closing date—you’re automatically considered for Graduate Research Scholarship. UniMelb says you’ll get confirmation that a scholarship application was added to your record within 10 business days of submitting your course application.
- Current or deferred candidates: Submit the online scholarship form by 31 October to be considered for the following year (confirmation typically within 10 business days of submitting the form).
How to Apply (4 Easy Step)
- Choose your course (read the entry & ELP requirements on the official course page).
- Line up a supervisor/project (use “Find a supervisor” and “Find an Expert”).
- Prepare documents (CV, transcripts + grading scale, research proposal/statement, referees, English test if required, passport ID). Exact lists vary by course—check yours.
- Submit the course application (auto-consideration for scholarship).
- If current/deferred: lodge the 31 Oct scholarship form for reconsideration.
Required Documents (Typical)
- Academic transcripts & degree certificates
- CV/Resume (include publications/outputs)
- Research proposal/statement
- Two academic referees (as required by course/faculty)
- English test (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge)
Selection: How You’re Ranked
Panels assess academic performance and research potential (e.g., prior degree level, publications, relevant experience). Domestic admits receive the RTP fee-offset by default; stipend awards are competitive. See official terms & conditions for benefit rules (stipend payments, OSHC allowance, relocation).
All disciplines with graduate research programs are eligible. Start with the University’s course search and faculty pages; then shortlist projects/supervisors.
Holders of Australian Student visa (subclass 500) must have OSHC for the length of their visa. If the University arranges OSHC, it is typically with Bupa (visa-length cover; singles/couple/family options). Read the OSHC guidance for what’s covered and how to get your card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to contact supervisors—start early and show fit
- Missing the 31 October form if you’re current/deferred
- Assuming you meet ELP without checking course-specific bands
- Submitting a weak/unclear research proposal
