University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship 2025 with Visa Sponsorship for International Students

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs offered by the University of Melbourne to support international students pursuing Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) programs. The scholarships provide financial support, tuition fee waivers, and living allowances, and include visa sponsorship, making them ideal for international students looking to advance their research careers in Australia.

This guide will cover the step-by-step application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, application links, and deadlines for the 2025 intake. Let’s get started!

University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

The University of Melbourne offers several research scholarships for international students, but the main ones include:

1. Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS)
2. Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship
3. Graduate Research Access Scholarship (GRAS)

Each of these scholarships provides varying levels of support for research students based on academic merit and research potential.

Key Benefits of the Graduate Research Scholarships

1. Full Tuition Fee Coverage: Full waiver of tuition fees for up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students and up to 4 years for PhD students.
2. Living Allowance: An annual living stipend of approximately AUD 34,400 (2024 rate, indexed annually) for up to 2 years (Masters) or 3.5 years (PhD).
3. Relocation Grant: One-time relocation payment of AUD 2,000 for international students moving to Melbourne.
4. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Health insurance coverage for the student and any dependents.
5. Visa Sponsorship: Support for obtaining the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
6. Additional Benefits: Paid sick leave, parental leave, and other allowances.

Duration of the Scholarship

• Master’s by Research: Up to 2 years.
• PhD (Doctoral) Degree: Up to 3.5 years (with possible extensions).

These scholarships are designed to cover the standard duration of the research program, and extensions are possible under certain conditions.

Eligibility Criteria for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

To be eligible for a Graduate Research Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. International Status: Be an international student (i.e., not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or Australian Permanent Resident).
2. Course Offer: Have applied for and received an unconditional offer of admission for a Master’s by Research or PhD at the University of Melbourne.
3. Academic Qualifications:
   • For Master’s by Research: Hold a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum overall grade equivalent to a First-Class Honours in Australia.
   • For PhD: Hold a Master’s degree with a significant research component or a Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honours.
4. Research Potential: Demonstrate a strong research background, with publications, research experience, or a well-defined research proposal.
5. English Language Proficiency: Meet the University of Melbourne’s minimum English language requirements (typically IELTS 6.5 overall, no band less than 6.0; or equivalent TOEFL/PTE scores).

Additional Considerations: Priority is often given to applicants who have already engaged with a prospective supervisor and whose research proposal aligns with the university’s strategic research focus areas.

How to Apply for the University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

Step 1: Choose a Research Program and Identify a Supervisor

1. Select Your Research Program: Decide whether you want to pursue a Master’s by Research or a PhD at the University of Melbourne.
2. Find a Research Supervisor: Identify a potential supervisor whose research aligns with your proposed research topic. You can use the Find a Supervisor Tool to browse research supervisors at the university.
3. Engage with the Supervisor: Reach out to the potential supervisor, present your research proposal, and discuss your research interests.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

You will need the following documents to apply for admission and the scholarship:

1. Certified Copies of Academic Transcripts: From all previous institutions attended.
2. Research Proposal: A clear and concise research proposal outlining your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Highlighting academic achievements, research experience, and professional experience.
4. Letters of Recommendation: Two or more academic references from previous professors or research supervisors.
5. Proof of English Language Proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent test scores meeting the university’s requirements.
6. Statement of Purpose: A compelling statement explaining your motivation for applying and how your research aligns with Melbourne’s priorities.

Step 3: Apply for Admission to the University of Melbourne

Before applying for the scholarship, you must first apply for a research degree at the University of Melbourne:

1. Create an Account on the University’s Application Portal: Go to the University of Melbourne Online Application Portal to create an account.
2. Complete the Application Form: Provide your personal details, academic background, and research interests.
3. Attach the Required Documents: Upload your research proposal, academic transcripts, CV, and letters of recommendation.
4. Submit the Application: Once completed, submit the application and await the outcome.

Important: You do not need to submit a separate scholarship application. If you apply for a research degree, you will be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.

Step 4: Submit a Graduate Research Scholarship Application (If Required)

For some specific scholarships (e.g., Melbourne Research Scholarships or RTP), you may need to complete additional forms:

1. Indicate Your Scholarship Preference: During your course application, select that you wish to be considered for a Graduate Research Scholarship.
2. Submit Additional Documents: Attach any additional documents as requested.

Step 5: Await the Outcome and Prepare for Visa Sponsorship

1. Receive Notification: The University of Melbourne will review your application, and successful applicants will be notified by email.
2. Acceptance and Visa Sponsorship: Once you accept the scholarship offer, the university will provide guidance on applying for the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).

Read Also

• Charles Darwin University Scholarship 2025 with Visa Sponsorship for International Students

 Key Application Links and Deadlines

• University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships Page:
  Graduate Research Scholarships Information
• Find a Research Supervisor Tool:
  Find a Supervisor at University of Melbourne
• University of Melbourne Online Application Portal:
  University of Melbourne Application

Key Deadlines for the 2025 Intake:

• Application Opens: December 1, 2024
• Application Closes: October 31, 2024
• Scholarship Outcomes Announced: Early December 2024

Note: Some scholarships may have different deadlines depending on the course start date. Check the Graduate Research Scholarships Page for specific deadlines.

 Visa Sponsorship Process

Once you are awarded a University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship, the university will assist you with the visa sponsorship process:

1. Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE): After accepting the scholarship, you will be issued a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), required for your visa application.
2. Prepare the Visa Documents: You will need:
   • CoE from the University of Melbourne.
   • Valid Passport.
   • Proof of Financial Support (covered by your scholarship).
   • Health Insurance (OSHC).
   • Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Statement.
3. Submit the Visa Application: Apply online through the Australian Home Affairs Website.
4. Visa Sponsorship Support: The university will guide you through each step of the process.

 Contact Information for Assistance

• University of Melbourne Scholarships Office:
  • Email: scholarships-office@unimelb.edu.au
  • Phone: +61 3 9035 5511

For more details, visit the Graduate Research Scholarships Page.

The University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships offer an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue world-class research with full financial support and visa sponsorship. By following this guide and preparing your application carefully, you can increase your chances of securing a scholarship to study at one of Australia’s top research universities.

Good luck with your application!