University of Melbourne Scholarships in Australia (2025 Guide)

Looking for a University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia that pays your way?

You’re in the right place.

Types of University of Melbourne Scholarships in Australia (2025)

So you’re serious about getting a University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia, but you’re not sure what funding is available.

Let’s fix that.

The University of Melbourne doesn’t operate a one-size-fits-all scholarship model. Instead, it offers a tiered mix of automatic, merit-based, research, and equity-based awards, each with its own rules, value, and application requirements.

Here’s the breakdown you need to get clear on where you fit.

Main Categories of Scholarships at the University of Melbourne

Scholarship Type	Who It’s For	Value	Application Required?
Automatic Entrance Scholarships	High-achieving undergrad applicants	$5,000 – $56,000	No – awarded on offer
Graduate Research Scholarships (MGS)	Master’s by research & PhD students	Full tuition + $37,000 +/year stipend	Yes – during program application
Equity Scholarships	Students with financial need (mostly domestic)	Varies – bursaries, fee relief	Yes – via Access Melbourne or VTAC
International Undergraduate Awards	Global students with top academic performance	$10,000 – 100% tuition	Yes – some automatic, some need application
External or Partner Awards	Industry, foundations, government	$5,000 – full tuition + living	Apply separately; stackable with Melbourne aid

Key Takeaways:

Some scholarships are granted automatically when you apply. No extra forms.
Others are highly competitive and require applications, proposals, or nominations.
Graduate and research students can access Australia’s most generous funding streams — but only if they meet early deadlines.

Translation: If you’re unsure which category applies to you, you could leave money on the table.

Once you know the category, the next move is clear:
Let’s break down the top University of Melbourne scholarships you should aim for.

Top Scholarships at the University of Melbourne in Australia

Whether you’re an international undergrad, a high-scoring Aussie student, or a research-driven PhD candidate, these scholarships could change your life.

Let’s zero in on the most valuable University of Melbourne scholarships in Australia — the ones with the highest payouts, the best perks, and the biggest long-term impact.

1. Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship (Domestic & NZ students)

ATAR of 99.90+
Free HECS (tuition), annual living allowance, and a guaranteed graduate pathway
No application — automatic based on results

Tip: If you’re a domestic high school student in Australia, this is the scholarship you should aim for.

2. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

For international students applying for undergrad
$10,000, 50%, or 100% of tuition fees
No separate application — awarded based on academic results

Tip: The better your grades, the more they’ll waive. Apply early.

3. Graduate Research Scholarships (MGS)

For master’s by research or PhD students (domestic & international)
Full tuition + living stipend (approx. $37,000/year) + relocation grants + health insurance
Apply via degree program — no separate form required

Tip: One of Australia’s most generous research scholarships — but deadlines matter. Plan ahead.

4. Research Training Program (RTP)

Funded by the Australian Government, awarded by Melbourne
Covers full tuition + living stipend for research students
Can be held alongside MGS

Tip: This one’s stackable. If you aim for a PhD, you want to be considered for RTP and MGS.

5. Access Melbourne Program (Equity-Based)

For domestic students experiencing disadvantage (financial, regional, etc.)
Offers adjusted ATARs, bursaries, and scholarship support
Apply via VTAC + Access Melbourne

Tip: If your background qualifies, this can be the edge that gets you both admission and funding.

Once you know the best awards, the next question is:

“Which of these are open to international students?”

If you’re applying from outside Australia and wondering if you’re eligible for a University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia, the answer is a loud yes.

Scholarships for International Students at the University of Melbourne

The University of Melbourne is one of the most generous universities in the country for international student funding — from partial tuition waivers to fully funded research scholarships that cover everything from fees to flights.

Here’s what’s available and how to go after it.

Top Scholarships for International Students at Melbourne

1. Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship

$10,000, 50%, or 100% tuition fee remission
Automatically offered based on academic merit
No separate scholarship application is needed

Strategy: The better your high school results, the bigger the discount. Apply early in your academic year for better chances.

2. Graduate Research Scholarships (MGS)

For international master’s by research and PhD students
Full tuition, living stipend (~$37,000), relocation, and OSHC (health coverage)
Apply by October 31 for Round 1

Strategy: Tailor your research proposal carefully and secure strong academic references. This is one of the best-funded PhD scholarships in Australia.

3. Research Training Program (RTP)

Offered by the Australian Government
Covers full tuition + annual living stipend
Often bundled with MGS

Strategy: You’ll automatically be considered if applying for a research degree, but confirm with your faculty.

4. Australia Awards Scholarships (for eligible countries)

Fully funded: tuition, return airfare, living allowance
For citizens of Asia-Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East
Apply through the Australian Government (DFAT)

Strategy: These awards require you to return home and contribute to development — excellent for long-term planning.

Bonus: Faculty-Specific Awards Open to International Students

Melbourne Business School International Awards
Faculty of Engineering and IT Graduate Merit Scholarships
Law School Entry Scholarships
Architecture Dean’s Honours Awards

Strategy: Many are automatically considered with your degree application—make sure to apply to the right course and submit your documents early.

How to Apply for a University of Melbourne Scholarship in Australia

So, you’ve found the right University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia. How do you get it?

Don’t overcomplicate it.

Most Melbourne scholarships fall into two camps:

Automatic (you’re considered when you apply to the course)
Competitive (you submit extra documents, essays, or references)

Here’s your game plan, step by step:

Step-by-Step Scholarship Application Process

Step	What You Do	Who This Applies To
1️⃣	Choose your course / program at Melbourne	All applicants
2️⃣	Submit your university application (via VTAC for undergrads or Melbourne Portal for postgrads)	Domestic + international
3️⃣	Check the scholarship type: automatic or application-based	All
4️⃣	Submit extra materials if needed (CV, reference letters, research proposal, personal statement)	MGS, RTP, faculty awards
5️⃣	For research students: indicate scholarship interest during application	Postgrad only
6️⃣	Track your portal + email for scholarship decisions	All

Key Application Tips

Apply early — some scholarships close before course deadlines
Have documents ready: CV, academic transcript, English test results, passport
Double-check faculty deadlines — some law, engineering, or medicine awards have internal cutoffs
For research: your proposal and supervisor match matter more than your grades

You’ve got the strategy.

Now let’s get serious about deadlines — because missing one can cost you $50,000+.

University of Melbourne Scholarship Deadlines in Australia

If you’re applying for any scholarship, missing a deadline is the fastest way to miss the money.

Some scholarships close before you’ve even submitted your course application.

Others require you to lock in documents months in advance.

So here’s your cheat sheet — the official deadlines for 2025–2026, updated for domestic and international students.

Key Scholarship Deadlines at Melbourne (2025–2026)

Scholarship	Application / Nomination Deadline	Notes
Graduate Research Scholarships (MGS)	Oct 31, 2025	Includes RTP, stipend, relocation, OSHC
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship	Rolling – based on admission date	No separate form; awarded with offer
Access Melbourne (Equity Program)	Sep 30, 2025	Apply via VTAC (for domestic undergrads)
Chancellor’s Scholarship (Domestic/NZ)	Dec 2025 (auto via ATAR)	No application required
Australia Awards Scholarships	Apr 30, 2025 (varies by country)	Apply through DFAT – separate process
Faculty-Specific Awards	Feb–Aug 2025 (varies by faculty)	Confirm with program / faculty coordinator

Tip: Graduate research and Australia Awards are the most deadline-sensitive. If you’re applying for 2026 entry, you need to start in early 2025.

Timeline for 2026 Entry Applicants:

Month	What You Should Do
Jan–Mar 2025	Choose your program, start contacting supervisors (PhD)
Apr–Jun 2025	Prepare your documents, apply for external awards
Jul–Sep 2025	Submit uni + scholarship applications (VTAC + grad portal)
Oct 2025	Final call for research scholarship applications
Dec 2025 – Feb 2026	Offers released, visa preparation starts

Next up? Scholarships don’t just come from the university itself. Let’s talk about external scholarships you can combine with Melbourne funding.

External Scholarships You Can Use at the University of Melbourne

Here’s something most students don’t realize:

A University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia doesn’t disqualify you from getting more funding.
You can often stack external awards on top of what the university gives you.

Whether you’re applying from Nigeria, India, Indonesia, or right here in Victoria, government grants, private fellowships, and international funders are ready to cover your tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Let’s break down the best external scholarships you can use alongside your Melbourne offer.

Top External Scholarships You Can Combine with Melbourne Funding

Scholarship	Who It’s For	Value	Where to Apply
Australia Awards Scholarships	Citizens of eligible low-income countries (Asia, Africa, Pacific)	Full tuition, airfare, monthly stipend	DFAT
Commonwealth Scholarships	Students from Commonwealth nations	Tuition + living support	National contact points in each country
Fulbright Scholarships	US citizens pursuing graduate study	Up to AUD $30,000	Fulbright.org.au
Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program	High-achieving African students	Full funding + leadership training	Through Melbourne Uni or partner institutions
Endeavour Leadership Program (limited availability)	Postgrad study or research in Australia	Tuition + $15,000–$25,000 living	Australian Government (archived — verify annually)

How to Make External Funding Work for You:

Apply separately — these awards are not included in your UoM application
Confirm stackability — many external awards allow you to receive university funding, too
Apply early — most external programs close 3–6 months before university deadlines
Keep every acceptance letter — you may need to declare awards when confirming admission

Next?

We’ll answer the top questions most students are afraid to ask out loud.

FAQs – University of Melbourne Scholarships in Australia

The following are some of the top questions students often ask when applying.

Can international students get a full scholarship at the University of Melbourne?

Yes. The Graduate Research Scholarship (MGS) and Australia Awards Scholarships offer full tuition, stipends, and relocation support.

For undergrads, the Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition.

Do I need to apply separately for Melbourne scholarships?

It depends.

Entrance scholarships are automatic.
Graduate research, external, and equity-based awards require applications or opt-ins during your course application. Always check the official site.

Are University of Melbourne scholarships in Australia only for high-achievers?

Mostly — but not exclusively.

While merit is key for many awards, others (like Access Melbourne) focus on financial need, regional hardship, or educational disadvantage.

Can I apply for more than one scholarship?

Yes — and in many cases, you should.

You can often combine university awards with government or private scholarships (like Australia Awards, Fulbright, or Commonwealth funds).

Is IELTS or TOEFL required to apply for scholarships?

Yes, if you’re an international applicant, most scholarships and programs require proof of English language proficiency.

Exemptions apply if you’ve previously studied in English.

Can I lose my scholarship once I’ve received it?

Yes.

Most awards have academic progress requirements, and some require full-time enrollment or continued enrollment in a specific degree program.

Read the conditions carefully before accepting.

Final Thoughts – Why Scholarships Make the University of Melbourne Possible

The fact is — the University of Melbourne isn’t cheap, especially if you’re coming from across the globe.

But you’re not just here to pay fees.

You’re here to compete. To get in. And win funding that makes the journey possible.

Whether you’re applying for a bachelor’s degree, a master’s in research, or a fully funded PhD, there’s a University of Melbourne scholarship in Australia with your name on it — if you move now.

You’ve got:

A list of the top scholarships (domestic + international)
A full breakdown of deadlines and documents
Strategies for stacking external funding
Answers to the questions that stop most students before they start

Now, it’s about action.

Apply early.
Submit strategically.
Stack your funding.

And show up with the mindset that this opportunity is yours to take.