Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships | Fully Funded PhD & Masters 2026

If you have been searching for a fully funded scholarship to pursue graduate research in Australia, then the Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships (CF-MGS) is one opportunity you should not ignore. Offered by one of Australia’s most respected research universities, this scholarship covers tuition fees, provides a generous living stipend, and even helps you settle in with a relocation grant. It is open to students from every country in the world, which makes it one of the most inclusive and accessible funded research opportunities available right now.

In this article, we are going to walk you through every single detail you need to know about this scholarship. From what it covers to who can apply, how to apply, what documents you need, and tips to make your application stand out, we have got you covered. So let us get started.

What Are the Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships?

The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships, also known as CF-MGS, are prestigious academic awards provided by Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. What makes this scholarship special is the fact that it is jointly funded by two sources: the Monash Graduate Research Office and the specific faculty or academic unit where the student enrolls. This joint funding model ensures that the university remains committed to supporting each student right through to the completion of their research degree.

These scholarships are designed specifically for students who want to pursue higher degree research (HDR) programs, which includes Research Doctorate programs (PhD) and Research Master’s degrees. Unlike taught master’s programs, these degrees are primarily research-based, meaning most of your time is spent on your research project under the supervision of academic experts at Monash.

Monash University is a public research-intensive university based in Melbourne, Victoria. It was founded in 1958 and named after prominent World War I general Sir John Monash. Today, the university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world and is recognized for its strong emphasis on innovation, research excellence, and global impact. Melbourne itself is one of the most livable cities in the world, offering international students a vibrant, multicultural, and welcoming environment to call home during their studies.

Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships: Quick Overview

Scholarship Name: Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships (CF-MGS)
Host Institution: Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
Degree Level: Research Doctorate (PhD) and Research Master’s
Open To: Students from all countries (domestic and international)
Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition + stipend + relocation grant)
Annual Stipend: AUD $37,145 per year
Relocation Grant: AUD $2,000 (one-time, for international students)
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Application Mode: Online via Monash Applicant Portal

What Does the Scholarship Cover?

One of the biggest concerns for any international student thinking about studying abroad is the cost. Tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and daily needs can add up very quickly. The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships address all of these concerns in a comprehensive way. Here is a detailed breakdown of what the scholarship provides:

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The scholarship fully covers your tuition fees for the entire normal duration of your research degree. This means you will not be required to pay any tuition out of your own pocket. Whether you are doing a Research Master’s or a full PhD program, the scholarship handles those costs completely. This is a huge relief, given that international tuition fees at top Australian universities can run into tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Annual Living Stipend

In addition to tuition, successful applicants receive an annual living stipend of AUD $37,145. This amount is paid throughout the academic terms and is meant to help you cover your day-to-day expenses such as rent, food, transport, and other personal costs. This stipend ensures that you can dedicate your full attention to your research without having to worry about working part-time just to survive.

Relocation Grant

Moving to a new country is not cheap. That is why the CF-MGS also includes a one-time relocation grant of AUD $2,000 specifically for eligible international students. This amount is meant to help you with the costs of moving to Australia, whether that is shipping your belongings, getting settled into accommodation, or dealing with other initial setup expenses.

Joint Research Award Option

There is an additional benefit that not many people know about. The scholarship is also available to students who are undertaking Joint Research Awards, provided that Monash University is designated as the home institution. This means that even if your research involves collaboration with another university, you can still be eligible for this scholarship as long as Monash is listed as your primary institution. This opens the door for students interested in international collaborative research partnerships.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step before you start your application. Let us go through the key requirements you need to meet to be considered for the Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships.

Open to All Nationalities

One of the most welcoming aspects of this scholarship is that it is truly open to students from all countries. Whether you are from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Ghana, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Kenya, Brazil, or any other country, you are eligible to apply. There is no nationality restriction, which makes it one of the most globally accessible research scholarships available in Australia.

Academic Excellence

Since these scholarships are awarded through a highly competitive selection process, you need to demonstrate strong academic performance. Applicants are expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree with excellent academic results. Monash University assesses your eligibility based on your academic record, any research outputs you may have (such as published papers or conference presentations), and your overall research experience.

Admission to a Graduate Research Program

To be considered for the CF-MGS, you must first gain admission into a graduate research program at Monash University. This is an important point: you cannot apply for the scholarship independently. Your scholarship consideration is automatically integrated into your course application. In other words, when you apply for admission to a PhD or Research Master’s program at Monash, you are simultaneously considered for all graduate research scholarships for which you are eligible.

English Language Proficiency

All applicants must meet Monash University’s English language proficiency requirements. This typically means you need to submit scores from an accepted English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. The minimum score requirements vary depending on the program you are applying to, so it is important to check the specific requirements for your chosen department.

No Previous Australian Government or Monash-funded Postgraduate Award

Applicants who have previously held an Australian government or Monash-funded postgraduate research award for more than six months are generally not eligible to apply for this scholarship. This policy is designed to ensure that the funding reaches as many students as possible who have not yet had the chance to benefit from such support.

Available Fields of Study

The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships cover a wide range of disciplines. Monash University is a comprehensive research university, which means you can pursue your research in nearly any academic field. Some of the major areas include:

Engineering and Information Technology
Medicine, Nursing, and Health Sciences
Science (including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental sciences)
Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
Business and Economics
Education
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Law
Architecture, Building, and Design
Public Health and Preventive Medicine

This broad coverage means that no matter what your academic background is, there is very likely a research program at Monash that aligns with your interests and career goals. The university is particularly well known for its work in medical research, engineering, science, and sustainability-focused disciplines.

Why Study at Monash University?

Before you commit to applying for any scholarship, it is natural to ask: why should I choose this particular university? Here are some strong reasons why Monash University stands out as an excellent destination for graduate research.

World-Class Research Environment

Monash University is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, with a particular reputation for research intensity and quality. The university has over 1,000 graduate research students engaged across its many areas of expertise, and it is committed to training the next generation of research leaders. As a research student at Monash, you get access to cutting-edge laboratories, advanced research tools, and a network of expert supervisors and academics.

Location in Melbourne

Melbourne is not just Australia’s cultural capital. It is also one of the most student-friendly cities in the world. The city is known for its diversity, safety, excellent public transport, and vibrant arts and food scene. As an international student in Melbourne, you will find communities from all over the world, making it much easier to settle in and feel at home.

Global Research Connections

Monash has an extensive global network. The university has research centers and campuses in multiple countries including Italy, India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and South Africa. This global reach gives Monash graduate research students unique opportunities to collaborate with international institutions and participate in globally significant research projects.

Strong Supervision and Academic Support

One of the most critical factors in your success as a research student is the quality of your supervision. Monash is known for its strong academic supervision culture. You will work closely with experienced researchers who are leaders in their respective fields, giving you access to mentorship that can shape your academic and professional career for years to come.

How to Apply for the Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships

The application process at Monash University is designed to be as straightforward as possible. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand exactly what you need to do.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before doing anything else, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements outlined above. Confirm that your intended program qualifies as a graduate research degree (PhD or Research Master’s) and that you meet the academic and English language requirements.

Step 2: Find a Supervisor

For most faculties at Monash, you will need to identify a potential research supervisor before submitting your full application. This is a very important step. Start by searching for faculty members whose research interests align with yours. You can explore the Monash University research profiles online to find suitable supervisors. Once you have found someone, reach out to them directly via email or set up a Zoom or phone call to discuss your proposed research project. Getting a supervisor’s agreement in principle can significantly strengthen your application.

Step 3: Prepare Your Application Documents

While specific document requirements may vary slightly depending on the faculty and program, the following documents are commonly required:

Valid passport or proof of identity
Academic transcripts from all previous degrees
A detailed research proposal or statement of research intent
Reference letters from academic supervisors or professors
English language proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE)
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume outlining your academic and research background
Any published research papers, conference presentations, or other research outputs (if applicable)

Step 4: Submit Your Application via the Applicant Portal

Monash University uses a single online application system. You submit one application for both your course admission and the scholarship at the same time. You do not need to fill out a separate scholarship form. All eligible applicants are automatically considered for all available graduate research scholarships, including the CF-MGS, when they apply for course admission.

It is worth noting that Monash University is currently updating its graduate research application procedures, with revised guidelines expected to be published in May 2026. It is therefore strongly recommended that you visit the official Monash University “How to Apply” page and the “Application Submission Guide” before you begin your application to ensure you are following the most current instructions.

You can begin your online application by visiting the Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships page.

Step 5: Wait for the Outcome

After submitting your application, the university will review it as part of their competitive selection process. Scholarship decisions are typically communicated several weeks after the relevant application deadline. Given the competitive nature of these awards, make sure your application is as strong and complete as possible before submitting.

Application Deadline and Rounds

Monash University offers multiple application rounds throughout the year, which gives prospective students flexibility in terms of when they apply. For the current cycle, the deadline for international applicants (Round 3) is 31 August 2026. Here is a general overview of the application rounds for reference:

International Round 1: Opens 1 September, closes 31 March
Domestic Round 2: Opens 1 November, closes 31 May
International Round 3: Opens 1 April, closes 31 August
Domestic Round 4: Opens 1 June, closes 31 October

Note that deadlines may vary slightly depending on the faculty or department you are applying to, so always verify the specific dates for your chosen program.

CF-MGS vs MGS vs RTP: What Is the Difference?

If you have been doing research on scholarships at Monash, you have probably come across three similar-sounding awards: the CF-MGS, the MGS, and the RTP. It helps to understand the difference between them.

The Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) is funded entirely by Monash University and provides a stipend to support living costs for both domestic and international students in Research Doctorate and Research Master’s programs. The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS) is similar, but is co-funded by both the Monash Graduate Research Office and the specific enrolling faculty or academic unit. The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship, on the other hand, is funded by the Australian Government and administered through Monash University. All three are competitive awards and are considered at the same time during the application process.

Because all eligible applicants are automatically considered for all graduate research scholarships at the time of applying, you do not need to choose between them. The university will assess your application and determine which award you qualify for based on your academic merit and research profile.

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Competition for the Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships is intense. Here are some practical tips to help your application stand out from the rest.

Start Early

Do not wait until the last minute to start working on your application. Finding a supervisor, preparing a strong research proposal, gathering reference letters, and completing all required documents takes time. Starting several months before the deadline gives you room to refine your application properly.

Write a Strong Research Proposal

Your research proposal is one of the most important parts of your application. It needs to clearly describe what you want to research, why it is important, what methods you plan to use, and what outcomes you expect. A well-written, focused, and impactful research proposal can significantly increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Secure Strong References

Your reference letters should come from academics or professionals who know your work well and can speak specifically to your research potential. A generic reference letter will not help you as much as a specific and enthusiastic endorsement from a respected academic who has directly supervised your work.

Highlight Your Research Output

If you have already published any research papers, presented at academic conferences, or completed a research thesis, make sure this is clearly documented in your application. Monash gives weight to research outputs and prior experience during the selection process.

Contact a Potential Supervisor Before Applying

Reaching out to a potential supervisor early can give you a real advantage. Not only does it help you understand whether your research interests align, but having a supervisor’s informal support can also strengthen your application when it is reviewed by the faculty.

Life as a Graduate Research Student at Monash

Getting the scholarship is just the beginning. Once you arrive at Monash, you will find yourself in one of the most supportive and stimulating research environments in the Asia-Pacific region. As a graduate research student, you will have access to world-class laboratory facilities, library resources, research training workshops, and a growing network of peers and academics who are all working to make an impact in their fields.

Melbourne offers a high quality of life. The city has excellent public transport, affordable grocery options, a thriving arts scene, and beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. As an international student, you will also find a vibrant international student community at Monash, with students from over 100 countries represented on campus.

Outside of research, Monash offers its graduate students opportunities to connect with inspiring alumni and industry partners, pursue internships, and participate in extracurricular activities that enrich the overall university experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can undergraduate students apply for the CF-MGS?

No. This scholarship is specifically for students pursuing Research Doctorate (PhD) or Research Master’s degrees. Undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.

Do I need to apply for the scholarship separately?

No. When you apply for admission to a graduate research program at Monash, you are automatically considered for all graduate research scholarships for which you are eligible, including the CF-MGS. There is no need to complete a separate scholarship application form.

Is the CF-MGS renewable?

The scholarship is provided for the normal duration of the research degree, subject to satisfactory academic progress. As long as you continue to meet the scholarship conditions and make satisfactory progress in your research, you will continue to receive the funding.

Can I work part-time while holding this scholarship?

Monash University’s scholarship conditions generally allow students to engage in some paid work, but this is subject to limitations. It is best to check the specific scholarship terms and conditions for the most accurate information on this.

Is the relocation grant available to domestic students?

The relocation grant is primarily intended for eligible international students relocating to Australia to take up their scholarship. Domestic students are not typically eligible for this component.

What happens if I am applying for a Joint Research Award?

The CF-MGS is available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards as long as Monash University is designated as the home institution. If another university is the home institution, then you would need to check scholarship availability through that institution.

How Does This Scholarship Compare to Other Australian Graduate Research Scholarships?

Australia is home to several prestigious fully funded scholarships for graduate research students. The CF-MGS stands out because it comes from a top-ranked university, covers full tuition fees, and provides a competitive living stipend that is enough to live comfortably in Melbourne. Compared to the Australia Awards Scholarships which are government-funded and targeted at specific developing countries, the CF-MGS is available to students from all nationalities without geographic restrictions.

The RTP Scholarship, which is funded by the Australian Government, is another excellent fully funded option at Monash. It is awarded alongside the MGS and CF-MGS during the same application process. Having all three scholarships considered through a single application is one of the most student-friendly features of Monash’s scholarship system.

Final Thoughts

The Co-funded Monash Graduate Scholarships represent a genuinely life-changing opportunity for students around the world who want to pursue high-quality graduate research in Australia. With full tuition coverage, a solid annual stipend, and a relocation grant, this scholarship removes the financial barriers that often stand between talented researchers and the academic opportunities they deserve.

If you are serious about pursuing a PhD or Research Master’s degree and you have the academic profile to match, Monash University and its CF-MGS scholarship could be your path to achieving your research ambitions at one of the world’s great research universities.

The application deadline for the current international round is 31 August 2026. Do not wait too long to start your preparations. Early applications give you more time to polish your research proposal, secure the right supervisor, and gather all the documentation you need.

You can start your application or learn more about the scholarship by visiting the official Monash University Graduate Research Scholarships page. Good luck!