Call for Applications: Fully-funded Human Rights Scholarship Programme 2025 at the University of Melbourne

Human Rights Scholarship Overview

The Human Rights Scholarship is a prestigious opportunity available to both domestic and international students who are enrolling in graduate research degrees focused on the field of Human Rights. This scholarship aims to support students committed to advancing respect for human rights through academic research and practical engagement.

Application Period

• Applications Open: 1 May 2025
• Applications Close: 31 October 2025
• Notification of Outcome: February 2026 (via email)

Scholarship Benefits

The scholarship provides substantial financial support and additional benefits to facilitate students’ research and living expenses while undertaking their graduate studies:

• Living Allowance: Up to $43,500 per year (pro rata for full-time study, 2025 rate). This is offered for a maximum of two years for Master’s by Research candidates and up to 3.5 years for Doctoral candidates. The allowance is subject to annual indexing and includes limited paid sick, maternity, and parenting leave.
• Tuition Fees: Full fee offset for up to two years for Master’s by Research students or up to four years for Doctoral students.
• Relocation Grant: $2,000 for students relocating from other Australian states or territories, or $3,000 for international students moving from outside Australia.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC): Single membership for international students requiring a student visa to study in Australia.

The total scholarship value can amount to up to $94,200, supporting students for one or more years depending on their degree and study load.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to be considered:

• Have applied for, and meet the entry requirements for, a Master’s or Doctoral research degree commencing in the award year.
• Intend to undertake graduate research specifically in the field of Human Rights.
• Have not previously completed a research qualification at the same or higher level as the current course for which the scholarship is sought.
• Have not previously received a graduate research scholarship.

Both domestic and international students currently enrolled or planning future study are eligible.

Selection Criteria

Scholarship recipients are chosen based on:

• Academic merit: Demonstrated excellence in previous academic achievements.
• Research focus: The relevance and contribution of the proposed research to the field of Human Rights.
• Commitment to human rights: Evidence of a strong personal commitment to human rights, including voluntary work, professional experience, or community engagement beyond academic studies.
• Supporting documentation: The quality and strength of submitted documents supporting the application.

Conditions and Terms

This scholarship is governed by the Graduate Research Scholarship Terms and Conditions, which recipients must adhere to throughout the scholarship duration.

Application Process

The Human Rights Scholarship requires a formal application through an online portal. Applicants must clearly articulate their commitment to the peaceful advancement of human rights and demonstrate how their proposed research will deepen their understanding and contribution to this important field.

Applicants should prepare to discuss:

• Their motivation and dedication to human rights beyond academic pursuits.
• How their research will positively impact the human rights community and scholarship.

Feedback and reasons for non-selection will not be provided.

Summary

• Eligible Study Level: Graduate Research (Master’s by Research or Doctorate)
• Eligible Students: Domestic and International
• Study Stage: Current or Future Study
• Number of Scholarships: 2 awarded annually
• Maximum Value: $94,200
• Application Window: 1 May to 31 October 2025

This scholarship offers a vital financial foundation for students passionate about human rights research and committed to contributing meaningful scholarship and advocacy in this field.

For more detailed information and application guidance, applicants are encouraged to visit the official scholarship guide and submit their applications promptly before the deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.