The Human Rights Scholarship at the University of Melbourne offers significant financial support to both domestic and international students pursuing graduate research in human rights, with applications open from May 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025.
The University of Melbourne Scholarships are currently open for interested international and domestic candidates willing to pursue a postgraduate degree in Australia.
The Human Rights Scholarship is offered as 100% fee remission and up to $92,400 in stipends, allowances, and fees.
SCHOLARSHIP AT A GLANCE:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Status | Open for applications |
| Type | Masters, PhD |
| Applications Open | 1 May 2025 |
| Applications Close | 31 Oct 2025 |
| Benefit Amount | Up to $94,200 |
| Eligible Study Level | Graduate research |
| Eligible Student Type | Domestic and international students |
| Eligible Study Stage | Future study, Current study |
| Benefit Duration | One or more years |
| Benefits | Living allowance ($42,000/year for up to 2 years for Master’s or 3.5 years for Doctorate), Full fee offset, Relocation grant, OSHC for international students |
| Living Allowance | $42,000 per year (pro rata, indexed annually), up to 2 years (Master’s) or 3.5 years (Doctorate) |
| Relocation Grant | $2,000 (within Australia), $3,000 (outside Australia) |
| Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) | Provided for international students requiring a student visa |
| Quantity | 2 |
| Eligibility | Meet entry requirements for Master’s/Doctorate at University of Melbourne, commitment to human rights, no prior research qualification at the same or higher level, full-time study intention |
| Selection Criteria | Academic merit, commitment to human rights, strength of supporting documentation |
| Notification of Outcome | By email in February of the following year |
| Further Information | Refer to “Manage my scholarship” and the Graduate Research Scholarship Terms & Conditions |
Facts About the University of Melbourne
- Second Oldest University in Australia: Established in 1853, the University of Melbourne is Australia’s second oldest university and the oldest in Victoria.
- Impressive Alumni: The university boasts an illustrious alumni list, including four Australian prime ministers and five governors-general.
- Nobel Laureates Galore: Eight Nobel Laureates have taught, studied, or conducted research at the University of Melbourne, the highest number among Australian universities.
- Historic and Scenic Campus: The university’s main campus in Parkville is home to the historic Old Quad building, opened in 1855, and the picturesque University of Melbourne Botany School.
- Extensive Research Network: Associated with numerous prestigious research institutes like the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health.
- Global Recognition: Member of elite groups such as the Group of Eight, Universitas 21, and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities.
- Innovative Curriculum: In 2008, the university introduced the Melbourne Model, a bold restructuring of its curriculum, adopting a North American-style two-degree undergraduate/graduate structure.
- Historic Milestones for Women: In 1883, Julia ‘Bella’ Guerin became the first woman to graduate from an Australian university with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne.
- Diverse Campus Life: Home to ten residential colleges offering a blend of accommodation, academic, sporting, and cultural programs.
- Major Capital Works: The university has embarked on a $2 billion capital works program over the past decade, transforming its campuses with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Commitment to Social Issues: Recent student-led movements have seen the university engaging in global issues, including calls for divestment from companies associated with controversial practices.
- Transgender Support and Free Speech: Implemented a groundbreaking speech policy in 2021 aimed at protecting transgender individuals while preserving freedom of speech principles.
- Wage Theft Controversy: The university has faced and addressed significant wage theft and underpayment controversies, with repayments amounting to millions of dollars.
- Planned Future Campus: A new $2 billion campus at Fishermans Bend, set to open in 2026, will focus on engineering and continue the university’s expansion.
- Cultural Protests: In 2024, students occupied campus spaces in solidarity with Pro-Palestine movements, demonstrating the university community’s engagement with global humanitarian issues.
Details For 2025 University of Melbourne Scholarship (Human Rights Award)
The University of Melbourne in Australia annually invites local and international students to apply for the Human Rights Scholarship.
The scholarship is offered to domestic or international students who are enrolling in a graduate research degree and undertaking research in the field of Human Rights.
Eligible applicants are selected on the basis of academic merit, the area of study in and level of commitment to human rights, and the strength of supporting documentation.
Requirements For 2025 University of Melbourne Scholarship (Human Rights Award)
To be considered for the Human Rights Scholarship, you must:
- have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- be currently enrolled in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
- intend to undertake graduate research in the field of Human Rights
- be committed to the peaceful advancement of respect for human rights that extends beyond academic studies (such as voluntary work and/or work experience);
- have not already completed a research qualification at the same or higher level as the course for which a scholarship is sought
- intend to study as a full-time student unless there are compassionate or compelling circumstances that prevent you from undertaking full-time study
- not have previously received a Human Rights Scholarship
Duration and Reward For 2025 University of Melbourne Scholarship (Human Rights Award)
- Living allowance of $42,000 per year pro rata (2024 full-time study rate) for up to 2 years for students undertaking a Master by research degree or up to 3.5 years for students undertaking a Doctoral degree.
- Full fee offset for up to two years for students undertaking a Masters by Research degree or up to four years for students undertaking a doctoral degree.
- Relocation grant of $2,000 for students moving from States or Territories outside Victoria or $3,000 for students moving from outside Australia.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) Single Membership for international students who require a student visa to study in Australia
How To Apply For 2025 University of Melbourne Scholarship (Human Rights Award)
To apply for the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship as a new student, you need to;
- have applied for a graduate research course by the application closing date for that course, you will be automatically considered for the Graduate Research Scholarships.
- You will receive a notification that a scholarship application has been added to your record within ten business days of having submitted your course application.
- Proceed to submit an online Human Rights Scholarship application.
- Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email in February of the following year.
Click on the button below to begin your application.
Source: https://scholarships.unimelb.edu.au/