If you are thinking about studying abroad, especially at a top-tier institution like the University of Melbourne (UniMelb) — this guide is for you. In this article, we will explain in simple language everything you need to know about “University of Melbourne Scholarships for International Students: A Complete Guide”. You’ll learn what scholarships are available, who qualifies, how to apply, and important tips to increase your chances.
Why Scholarships at University of Melbourne Matter
Studying at the University of Melbourne can be expensive — especially for students from other countries. Scholarships help reduce this burden by either covering part or all of your tuition fees, offering living allowances, or helping with other costs like health insurance or relocation.
For many international students, scholarships make the difference between being able to afford going and having to turn down the opportunity.
Overview: Types of Scholarships for International Students
The University of Melbourne offers a wide range of scholarships for international students. These include:
- Undergraduate scholarships (for Bachelor’s degree)
- Graduate / Master’s coursework scholarships
- Graduate research scholarships (for research-based Master’s or PhD)
- Partner/institution-specific scholarships (for students coming via certain partner institutions)
- Other support: bursaries, accommodation grants, travel or mobility awards
Depending on your background, academic results, and course, you may be eligible for one or more of these. Scholarships+3Scholarships+3Scholarships+3
Key Undergraduate Scholarships
Here are some of the main scholarship types for undergraduate international students:
Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (MIUS)
- What it offers: 25% tuition fee remission (discount) for the duration of the bachelor’s degree. Scholarships
- Who is eligible: High-achieving students from countries with low per-capita GDP (as defined by the University), applying for their first bachelor’s degree (i.e. no prior tertiary studies). Scholarships
- How selection works: Scholarship awarded based on academic merit (exam results or equivalent qualifications). Scholarships
- How to apply: No separate application is needed — if you apply for admission, you are automatically considered. Scholarships+1
- What happens if you get it: You receive a reduced tuition fee (by 25%) for at least one year, possibly more — depending on course and scholarship terms. Scholarships
Note: Not all international students get this — only those from eligible countries and with strong academic records.
Commerce Undergraduate International Merit Scholarship
If you plan to study Bachelor of Commerce:
- Benefit: 50% fee remission (i.e., you pay only half the tuition fees) for the duration of the Commerce degree (up to 300 credit points). Scholarships
- Eligibility: International students who complete an approved Year 12 program (or equivalent), meet entry requirements for the Commerce course, and receive an unconditional offer. Scholarships
- Selection: Based purely on academic merit. Scholarships
- Application process: Automatic — you do not need a separate scholarship application. Scholarships+1
Commerce Undergraduate International Partner Scholarship
For some students coming from specific partner institutions:
- Benefit: 50% tuition remission for the Commerce degree. Scholarships
- Eligibility: Must have studied at a recognized partner institution (for example, the specified foundation or pre-university colleges) and meet entry requirements for B.Com. Scholarships
- Selection & Application: Automatic consideration once you apply and get unconditional offer. Scholarships+1
Graduate-Level Scholarships (Master’s / Coursework)
If you are pursuing graduate (post-graduate) coursework (not research), the University of Melbourne also offers scholarships for international students. One example is:
Science Graduate Scholarship (International)
- Benefit: Up to AUD 10,000 tuition fee remission (one-time) for certain eligible Master’s programs (in science, environment, food science, etc.) Scholarships
- Eligibility: Must be an international student (not Australian or NZ citizen/resident), apply full-time, and not already receiving another tuition-waiver of similar size. Scholarships
- Selection criteria: Academic merit — typically you need a strong entry score (e.g. 80% or above, or 85% for specific courses) to qualify. Scholarships
- Application: Automatic — if you meet criteria and are admitted, scholarship assessment is done automatically. Scholarships+1
For other graduate coursework scholarships (in business, economics, other fields), eligibility and benefits may vary. It’s always best to check the official scholarship page for the most up-to-date information. Scholarships+1
Graduate Research Scholarships (Masters by Research, PhD)
If you plan to study via research — for example, Master by Research or PhD — the University offers generous funding options. According to published information and scholarship‐listing websites:
- The University offers full tuition fee waivers (or offsets) for research students. IDP IELTS India+1
- In many cases, there may also be living allowances, relocation grants, and health coverage (though benefits may vary depending on the scholarship scheme). IDP IELTS India+1
Because research scholarships are quite competitive, you will often need a high academic profile (strong prior results, possibly relevant research experience, good references, etc.) to be considered.
Other Types of Support — Bursaries, Accommodation, Travel
Scholarships at the University of Melbourne are not limited to tuition fee discounts or waivers. There are a number of other supports that international (and domestic) students may access:
- Accommodation support: Some scholarships or bursaries assist with accommodation costs in residential colleges or University housing. Study+1
- Grants & bursaries: For financial hardship, living expenses, or other needs while studying. Study+1
- Mobility/travel awards: For example, if you’re studying abroad for a semester or conducting exchange programs, there are grants to support travel, living, etc. Students+1
These aids are especially useful for international students who might otherwise struggle with living costs, accommodation, or travel.
How Selection & Application Work
It can feel complicated, but here is a simpler breakdown:
- Apply for admission to your chosen course (undergraduate or graduate) like any international applicant. Study+1
- Automatic consideration: Many of the main scholarships do not require a separate scholarship application. Once you submit course application and meet eligibility, you’re automatically considered. Scholarships+3Scholarships+3Scholarships+3
- Assessment based on criteria: Selection depends on academic merit (grades, school-leaving results), finances (for need-based or country-based scholarships), and sometimes prior institutions (for partner scholarships). Scholarships+3Scholarships+3Scholarships+3
- Receive your scholarship offer: If awarded, scholarship offer comes along with your admissions letter (or soon after). For some scholarships, this happens a few weeks after your course offer. Scholarships+1
- Accept and meet conditions: Once you accept the offer, and enrol, scholarships are activated — tuition discounts, allowances, etc., depending on the type. Students+1
Key Rules & Things to Know
- You cannot hold two or more overlapping scholarships that serve the same purpose. If you get more than one offer, the University may give only the most beneficial one. Scholarships+1
- Getting admission to a course does not guarantee a scholarship. Selection is competitive and depends on many factors (grades, country, quota, etc.). User Content+1
- Some scholarships are one-time only (e.g. fee remission for the first year only), others extend for the full duration depending on rules. Always check your scholarship offer carefully.
- English language and other admission requirements still apply — scholarship eligibility does not waive those. User Content+1
Example — Who Might Benefit from This
| Student Profile | Possible Scholarship / Support at UniMelb |
|---|---|
| High-achieving student from a low-GDP country, applying for Bachelor | Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship (25% fee remission) Scholarships |
| Strong student applying for Bachelor of Commerce | Commerce Undergraduate International Merit Scholarship (50% fee remission) Scholarships |
| Student from partner foundation institution going into Commerce | Commerce Undergraduate International Partner Scholarship (50% fee remission) Scholarships |
| International student enrolling in eligible Master’s (Science/Environment etc.) | Science Graduate Scholarship (International) — up to AUD 10,000 tuition remission Scholarships |
| International student wanting to do research (Master by Research / PhD) | Graduate Research Scholarships — possible full tuition waiver + living allowance (depends on scholarship) IDP IELTS India+1 |
| Student needing help with living or accommodation costs | Accommodation grants, bursaries, travel grants, etc. Study+1 |
Tips to Improve Your Chances
If you want to maximize your opportunity of getting a scholarship at University of Melbourne, consider these:
- Apply early — Many scholarships and admissions work on a rolling basis; early applicants often get better chance. careers.judkin.com+1
- Aim for very strong academic results — Scholarships often go to top-performing students (high grades, strong entrance exam results).
- Check eligible countries — For some scholarships (like MIUS), only students from certain countries (with lower GDP per capita) qualify. Scholarships
- Read scholarship conditions carefully — Understand whether the scholarship covers the full fee or only partial, whether it lasts one year or the full course, and if there are extra benefits (living allowance, grants).
- Keep documents ready — Proof of previous education, English proficiency (if required), unconditional offer, etc. are necessary. User Content+1
- Avoid overlapping scholarships — You may not be able to combine certain scholarships if they serve the same purpose (e.g. two fee-remission awards). Scholarships+1
- Be flexible with your course/major — Some scholarships are specific to certain courses (e.g. Commerce, Science, Environment). If you are open to eligible majors — your chances may be better.
How to Check and Apply — Step by Step
Here’s a simplified step-by-step plan:
- Visit the University of Melbourne official scholarship website (Scholarships & Financial Support page). Scholarships
- Choose the type of study you want (Undergraduate / Graduate Coursework / Research) and find relevant scholarships.
- Check eligibility requirements carefully (nationality, prior education, country-of-origin, academic merit, course).
- Apply for admission to your desired program (undergraduate or graduate) via the international application portal. Study+1
- Wait for unconditional offer — when you get that, you will automatically be considered for many scholarships. Scholarships+2Scholarships+2
- If a separate application is required (for certain bursaries or grants), complete it before deadline.
- If awarded, accept the scholarship offer along with your course offer, and make sure to meet any conditions (e.g. full-time enrollment, course progress, etc.). Students+1
Why This Guide Matters: What You Should Do Next
If you are an international student (say from Nigeria, or elsewhere) who dreams of studying at a top university abroad, this guide gives you a realistic picture of what support is available at the University of Melbourne.
Here’s what you should do next:
- Research: Visit the official University of Melbourne Scholarship page — some scholarships change over time. Scholarships+2Scholarships+2
- Check eligibility: Look at whether your country is eligible, whether your prior qualifications meet their requirements, and if your intended course qualifies.
- Prepare documents and apply early: Make sure your academic records, English proof (if needed), and other paperwork are ready.
- Have a backup plan: Because scholarships are competitive, also consider other funding options — personal funds, grants, or part-time work (where allowed).