Top 7 Scholarships for International Students in Melbourne

Wanting to study in Melbourne is very exciting but not at all cheap. Prices of flights, food & student accommodation in Melbourne can stack up fast. That is why scholarships matter a lot. They don’t just cut costs; it takes a lot of pressure off your shoulders. It can actually settle in, make friends, & enjoy the city instead of stressing over every bill.  

Melbourne has plenty of options, but a few scholarships stand out as the ones students actually apply for and talk about. Here’s a quick, student-friendly look at the Top 7 Scholarships in Melbourne that genuinely help international students build a smoother, more affordable study journey. 

What Are the Top Scholarships for International Students in Melbourne? 

Melbourne has a massive range of options when it comes to financial aid. Some of them are uni funded while some of them come straight from the government. And there are few that are meant for students who want to experience everything without carrying the entire costs alone. The following are the seven big scholarships in Melbourne that most of the students apply for. Especially if they are also trying to save flights, food, transport, and Student Accommodation in Melbourne:

University of Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship 

It is a favorite of students who are pursuing their bachelor’s. Based on your gradings, you can receive $10,000, 50%, or even 100% tuition fee reduction. It will require you to have an ATAR equivalent (usually 90+), international student status, & an offer for an undergraduate course.  

• More than 1,000 students are awarded every year for it.

• Then there are many that will combine this with affordable student accommodation in Australia to reduce overall living costs.

Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships 

If you are going for master’s or a PhD, this is one of the best deals that you will find in Australia. It covers full tuition, a living allowance of approx. $37,000/- year, relocation support & overseas student health cover.  

• Its eligibility consists of strong academic performance, research potential, & an unconditional offer. It awards 600+ research scholarships annually.

• This one’s especially valuable if you’re budgeting carefully for rent or on-campus Student Accommodation. 

Monash International Leadership Scholarship 

A premium scholarship that is offered to both UG & PG students having outstanding academic potential. It can cover up to 100% tuition fees, which is a lifesaver when you are trying to balance living expenses & course materials.  

• In order to get this scholarship in Melbourne you must have high grades, international student status, & a personal statement explaining your leadership potential.

• It is super competitive as only 10-20 students get it every year.

Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship 

This one is the most flexible & student friendly option. This scholarship in Melbourne can provide you with up to 75% off tuition fees, based on your academic record. You should have a great academic score & full-time enrolment on an eligible course.

La Trobe Academic Excellence Scholarship 

It is a great pick for students who want both recognition & financial support. This scholarship offers 15%-30% tuition fees reduction. To get this scholarship, you should have high academic achievement, international student status, & entry into an eligible course. La Trobe awards this to hundreds of students each year. Making it a realistic goal if you’ve maintained consistent grades. 

Deakin University Vice-Chancellor’s Academic Excellence Scholarship 

This one is extremely generous. It gives you 100% tuition fees coverage, plus there will be a yearly stipend to help you with living costs. You are typically required to bring around 85–90%, leadership qualities & community involvement. In the end, the scholarship you get is super helpful, especially if you are handling rent, transport & meals.  

Destination Australia Scholarship 

A government-backed course for students that want to study in Melbourne. Some of these directly link you to top universities in Melbourne. You can get up to $15,000/- year, which can significantly lighten your financial load. To get this scholarship, enrolment in an eligible regional course & full-time course is required.

Bonus: Australia Awards Scholarships

These are not Melbourne specific, but these are the top fully funded scholarships in Australia. It covers tuition, flights, living allowance, OSHC, & establishment costs. It is for students from participating countries with leadership potential. Plus, you have a commitment to return home after graduation.

Who Can Apply for Scholarships in Melbourne as an International Student? 

Most of the scholarships in Melbourne look for a mix of things. It includes things like good grades, strong academic record, & sometimes leadership qualities or co-curricular activities involvement. But broadly: 

• You must hold international student status

• You should have an offer (or be applying) to a Melbourne university

• Some scholarships require a minimum GPA or equivalent

• A few might check English language scores

• Research scholarships often prefer students with publications or strong academic references

It is not as scary as it looks. The criteria can vary & you don’t have to be “perfect” student to apply. What matters is applying early & choosing the scholarships that align with your degrees. 

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for Scholarships in Melbourne? 

Before you start filling out forms, it helps to know exactly what type of paperwork you will need. Melbourne unis love to have clear, complete applications. So, if you miss even one document things become hard. This doesn’t happen because documents are hard. But because everything will hit you at once. So having your file ready early saves you a ton of panic later. Here’s the basic list most Scholarships in Melbourne will ask for:

• Academic transcripts

• Passport or ID

• English proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL)

• Offer letter from the university

• A CV or brief profile

• Statement of purpose or scholarship essay

• Letters of recommendation (for postgraduate or research scholarships)

How Do I Apply for Scholarships in Melbourne for the First Time? 

If it is your first time applying for scholarships in Melbourne, the process is pretty straightforward once you break it down. 

1. Shortlist scholarships based on your degree, university, and eligibility.

2. Check deadlines early, many close months before the semester starts.

3. Prepare documents (transcripts, essays, recommendations).

4. Apply online through the university or government portal.

5. Track your application, some scholarships take weeks to respond.

Most students apply for at least 2–3 scholarships to increase their chances. And yes, you can apply even before finalizing your student accommodation in Melbourne.

Conclusion 

Getting a scholarship in Melbourne is not just a money saver, it gives you freedom.  It allows you to choose better student accommodation in Australia, focus on classes & enjoy your life. Even partial tuition support can make a huge difference in your monthly budget.

The key is simple: start early, apply to a few options, keep your documents ready, & don’t assume you won’t qualify. There are many students that surprised by the results. When you’re done applying, take the next step. Explore reliable Student Accommodation in Melbourne on University Living and plan your move smoothly.

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