University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship 2026 in Australia. The University of Melbourne is now accepting applications for the Human Rights Scholarship 2026 for international and domestic students pursuing postgraduate research degrees.
The fully funded scholarship supports students undertaking Master’s by Research or Doctoral research programs focused on human rights and social justice.
Selected applicants will receive:
- Full tuition coverage
- Annual living stipend worth $44,500
- Relocation support
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
- Additional academic and research benefits
The scholarship is aimed at students committed to advancing human rights through research, advocacy, professional work, or community involvement.
University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Study Destination: Australia
- Institution: University of Melbourne
- Scholarship Type: Postgraduate Scholarship
- Eligible Programs: Master’s by Research and PhD
- Eligible Countries: All countries
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Scholarship Value: Tuition, living allowance, relocation grant, health insurance
- IELTS Requirement: Not specifically required if alternative English language requirements are met
- Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
About the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship
The Human Rights Scholarship is awarded to students undertaking graduate research in areas connected to human rights.
The scholarship supports candidates whose academic work and personal commitment demonstrate a strong dedication to the peaceful advancement of human rights globally.
Applicants are assessed based on:
- Academic excellence
- Research potential
- Commitment to human rights work
- Strength of supporting documents
- Relevance and impact of proposed research
The scholarship is available to both Australian and international students enrolling in eligible graduate research programs at the university.
Eligibility Requirements for Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship 2026
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:
- Apply for and meet the admission requirements for a Master’s by Research or Doctoral research degree at the University of Melbourne
- Intend to conduct research in the field of human rights
- Not already hold a research qualification at the same or higher level as the program being applied for
- Not have previously received a graduate research scholarship
- Demonstrate commitment to human rights beyond academics, including voluntary work, advocacy, activism, or professional experience
Benefits of the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits:
Annual Living Allowance
Recipients receive a living stipend of $44,500 per year (2026 full-time study rate).
The allowance is available for:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research students
- Up to 3.5 years for Doctoral students
The stipend may be indexed annually and includes limited:
- Sick leave
- Maternity leave
- Parenting leave
Full Tuition Coverage
The scholarship includes a full fee offset for:
- Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research programs
- Up to 4 years for PhD programs
Relocation Grant
Students relocating for their studies receive:
- $2,000 if moving from outside Victoria within Australia
- $3,000 if relocating from outside Australia
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
International students requiring a student visa will receive:
- Single Membership Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Academic achievements
- Research quality and relevance
- Commitment to human rights advocacy
- Professional or voluntary experience in human rights
- Strength of recommendation letters and supporting documents
Applicants must also explain:
- How their research contributes to the understanding of human rights
- How the program will help them contribute to the human rights field in the future
How to Apply for the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship 2026
To apply for the scholarship, interested applicants should:
- Visit the official scholarship application portal.
- Apply for an eligible graduate research program at the university.
- Complete the online scholarship application form.
- Submit all required academic and supporting documents.
- Provide details of your commitment to human rights activities beyond academics.
- Explain how your proposed research supports human rights advancement.
Applicants will receive notification of the outcome by email in February following the application period.
The university does not provide individual feedback or reasons for unsuccessful applications.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship 2026 is:
October 31, 2026
