Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026

Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 in Australia | University of Melbourne

The Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 in Australia is an undergraduate scholarship opportunity offered at the University of Melbourne for students experiencing disadvantaged circumstances. Established through a gift from Dr James Riady, the scholarship provides financial assistance to eligible domestic students beginning an undergraduate degree.

The scholarship provides a living allowance of AUD 6,500 per year for four years, paid in half-yearly instalments of AUD 3,250. This represents up to AUD 26,000 over four years, with the allowance potentially extended by one additional year for students undertaking eligible extended study pathways.

Preference is given to students who intend to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce, although the scholarship is available to eligible students enrolling in undergraduate study more broadly.

For the 2026 application cycle, the listed deadline is October 9, 2026. Importantly, applicants are not required to submit a separate scholarship application; eligible students are automatically considered when they apply for a University of Melbourne undergraduate course and submit the required VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application.

What is the Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026?

The Riady Foundation Scholarship is a University of Melbourne undergraduate scholarship designed to support students who have experienced disadvantage and may face financial or other barriers to higher education.

The scholarship was established with support from the Riady Foundation and is administered by the University of Melbourne. Selection is based primarily on the level of disadvantage demonstrated through the applicant's VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application, formerly known as SEAS.

The scholarship is particularly relevant to Australian students who have completed Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate in Australia and are preparing to commence university.

Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 – Quick Overview

Scholarship Details	Information
Scholarship Name	Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026
University	University of Melbourne
Country	Australia
Study Level	Undergraduate
Funding Type	Partially Funded
Living Allowance	AUD 6,500 per year
Duration	4 years
Maximum Standard Value	AUD 26,000
Extended Duration	Possible additional year
Eligible Students	Domestic Students
Preferred Course	Bachelor of Commerce
Application Method	Automatic consideration
Deadline	October 9, 2026

The scholarship is intended for domestic students experiencing disadvantage, and preference is given to eligible students intending to study the Bachelor of Commerce.

Benefits of Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026

Successful recipients receive financial assistance throughout their undergraduate studies.

The major benefit is:

• AUD 6,500 living allowance per year

• Paid in two instalments of AUD 3,250

• Support for up to four years

• Potential extension for an additional year under eligible study pathways

• Opportunity to study at the University of Melbourne

• Access to the university's academic and student-support environment

The standard four-year value of the living allowance is AUD 26,000. Students enrolled in the Diploma of General Studies, a concurrent diploma, a Bachelor Extended degree, or a bachelor's degree with honours may have the scholarship extended by one additional year.

This is a living allowance rather than a full tuition-fee scholarship, so students should plan separately for tuition and other education-related costs.

Available Study Fields

The Riady Foundation Scholarship is available to eligible domestic students enrolling in undergraduate study at the University of Melbourne.

Although the scholarship is not restricted exclusively to one discipline, preference is given to students who intend to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce.

Potential undergraduate study areas at the University of Melbourne include:

• Business and Commerce

• Arts and Humanities

• Science

• Engineering

• Design

• Architecture and Built Environment

• Environment

• Health

• Education

• Other eligible undergraduate disciplines

Applicants should confirm that their intended course meets the University of Melbourne's admission and Access Melbourne requirements.

Eligibility Criteria for Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026

Applicants must meet the scholarship's domestic student and undergraduate entry requirements.

Generally, applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or holder of an Australian permanent visa.

• Have completed Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate in Australia.

• Have not completed subjects as part of a previous tertiary course, excluding eligible extension program subjects.

• Apply for an eligible University of Melbourne undergraduate degree.

• Submit the required VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application, formerly known as SEAS.

• Meet the Access Melbourne entry requirements for the University of Melbourne course listed in the applicant's VTAC application.

• Demonstrate disadvantaged circumstances through the information provided in the VTAC application.

Selection is based on eligible students who demonstrate the highest overall level of disadvantage according to the information provided in their VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application.

Disadvantaged Circumstances

The Riady Foundation Scholarship is designed to support students who experience circumstances that may create barriers to university education.

The University of Melbourne uses its broader equity and access framework to assess applicants. Relevant circumstances can include financial disadvantage, personal difficulties, regional or other access-related circumstances, and other factors considered through the VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships process.

Students should provide accurate and detailed information about their circumstances when completing their VTAC application because this information can affect scholarship consideration.

Required Application Materials

There is no separate scholarship application for the Riady Foundation Scholarship.

Instead, eligible students need to complete the relevant university and VTAC application processes.

Applicants should generally prepare:

• University of Melbourne undergraduate course application

• VTAC application

• VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application

• Academic results

• Personal and educational information

• Information supporting relevant disadvantage categories, where required

• Any additional documents requested through the VTAC or university application

Students should carefully complete the equity and disadvantage sections because scholarship selection is based on information submitted through the VTAC process.

How to Apply for Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026?

Students do not need to submit a separate scholarship form.

Follow these steps:

1. Explore eligible undergraduate courses at the University of Melbourne.

2. Choose an undergraduate program that matches your academic interests.

3. Apply for the selected University of Melbourne course through the appropriate admission process.

4. Submit the VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application.

5. Provide accurate information about your personal and educational circumstances.

6. Include relevant disadvantage categories and supporting information where applicable.

7. Ensure that you meet the Access Melbourne entry requirements.

8. Submit all required applications before the relevant deadline.

9. Wait for the university's scholarship selection process.

10. Monitor your email and university application account for the scholarship outcome.

Eligible students are automatically considered for the Riady Foundation Scholarship when they have completed the required admission and VTAC equity application processes.

Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 Deadline

The current Scholarship Union listing gives October 9, 2026 as the deadline for the Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026.

Applicants should not wait until the final day because the scholarship depends on completing the relevant university and VTAC processes.

Scholarship offers are generally made shortly after Victorian Year 12 ATAR results are released in December. Further offers can be made from December onward to eligible students who completed IB or Year 12 at schools outside Victoria.

Scholarship Selection Process

The Riady Foundation Scholarship is not primarily a traditional academic merit scholarship.

Eligible students are ranked according to their overall level of disadvantage, based on the information submitted through the VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application.

Preference is also given to students intending to undertake the Bachelor of Commerce.

This means applicants should focus on accurately explaining their circumstances rather than relying only on academic grades.

Can International Students Apply?

No. The Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 is not open to international students.

Applicants must be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, or Australian permanent visa holder and must have completed Year 12 or IB in Australia.

Therefore, students applying from Pakistan or other countries without Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, or Australian permanent residency are not eligible for this particular scholarship.

This is an important distinction because some third-party scholarship websites may categorize the opportunity under international scholarship listings, but the official eligibility requirements restrict it to domestic students.

Why Apply for Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026?

The Riady Foundation Scholarship provides meaningful financial support to students who may otherwise face difficulties meeting the costs associated with university study.

Receiving AUD 6,500 annually for four years can help students manage living and education-related expenses while studying at the University of Melbourne.

The scholarship is especially valuable for students experiencing disadvantage and those interested in the Bachelor of Commerce, for which preference is given.

Studying at the University of Melbourne can also provide access to a major Australian research university, extensive academic resources, student services, and professional opportunities.

Important Note About Funding

The Riady Foundation Scholarship should be described as a partially funded scholarship, not a fully funded scholarship.

The primary benefit is an AUD 6,500 annual living allowance for up to four years. The scholarship does not state that it covers all tuition, accommodation, travel, or other university expenses.

Students should therefore calculate their remaining tuition and living costs before accepting an offer.

Final Thoughts

The Riady Foundation Scholarship 2026 in Australia is a valuable undergraduate funding opportunity for eligible domestic students experiencing disadvantaged circumstances.

The scholarship provides AUD 6,500 per year for four years, potentially reaching AUD 26,000, with a possible additional year for certain eligible degree pathways. Preference is given to students planning to study the Bachelor of Commerce.

The scholarship does not require a separate application. Students must instead apply for an undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne and submit the relevant VTAC Equity Schemes and Scholarships application.

The current listed deadline is October 9, 2026, so eligible students should complete their admission and equity applications before the closing date. Apply Now