Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRS)
MRSs are funded by the University of Melbourne (jointly funded by the central University and faculties). Each faculty has a limited number of MRSs to award.
Number
Each year the University of Melbourne offers about 220 new Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRSs) of which about 120 are awarded to local students wishing to undertake graduate research degree studies at the University.
Benefits & conditions
Benefits provided by the MRS are as per the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and include:
- a living allowance of $19,425 per annum (2008 rate);
- Relocation Grant of $2,500 to Australian and New Zealand recipients who are moving from interstate or overseas in order to study at the University of Melbourne. MRS recipients may also be eligible to claim (upon application and presentation of receipts) a Relocation Allowance for specific relocation expenses;
- Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2008 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2008 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates;
- Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
Please click on the following link for the conditions relating to the MRS, which includes information about duration of awards; commencement requirements etc.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year Australian Honours degree with a minimum result of second class Honours.
Applicants must plan to undertake, or be currently enrolled in, a graduate research degree*.
Applicants who have commenced their graduate research degree must have at least 12 months full-time or equivalent candidature remaining.
Applicants who have previously held an MRS, FMS or HRS cannot be considered for another MRS.
Please click on the following link for further information about eligibility criteria.
*Graduate research degrees have a research component of at least 66%.
Selection criteria
Selection will be based on the eligibility criteria and academic merit.
Application process
Applicants must complete and submit an online application via SCHOLS to the Melbourne Scholarships Office by 31 October (or the next working day if 31 October falls on a weekend) with all the required documents.
In exceptional circumstances a scholarship application form may be obtained by contacting the Graduate Research Scholarships Office.
Incomplete applications (eg. required document/s not provided) will not be considered for scholarship.
Application outcome
Applicants should view the progress of their application at: cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/status
Applicants will also be advised via standard mail as soon as an outcome to their scholarship application is determined.
Closing date & timelines
31 October (or the next working day if 31 October falls on a weekend). Applications received after 31 October will only be considered for any Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRSs) that remain at the time the application is assessed.
For detailed selection timelines please refer to the table of timelines for local applicants.