University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarships 2026 in Australia

The University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarships support students passionate about human rights research. This guide covers eligibility, benefits, application steps, and tips to apply successfully. Perfect for domestic and international students pursuing a Master’s or PhD in human rights.

Overview of the Human Rights Scholarship

The University of Melbourne offers the Human Rights Scholarship to students enrolling in graduate research degrees focused on human rights. It supports both domestic and international students committed to advancing respect for human rights through academic and practical work. The scholarship is awarded based on academic merit and dedication to human rights.

• Purpose: Fund research in human rights.
• Target: Master’s by Research or Doctoral students.
• Awards: Typically two scholarships per year.

Scholarship Value and Benefits

The scholarship provides financial support to help students focus on their research. Here are the key benefits:

• Living Allowance: $43,500 per year (2025 rate, pro-rata), indexed annually.
• Duration: Up to 2 years for Master’s by Research, up to 3.5 years for Doctoral degrees.
• Relocation Grant: $2,000 for interstate students, $3,000 for international students.
• Fee Offset: Full tuition fee remission for up to 2 years (Master’s) or 4 years (Doctoral).
• Health Cover: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for international students.
• Leave Benefits: Limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.

Note: International students must cover any additional tuition fees not offset by the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must meet specific academic and commitment requirements:

• Enrolled or applying for a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne.
• Completed a 4-year honors degree (or equivalent) with upper second-class honors.
• Demonstrate commitment to human rights through volunteer work or professional experience.
• Not have completed a degree at the same or higher level as the one applied for.
• Not have previously received a Human Rights Scholarship.
• International students need an unconditional course offer.

Duration of the Scholarship

The scholarship duration depends on your degree:

• Master’s by Research: Up to 2 years.
• Doctoral Degree: Up to 3.5 years, with a possible 6-month extension.

Part-time study may be allowed for compelling reasons, but it affects the stipend.

Conditions and Other Details

The scholarship comes with specific conditions:

• Must be enrolled full-time unless exceptional circumstances apply.
• Cannot receive another scholarship exceeding 75% of the Human Rights Scholarship’s value.
• Payments are made fortnightly via the University’s payroll.
• Scholarship is tax-exempt for full-time students (seek tax advice for part-time).

Review student services for support.

Application Process

Applying for the scholarship is straightforward but requires preparation. Follow these steps:

1. Apply for a Master’s by Research or Doctoral degree at the University of Melbourne.
2. Complete the online scholarship application form by October 31, 2025.
3. Download and submit the Human Rights Scholarship coversheet.
4. Email supporting documents to scholarships-administration@unimelb.edu.au.
5. Include evidence of human rights commitment (e.g., volunteer certificates, work experience).

Visit the application portal for forms.

Selection Process Of University of Melbourne Human Rights Scholarships

Selection is competitive and based on:

• Academic Merit: High grades and research potential.
• Human Rights Commitment: Evidence of advocacy or volunteer work.
• Supporting Documents: Quality of references and personal statements.

The scholarship aligns with the Graduate Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions.

See More:

• Kochi University of Technology Scholarship 2026 in Japan
• Kyoto University ADB Scholarship 2025-26 in Japan
• Flinders University AGRTP Scholarship 2025 In Australia

Tips for a Strong Application

Stand out with these strategies:

• Highlight specific human rights projects or volunteer roles.
• Provide strong academic references.
• Write a clear personal statement on your human rights passion.
• Ensure all documents are complete and submitted by the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about the scholarship:

• Can international students apply? Yes, but tuition fees may not be fully covered.
• What counts as human rights commitment? Volunteer work, internships, or advocacy in areas like social justice or equality.
• When is the deadline? October 31, 2025, for the 2026 intake.
• Can I apply if I’m already enrolled? Yes, if you have at least 12 months of candidature remaining.

WHY University of Melbourne?

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s top-ranked university, known for its research excellence and global impact. Its human rights programs offer access to leading academics and resources, making it ideal for aspiring human rights scholars.