Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)

The Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS) stand among the most prestigious fully funded research awards offered by the University of Melbourne—consistently ranked as one of the top 30 universities globally. Designed for high-achieving scholars worldwide, MRS provides complete financial support for students pursuing Master by Research and Doctoral (PhD) programs.

With a combination of full tuition coverage, living stipend, health insurance, relocation grant, and paid leave benefits, the MRS is regarded as one of Australia’s most generous research scholarships. For students dreaming of advanced research, global exposure, and academic excellence, MRS is a transformational opportunity.

What Makes the Melbourne Research Scholarship Special?

The MRS program is not merely a funding opportunity; it is a gateway to:

• World-class faculty supervision
• One of the strongest research ecosystems in Australia
• Access to laboratories, libraries, and high-impact research networks
• A multicultural and academically vibrant environment

Whether you aim to become a leading researcher, academic, innovator, or industry expert, MRS equips you with the resources and platform to excel.

What MRS Covers – Complete Scholarship Benefits

The Melbourne Research Scholarship offers a comprehensive financial package that allows you to fully dedicate your time and energy to research.

Full Tuition Fee Offset

• Covers 100% tuition fees
• Duration:
  • 2 years for a Master by Research
  • 4 years for a PhD

You pay zero tuition costs for your entire degree.

Living Stipend

• AUD $38,500 per year (2025 full-time rate)
• Paid fortnightly
• Provided up to:
  • 2 years (Master)
  • 3.5 years (PhD)
• Includes:
  • Sick leave
  • Maternity & parental leave

This stipend ensures that scholars can live comfortably while studying in Melbourne.

Relocation Allowance

• AUD $2,000 for interstate students
• AUD $3,000 for international students

A significant support for students relocating to Australia.

Health Insurance (International Students)

• Full Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
• Covers entire visa/student duration

Research Resources & Additional Support

• Access to world-leading research facilities
• Personalized supervisor mentorship
• Graduate research workshops
• Opportunities to attend conferences, publish, and collaborate internationally

Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria

The MRS is open to both domestic and international students, making it one of the most inclusive and globally competitive scholarships in Australia.

You must:

General Requirements

• Apply for or be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree
• Meet academic entry requirements
• Show strong academic performance and research potential

Academic Requirements

A competitive applicant will generally have:

• A high distinction or equivalent academic record
• Strong research background (thesis, publications, or research projects)
• Relevant undergraduate/graduate qualification

English Language Requirements

International applicants must meet University of Melbourne’s English standards (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE accepted).

Selection Process – How Winners Are Chosen

The MRS selection process is highly competitive and merit-based.

Selection is based on:

• Academic excellence
• Quality and potential of the research proposal
• Previous research experience
• Professional achievements (if any)
• Alignment with faculty research priorities
• Supervisor availability

Each faculty ranks applicants and awards scholarships to the highest-ranked candidates.

How to Apply for the Melbourne Research Scholarship

The application process is simple and fully online.

Step 1 — Choose Your Research Program

Select:

• Master by Research
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Identify your research area and potential supervisor.

Step 2 — Submit Application for Admission

You apply directly through the official University of Melbourne portal.

Important:

There is no separate scholarship application required for MRS.

Step 3 — Automatic Scholarship Consideration

Once your academic program application is submitted, you are automatically considered for MRS.

Step 4 — Upload Required Documents

These include:

• Academic transcripts
• CV/Resume
• Research proposal
• Reference letters
• English test scores
• Supervisor expression (if applicable)

Step 5 — Await Faculty Evaluation

Your file is reviewed for both admission and scholarship ranking.

Step 6 — Receive Offer

Successful candidates receive:

• Letter of offer for admission
• Scholarship award letter

Application Deadlines

The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) operates without a single, universal deadline; its assessment is integrated with your graduate research course application dates across competitive annual rounds. For new applicants, the course application deadline is the automatic scholarship deadline. While general assessment deadlines often fall around October 31st and January 31st, candidates must check specific faculty/department dates, as these vary. Currently enrolled or deferred students must apply separately by the internal deadline, typically October 31st annually. Submitting a complete application on time is crucial, as late or incomplete submissions severely reduce the likelihood of success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is the Melbourne Research Scholarship fully funded?

Yes — it covers tuition fees, stipend, relocation, and health insurance.

2. Do I need to apply separately for MRS?

No. You are automatically considered after applying for a research degree.

3. Is the scholarship open to international students?

Absolutely. MRS welcomes applicants from all over the world.

4. How long does the scholarship last?

• 2 years for Master by Research
• Up to 4 years (fee offset) and 3.5 years (stipend) for PhD

5. What is the stipend amount?

AUD $38,500 per year (tax-free).

6. How competitive is the MRS?

Very competitive — awarded to top-ranked applicants.

7. Do I need a supervisor before applying?

Some faculties encourage this; others require it.

8. When will I get the result?

Typically within 8–12 weeks after submitting a complete application.

Conclusion: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Researchers Worldwide

The Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) is more than just a scholarship — it is a prestigious academic passport to joining one of the world’s most advanced research communities. With complete funding, expert mentorship, global exposure, and world-class research infrastructure, MRS empowers exceptional scholars to pursue groundbreaking research without financial limitations.

For ambitious students aspiring to make meaningful academic contributions, whether in science, engineering, arts, humanities, medicine, or social sciences, MRS offers a life-changing platform to build a remarkable future.

If you dream of studying in Australia, conducting impactful research, and becoming part of a world-leading academic network — the Melbourne Research Scholarship is the opportunity you should not miss.