If studying in Australia has always been on your vision board, this could be the opportunity that finally makes it real. The $15,000 University of Melbourne International Scholarship is designed to support high-achieving international students who want to study at one of the world’s most respected universities — without being overwhelmed by tuition costs.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through what the scholarship is, who can apply, how much it covers, how to apply step by step, and tips to improve your chances of selection. Whether you’re planning for 2025 or 2026 intake, this post is meant to feel like a conversation — not a rulebook.
Let’s dive in.
About the University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world, known for its strong academic reputation, research output, and global alumni network.
Located in Melbourne, Australia, the university attracts thousands of international students every year from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Beyond academics, Melbourne is also one of the most livable cities globally — diverse, student-friendly, and full of opportunities.
For many students, the only major barrier is cost. That’s where this scholarship comes in.
What Is the $15,000 University of Melbourne International Scholarship?
The University of Melbourne International Scholarship is a tuition-fee based award created to help outstanding international students reduce the financial burden of studying in Australia.
Instead of being paid as cash, the $15,000 grant is applied directly to your tuition fees, making your education significantly more affordable.
This scholarship is:
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Merit-based
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Competitive
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Automatically considered (in many cases)
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Available for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students
You don’t need to come from a specific country — international students from all regions are encouraged to apply.
How Much Does the Scholarship Cover?
Let’s talk numbers — because that’s what everyone really wants to know.
Scholarship Value
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Total value: $15,000 AUD
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Applied as: Tuition fee reduction
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Coverage: Partial tuition support (not full funding)
This amount is usually:
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Applied in one installment, or
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Spread across the first year of study (depending on your offer conditions)
While it won’t cover everything, it can make a huge difference, especially when combined with:
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Personal savings
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Family support
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Part-time work (allowed under student visa rules)
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Other small grants or bursaries
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
Before getting excited, let’s make sure you actually qualify.
To be eligible for the University of Melbourne International Scholarship, you must:
Basic Requirements
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Be an international student (not an Australian or New Zealand citizen)
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Have applied for an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program
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Meet the academic entry requirements for your chosen course
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Receive an offer of admission from the University of Melbourne
Academic Expectations
The scholarship is merit-based, so strong academic performance matters. This includes:
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High school grades (for undergraduates)
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Bachelor’s degree results (for postgraduates)
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Strong GPA or academic ranking
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Competitive academic transcripts
You don’t necessarily need to be “perfect,” but you do need to stand out.
Eligible Courses and Fields of Study
One of the best things about this scholarship is its flexibility.
It is available for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, including:
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Business and Economics
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Engineering and IT
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Health and Medical Sciences
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Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
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Science and Environment
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Education
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Architecture and Design
Research degrees (like PhD programs) usually fall under different funding schemes, so this specific scholarship focuses on coursework programs.
When Does the Scholarship Open?
Here’s some good news:
You usually don’t apply separately for this scholarship.
Key Timeline
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You apply for admission to the University of Melbourne
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The university automatically considers eligible international students for scholarships
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Successful candidates are notified along with or after their offer letter
Intakes typically include:
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February (Semester 1)
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July (Semester 2)
To stay competitive, it’s always smart to apply early, even before the official deadlines.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break this down into simple steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Course
Visit the University of Melbourne’s official website and:
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Browse available undergraduate or postgraduate programs
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Check academic and English language requirements
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Confirm intake dates
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You’ll typically need:
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Academic transcripts
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Certificates or diplomas
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English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent)
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Personal statement (for admission, not scholarship)
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Passport copy
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Apply online through the university’s application portal.
There is no separate scholarship form in most cases.
Step 4: Receive an Offer
If you meet the requirements:
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You’ll receive a conditional or unconditional offer
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Scholarship consideration happens automatically
Step 5: Accept Your Offer
If awarded the scholarship:
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It will be clearly stated in your offer letter
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Follow acceptance instructions before the deadline
How Competitive Is the Scholarship?
Let’s be honest — it is competitive, but not impossible.
Thousands of students apply to the University of Melbourne every year, but only a portion meet the academic threshold required for scholarship consideration.
What helps you stand out:
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Strong grades
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Consistent academic progress
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Relevant academic background for your chosen course
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Early application
You don’t need to be famous, published, or extraordinary — you just need to show clear academic strength and commitment.
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Winning
Here are some realistic, practical tips:
1. Apply Early
Scholarship slots are limited. Early applicants are often considered first.
2. Choose the Right Course
Applying for a course that aligns with your academic background improves credibility.
3. Maintain Strong Grades
Even a small GPA difference can matter in competitive selections.
4. Submit Clean, Complete Documents
Errors, missing pages, or unclear scans can weaken your application.
5. Don’t Self-Reject
Many students assume they won’t qualify and never apply. Let the university decide.
Can You Combine This Scholarship With Others?
In some cases, yes — but with limits.
You may be able to combine this scholarship with:
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External scholarships
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Government sponsorships
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Small faculty awards
However, you generally cannot hold multiple University of Melbourne tuition-based scholarships at the same time.
Always read the conditions in your offer letter carefully.
Living in Melbourne as an International Student
Studying at the University of Melbourne isn’t just about classes.
Cost of Living (Estimated)
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Accommodation: $700–$1,200/month
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Food: $300–$500/month
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Transport: $150/month
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Miscellaneous: $200/month
Melbourne is vibrant, multicultural, and very welcoming to international students. You’ll find:
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Student job opportunities
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Cultural communities
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Safe public transport
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Strong student support services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the $15,000 scholarship fully funded?
No. It’s a partial tuition scholarship, not a full-ride.
Do I need IELTS to qualify?
You need to meet course admission requirements. The scholarship itself doesn’t waive English requirements.
Can I apply if I already started studying?
No. This scholarship is typically for new students only.
Is there an age limit?
No official age limit applies.
Final Thoughts: Is This Scholarship Worth Applying For?
Absolutely.
The $15,000 University of Melbourne International Scholarship is one of those opportunities that feels realistic yet impactful. It doesn’t require complicated applications, personal essays, or interviews — just strong academics and a solid admission application.
If you’re already planning to apply to the University of Melbourne, there’s no downside. You’re considered automatically, and the reward can significantly ease your financial burden.
If studying in Australia has ever felt out of reach, this scholarship might be the bridge that gets you there.