The Human Rights Scholarship was established by the University of Melbourne and awarded to students who are undertaking research in the field of human rights.
Application Deadline:Â 31st October 2026
Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: All
To be taken at (country): University of Melbourne, Australia
Eligible Field of Study: Graduate Research Degree Programme in the area of human rights at the University of Melbourne
Type: Masters, PhD
Who is Eligible for the Melbourne Human Rights Scholarship?
: To be considered for this scholarship, candidate must:
- either:
- have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a Master or Doctorate by research degree at the University of Melbourne, or
- be currently enrolled in a research degree at the University of Melbourne and have at least 12 months (full-time equivalent) of candidature remaining,
- intend to undertake graduate research in the human rights field and 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, and
- 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
Selection Criteria:Â
To be considered for this scholarship, you must:
- have not already completed a research qualification at the same or higher level as the course for which a scholarship is sought
- have received an offer for a graduate research degree commencement in the year for which the scholarship is awarded
- intend to undertake graduate research in the field of Human Rights
Number of Awardees:Â 4
Value of Scholarship: The following benefits apply:
- Living allowance of $44,500 per year pro rata (2026 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. The living allowance may be indexed annually and includes limited paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
- 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
Duration of Scholarship: 2 years for students undertaking a Master by research degree and up to 3 years, with a possible six month extension, for students undertaking a Doctorate by research degree.
How to apply
You must submit an online application and address your committed to the peaceful advancement of respect for human rights that extends beyond academic studies (such as voluntary work and/or work experience) and how your proposed research will further your understanding of human rights and enable you to contribute to the human rights field.
When will I know the outcome?
Applicants will be notified of the outcome by email in February of the following year. Reasons for non-selection and feedback on individual applications will not be provided.
Visit the Application Webpage for detailsÂ
