Student Management ServicesGraduate Research Scholarships

Quick view tables of scholarships available

The tables below provide the key information about the scholarships offered to graduate research students as part of the Melbourne Scholarships Program. Use the links within the tables to access more detailed information (including how to apply).

All of the scholarships, with the exception of a few of the travelling scholarships, are for study at the University of Melbourne.

The scholarships are split into three types:

Local scholarships - scholarships for local1 students for graduate research studies2 at the University of Melbourne.

1(ie. Australian or New Zealand citizens or Australian permanent residents)

2 (A graduate research course is defined as a course in which research accounts for at least 66% of course requirements.)

International scholarships - scholarships for international3 students for graduate research studies at the University of Melbourne.

3(ie. citizens of countries other than Australia or New Zealand, and not Australian permanent residents)

Travelling scholarships - scholarships for study, research, visits with an academic purpose etc. overseas.

For the 2010 Graduate Research Scholarships Brochure, please click here.

Local scholarships

Name Value & Main Benefits Main Eligibility Criteria Closing Date & Other Information

Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)

 

- Living allowance ($22,500 p/a#)

- Relocation grant and allowance

- Thesis allowance

- Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave

Applicants must:

- Have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year Australian Honours degree that included a research project/component in the final year with a minimum result of: a first class Honours for the APA; and a second class Honours for the MRS.

- Plan to undertake, or be currently enrolled in, a graduate research degree. Applicants who have commenced their graduate research degree must have >=12 months full-time equivalent candidature remaining.

 

Applicants who have previously held an APA for six months or more cannot be considered again for another APA.

- Number awarded: approximately 180 per year

- Funding Source: Australian Federal Government

- Closing Date: October 31

 

Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS) 

- Living allowance ($22,500 p/a#)

- Other benefits as per the APA
- As per the APA (above)

- Number awarded: approximately 120 per year

- Funding Source: the University of Melbourne (jointly funded by the central University and faculties)

- Closing Date: October 31. Applications received after this date will only be considered for any MRSs that remain at the time the application is assessed for scholarship.

Fay Marles Scholarship (FMS)

(Open to applicants planning to undertake graduate a research degree)

- Living allowance ($22,500 p/a full time#)

- Other benefits as per the MRS.

Applicants must be able to clearly demonstrate that they meet at least one of the following criteria:

-they are of Indigenous Australian descent, and/or

-their tertiary studies have been adversely affected by one or more of the following: illness, disability, family responsibilities (eg. child bearing or rearing, sustained care of a dependent family member, etc.), or traumatic event(s) that were beyond their control.

 

H2A (ie. upper second class honours) results are normally required to be in contention for the FMSs.

Number awarded: up to 8 per year

Funding source: The University of Melbourne

Closing Date: October 31
Frederick Blake Shepherd Scholarship

- Living allowance ($22,500 p/a full-time#)

- Other benefits as per the MRS

Applicants must:

-Plan to undertake, or be enrolled in, a research higher degree. Preference is given to disadvantaged candidates.

Not awarded in 2010
Harbison-Higinbotham Research Scholarship

- Living allowance at the value of the net income of the fund for that year (typically $22,500 per annum)

- Other benefits as per the MRS

 

While this scholarship provides paid leave as per the MRS it is not possible to extend the tenure beyond 3 years.

Applicants must:

-Plan to undertake, or be enrolled in, a research higher degree in one of the following areas: history; sociology; economics/commerce; politics; government; administration.

Not Awarded in 2010

Eleanor and Joseph Wertheim Scholarship

(Open to applicants planning to undertake undergraduate, graduate research or graduate coursework degrees)

Living allowance (approx. $20,000 p/a full-time)

Applicants must be:

-An unmarried female

-At least 25 years of age at the application closing date

- Currently enrolled, or planning to enrol in 2010, full-time at the University of Melbourne (at least 37.5 points per semester), with at least 12 months of full time study remaining in their current course

- Able to present evidence that they receive means-tested income from Centrelink or provide evidence of financial need verified by an independent financial adviser or accountatn.

- Able to demonstrate difficult circumstances, for example, having a disability, being a carer or having dependents.

- An Australian citizen or hold an Australian permanent residency or permanent humanitarian visa.

Number awarded: dependent on funding. To be next awarded in 2010 for commencement in 2010.

Funding source: Dr Eleanor Wertheim Scholarship Trust

Closing Date: Please continue to check website for updated details.

 

Please contact the Undergraduate and Graduate Coursework Scholarships Team for further information.

 

 

The Human Rights Scholarship  (HRS)

(Open to local and international applicants planning to undertake a graduate research degree)

- Living allowance ($26,000 p/a full-time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

 

Applicants must:

-Undertake graduate studies in the field of human rights.

-Demonstrate evidence of commitment to the peaceful advancement of human rights over a period of time, beyond academic studies alone.

Number awarded: up to 2 per year

Funding source: the University of Melbourne

Closing Date: October 31
Pratt Foundation Scholarship*

- Living allowance ($27,500 p/a full time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

Applicants must:

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

-Be a Victorian resident

Number awarded: normally 1 per year

Funding source: Pratt Foundation

Closing date: October 31
A.O. Capell Scholarship*; Stella Mary Langford Scholarship*; Henry James Williams Scholarship*

- Living allowance ($27,500 p/a full time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

Applicants must:

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

 

The Henry James Williams Scholarship cannot be awarded to students undertaking music or theology studies.

Number awarded: normally 1 Langford and 1 Williams per year; the Capell is awarded once every 3 years (not to be awarded in 2010)

Funding sources: the A.O. Capell Scholarship Fund; the Stella Mary Langford Scholarship Fund; and the Henry and Louisa Williams Bequest

Closing date: October 31

William and Kate Herschell Scholarship

(Open to local and international applicants)

Living Allowance ($30,000 p/a full time)

Applicants must:

-Plan to undertake, or be enrolled in, a research higher degree in the Faculty of Education

Funding Source: the William and Kate Herschell Scholarship Fund

 

Enquiries about this scholarship should be directed to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education  

Ernst and Grace Matthaei Research Scholarship

- Living allowance ($26,000 p/a full time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

Applicants must:

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

-Undertake research in the field of optics, or on problems logically allied with optics.

Number awarded: normally 1 per year

Funding source: the Ernst and Grace Matthaei Bequest

Closing date: October 31
Sir John and Lady Higgins Research Scholarship

- Living allowance ($26,000 p/a full time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

Applicants must:

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

-Be undertaking research in the field of industrial chemistry and biochemistry which relate directly to the study and development of the pastoral and agricultural industries.

Number awarded: normally 1 every 2 years. 

Funding source: the Sir John and Lady Higgins Research Scholarships Fund

Closing date: October 31
Baillieu Research Scholarship

- Living allowance ($22,500 p/a full time#)

- Other benefits as per the MRS

Applicants must:

-Plan to undertake, or be currently enrolled in, graduate research in medicine, law, commerce, economics or architecture.

-Be a lineal descendent (ie. child, grandchild, great-grandchild, etc) of an Australian soldier or sailor that was killed, blinded or permanently and totally incapacitated while engaged in war service.

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the MRS

Number awarded: as funds permit.

Funding source: Baillieu Research Scholarship Fund

Closing date: October 31

Helen Macpherson Smith Scholarship $8,000 lump sum payment (payable over one year) in addition to an APA or MRS

Applicants must:

-Be female

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

Number awarded: 2 per year (one each awarded to the highest-ranked female APA or MRS recipient entering i. a scientific/ technical discipline, and ii. a humanities/social science discipline.

Funding source: Helen Macpherson Smith Trust

Closing date: October 31
Fred Knight Research Scholarship $8,000 lump sum (payable over one year) in addition to an APA or MRS

Applicants must:

-Meet the eligibility criteria as per the APA

Number awarded: 1 per year

Funding source: Fred Knight Research Scholarship Fund

Closing date: October 31

# 2010 full-time rates  * Prestigious Scholarship

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International scholarships

Scholarship Value & Main Benefits Main Eligibility Criteria Closing Date & Other Information
Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS)

- Full fee remission for each year of the course within candidature requirements

- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Applicants must:

-have received an unconditional course offer for entry to a research higher degree

-completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year Australian Honours degree that included a research project/component in the final year.

 

The minimum tertiary results normally required are: for the IPRS, exceptional first class Honours; for the MIRS and MIFRS first class Honours.

Students who have commenced the graduate research degree for which scholarship is sought may be considered for a MIRS and/or MIFRS if they have at least 12 months candidature remaining.

Number awarded: 35

Funding source: Australian Federal Government

Closing date: August 31. International students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon receiving an unconditional course offer. Currently enrolled students who were initially unsuccessful and would like to reapply should do so via SCHOLS well before the closing date.
Melbourne International Research Scholarship (MIRS) Melbourne International Fee Remission Scholarship (MIFRS)

- The MIRS provides a living allowance ($22,500 p/a full-time#)

and most other benefits as per the MRS

- The MIFRS provides full fee remission as per the IPRS (but not OSHC)

See above

Number awarded: approximately 105 MIRSs and 150 MIFRSs

Funding source: University of Melbourne (jointly funded by faculties and departments)

Closing date: October 31. Applications received after this date will be considered for any MIRSs and MIFRSs that remain at the time the application is assessed for scholarship.

The Human Rights Scholarship  (HRS)

(Open to local and international applicants planning to undertake a graduate research degree)

- Living allowance ($26,000 p/a full-time)

- Other benefits as per the APA

 

Applicants must:

-Undertake graduate studies in the field of human rights.

-Demonstrate evidence of commitment to the peaceful advancement of human rights over a period of time, beyond academic studies alone.

Number awarded: up to 2 per year

Funding source: the University of Melbourne

Closing Date: October 31

William and Kate Herschell Scholarship

(Open to local and international applicants)

 Living Allowance ($30,000 p/a full time)

Applicants must:

-Have received an unconditional course offer into a graduate research higher degree in the Faculty of Education

 

 

Funding Source: the William and Kate Herschell Scholarship Fund

 

Enquiries about this scholarship should be directed to the Melbourne Graduate School of Education  

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Travelling scholarships

Scholarship Value & Main Benefits Main Eligibility Criteria Closing Date & Other Information

Melbourne Abroad Travel Scholarship (MATS)

Open to both local and international University of Melbourne students.

Lump sum payment of up to $1,500

Awarded to University of Melbourne PhD and other research doctorate students to facilitate overseas travel for one or more of the following purposes:

-Collection of field data

-Accessing research materials that are unavailable in Australia

-Presenting papers at relevant conferences

-Working in a laboratory or research institute or meeting relevant researchers

 

Applicants:

-Must have confirmed candidature at the application closing date and at the time of travel

-Must apply before the intended travel

-Cannot have held a MATS previously

Number awarded: approximately 150 per year

Funding source: the University of Melbourne

Closing dates: March 31, August 31

Overseas Research Experience Scholarship (ORES)

Open to both local and international University of Melbourne students.

Lump sum payment of up to $3,500

Awarded to University of Melbourne PhD and other research doctorate students who wish to spend a minimum of three months at an overseas institution engaged in research towards the completion of their doctorate.

 

Applicants:

-Must have confirmed candidature at the application closing date and at the time of travel.

-Must apply before the intended travel.

-Cannot have held a PORES previously.

Number awarded: approximately 50 per year

Funding source: the University of Melbourne

Closing date: March 31, August 31
M.A. Bartlett Special Travel Grant-in-Aid Lump sum payment of $200 Applicants for the MATS and PORES are automatically considered for this grant.

Number awarded: normally 12 per year

Funding source: M.A. Bartlett Scholarship Fund

Closing date: March 31, August 31
Riady Scholarship Lump sum payment of up to $5000

Applicants must:

-Apply for either a MATS or PORES

-Plan to undertake fieldwork in Asia. The fieldwork must relate to an area of Asian culture, history, geography, language, technology, etc.

Number awarded: normally 2 or more per year

Funding source: Mr Tjahaja James Lee Riady

Closing date: March 31, August 31

Rae & Edith Bennett Travelling Scholarship

 

- Living allowance

- Tuition fees

- Establishment allowance

 

(Scholarship valued at approximately $60,000 p/a)

Applicants must:

-Be a student or graduate of the University of Melbourne

-Plan to undertake graduate studies or research in the United Kingdom

Number awarded: at least 2 per year

Funding source: Rae & Edith Bennett Travelling Scholarship Fund

Closing date: June 30

Sir Arthur Sims Travelling Scholarship

 

- Living allowance, and/or

- Tuition fees

 

(Scholarship valued at approximately $20,000 p/a)

Applicants must:

-Be a graduate of any Australian university

-Plan to undertake graduate studies or research in Great Britain        

- Have been born in Australia or have parents who have been Australian residents for seven years or more, with the period of their residence commencing within three years of the birth of their applicant.            

Number awarded: as funds permit. For further information visit Sir Arthur Sims Travelling Scholarship

Funding source: Sir Arthur Sims Travelling Scholarship Fund

Closing date: June 30 

W.E.J. Craig Travelling Scholarship

 

- Living allowance

- Tuition fees

 

(Scholarship valued at approximately $60,000 p/a)

Applicants must:

-Be a University of Melbourne graduate

-Plan to undertake graduate studies or research in animal husbandry at an overseas institution

Number awarded: as funds permit. For further information visit W.E.J. Craig Travelling Scholarship

Funding source: W.E.J. Craig Travelling Scholarship Fund

Closing date: June 30

Frank Knox Fellowship

 

- Living allowance

- Tuition fees

- Health insurance

- Service fee coverage

Applicants must:

-Plan to undertake postgraduate study at Harvard University

-Be citizens of Australia

-Have completed, or are currently studying, a degree at an Australian university and, at the time of application, have spent at least two of the past four years at university

Number awarded: 3 per year

Funding source: Frank Knox Memorial Fellowship program

Closing date: please see MSO website for updated details.
Commonwealth Scholarships in the United Kingdom

 

- Living allowance

- Tuition fees

- Airfares

- Other benefits as per guidelines

 

Applicants must:

-Plan to commence full-time doctoral studies at an eligible UK institution by the start of the UK year in September/October 2009

-Be citizens of Australia

-Hold a first degree of upper second class Honours standard (or above) or a second class degree and a relevant postgraduate qualification, which will normally be a Master’s degree.
Please continue to check MSO website for updated information.

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