Learn About Australia Graduate Merit Awards for Master’s Students

Imagine opening your inbox and seeing an email that covers tuition and a living stipend. You breathe out and feel the relief the cost of study just became manageable.

This introduction gives clear information about how top scholarships work, who they suit and what benefits to expect. You’ll see examples from the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Business School and Western Sydney University and learn how fee offsets, living allowances and relocation grants fit together.

By the end of this article you’ll know which university program matches your degree path, the typical duration of support and when you are automatically in the running versus when action is needed. We keep the language practical so you can plan costs, apply on time and understand how merit and research potential shape offers.

What you need to know right now about merit scholarships for master’s study in Australia

You might not need to apply separately some programs assess you automatically when you submit a course application. Check deadlines: if you meet the course cutoff, you may be automatically considered for a scholarship without extra forms.

At the University of Melbourne, new research applicants who apply by the deadline enter consideration for Graduate Research Scholarships and domestic research entrants usually get an RTP Fee Offset with their course offer. Stipend-plus-fee packages are awarded on academic record and research potential, and the outcome often arrives with your course offer.

The A G Whitlam Scholarship at Melbourne Business School needs no separate form; eligible international coursework applicants are assessed and told by email, with a scholarship letter attached to or sent soon after the offer.

Western Sydney University automatically reviews international coursework applications for a 50% tuition waiver; places are limited and notified by email. If an application required step exists, submit on time and keep confirmation so your consideration is not delayed.

For a broader look at related schemes, see this guide to graduate merit-based scholarships.

Australia graduate merit awards for master’s students at a glance

Knowing how coursework and research funding differ helps you pick the right course and budget. Below is a quick view of what each pathway typically covers and how you’re considered.

Coursework vs research pathways

Coursework scholarships usually offer a % tuition fee remission and do not include living stipends. These are common at Melbourne Business School and Western Sydney University.

Research packages often bundle a full fee offset with a stipend and extras such as relocation grants and OSHC for eligible international candidates.

What’s typically covered

• Research degree: full fee offset for up to two years (Masters by Research), plus a living allowance (2025 rate $38,500/yr) and relocation support.
• Coursework: commonly 50% fee remission; living costs are usually not covered.

Consideration and application rules

"New applicants are automatically considered with their course application; deferrals or current enrollees must apply by 31 October."

Eligibility and selection criteria you’ll be assessed against

Before you submit, check the rules that determine who is eligible and how ranking works. Each university has distinct selection criteria and documentation requirements. Read these early so you can provide clear evidence of achievement.

Graduate Research Scholarships (University of Melbourne)

To be considered you must apply to, or be enrolled in, an eligible research degree at the university. Domestic Masters by Research and PhD entrants automatically receive an RTP Fee Offset on admission.

Stipend-plus-fee packages are ranked on academic merit and research potential. Panels review your most recent degree results, publications, relevant experience and specialist achievements.

A G Whitlam Graduate Merit Scholarship (Melbourne Business School)

This scholarship targets international applicants to eligible coursework programs at MBS. It excludes several programs, including the MBA and business analytics streams.

Selection focuses on recent academic results, so supply official transcripts and any supporting documents that show strong performance.

Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship (Western Sydney University)

New international coursework applicants for 2025 must meet a minimum GPA of 5.95/7.0 (or equivalent) and accept their offer by the deadline. The scholarship applies to CRICOS-registered coursework programs of one to two years and excludes research degrees and certain professional programs.

Shortlisting happens twice a year and notifications are sent by email. You cannot hold this award with another tuition-covering scholarship.

Scholarship benefits, fee remission and duration

Some offers go beyond fee relief and include living cash and relocation help. That extra support can change whether you choose a research route or a coursework course.

Research packages: full fee offset, living allowance, relocation and OSHC

If you take a Masters by Research at the University of Melbourne, you may get a full fee offset for up to two years and a living allowance set at $38,500 per year (2025 rate) for up to two years.

Additional inclusions include a relocation grant ($2,000 from another state; $3,000 from overseas) and OSHC Single cover for eligible international students. These elements boost the total value and ease your first year costs.

Coursework merit awards: 50% tuition fee waivers and how long they last

Coursework scholarships typically reduce tuition rather than pay living costs. The A G Whitlam Graduate Merit Scholarship at Melbourne Business School offers a 50% fee remission for the duration of the course.

Western Sydney University's Vice‑Chancellor's Academic Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship provides a 50% tuition waiver per session for full‑time enrolment, up to a maximum of two years. It does not cover living costs, accommodation, transport or OSHC.

Tip: Compare the total package stipend, relocation and insurance can be worth more than fee relief over the years you will study. Check the current terms before you accept an offer and see detailed program pages such as University research scholarship details and this guide to scholarships for international students.

How to apply, key dates and when you’ll hear back

Start your application timeline early so you don’t miss key closing dates or extra requests. Most new applicants are automatically in consideration when you submit a course application, which makes the process simpler.

Automatic consideration with your course application

At the University of Melbourne, new research course applicants are considered for Graduate Research Scholarships automatically with the course submission. Melbourne Business School and Western Sydney University also assess eligible coursework applications without a separate scholarship application.

When an application is required: research deferrals and currently enrolled candidates

If you deferred or are currently enrolled and want to re-enter the scholarship pool, submit the online scholarship application by 31 October. Missing this closing date can cost you eligibility for the following year.

Offer timelines, emails and scholarship letters

"Expect scholarship outcomes around the time of your course decision; universities usually send an email and attach the scholarship letter."

Western Sydney University shortlists twice a year and may request a supporting statement from shortlisted applicants. Some scholarships are limited and awarded until filled, so accept any offer quickly.

Practical tips: check your admissions portal, keep documents ready and monitor your spam folder so you don’t miss an important email or letter about your outcome.

Conditions that can affect your eligibility and status

Scholarship offers often depend on details beyond grades. Read the terms carefully so you know what keeps your award active and what can end it.

Visa and residency changes: what happens if your status shifts

If your residency or visa status changes, some programs will stop support. For example, Western Sydney University requires recipients to remain international; gaining Australian or New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency will discontinue the scholarship.

Tell the university straight away if your status changes. Prompt updates protect you and let staff confirm whether any scholarships awarded remain valid.

Enrolment, exclusions and holding multiple awards

Do not assume every program is eligible. Western Sydney excludes applicants who are currently enrolled in the same program, those seeking advanced standing, those at the Sydney City campus, or those already holding a tuition‑covering scholarship.

Keep your enrolment active and meet course load requirements. Falling out of good standing can affect selection and ongoing eligibility.

• Check coverage: many scholarships cover fee relief only and exclude living costs, transport or OSHC.
• Follow deadlines: if you’re currently enrolled and want later consideration, follow the university’s application process and dates.
• Keep records: save letters and confirm changes in writing if your status or course changes.

"Selection decisions are subject to each university’s terms and may change; always confirm the current program information before you accept an offer."

Plan your next steps: match your degree type to the right merit award

Match your study goals to scholarship types so you can aim at stipend-rich research packages or tuition‑remission coursework offers.

Decide whether a research degree or a coursework course best suits your career. This choice narrows which scholarships you should target and which selection criteria to meet.

If you are an international student seeking research support, focus on programs that offer a fee offset plus a stipend for up to two years and check eligibility early. For coursework, compare 50% fee remission offers and any program exclusions before you submit your application.

Track deadlines, save every scholarship application record, and watch your email and letter of offer for the outcome. If anything is unclear, contact the university admissions or scholarship team for fast, practical help.

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