International scholarships

Our flagship research institutes address real-world problems across multi-disciplinary research programs. Their research benefits local and global industry, and communities.

Your research degree will be run through one of our research institutes—so consider which institute might be best for you:

• Institute for Health and Sport (IHES) specialises in sport, medical, social and policy research
• Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities (ISILC) incorporates a broad range of disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, law, science and economics.

We offer masters by research degrees that are carefully designed to suit your experience, interest and ambition. 

If you’re starting your research journey, our Master of Applied Research degree offers an innovative pathway opportunity for graduates.

Choose from one of the following degrees, run through our flagship research institutes: 

Before you apply, you should follow our step-by-step guide on applying for graduate research at VU. You will need to prepare some documentation, so make sure you have everything ready before you apply.

Once you have gone through the steps, you’re ready to apply! Submit your application through an education agent or directly to VU.

All successful international applicants will be automatically awarded the VU Global Research Scholarship if commencing an eligible degree in Research Period 2, 2025 or Research Period 1 or 2, 2026.

The VU Global Research Scholarship is valued at 20% off tuition fees for the entire duration of your masters by research degree at Victoria University.

All international students will be awarded the scholarship if you successfully meet the entry requirements to start one of these degrees in Research Period 2, 2025 or Research Period 1 or 2, 2026:

The following terms and conditions govern the VU Global Research Scholarship (the "Scholarship") offered by Victoria University Melbourne ("VU"). By applying for or accepting the Scholarship, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.

1. Eligibility:

• The Scholarship is open to international students commencing a masters by research degree at VU in Research Period 2, 2025 or Research Period 1 or 2, 2026.
• The Scholarship is only available to students paying full tuition fees for their research degree and cannot be combined with any other tuition fee scholarship.
• Students receiving advanced candidature for previous research studies are eligible for the Scholarship providing the duration of their study at VU remains over one year.

2. Selection & notification:

• The Scholarship is awarded at the sole discretion of VU.
• Successful applicants will be notified of the scholarship in their Letter of Offer.

3. Acceptance & payment:

• Successful applicants must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer.
• The remaining balance of tuition fees and any other applicable fees is due before the census date of the course.

4. Scholarship restrictions:

• The Scholarship is not refundable or convertible to cash.
• The Scholarship is not transferable to another individual or course.
• The Scholarship cannot be deferred to a new study period without reassessment of eligibility.

5. Scholarship duration and continuation:

• The Scholarship applies only to eligible students during their period of study at VU and cannot be allocated retrospectively to students who are no longer enrolled.
• Students receiving approved Leave of Absence (Intermission) or reducing their study load after commencing at VU will remain eligible to receive the Scholarship until the stated end date in their letter of offer, subject to meeting all other eligibility requirements.

6. Scholarship revocation:

• VU reserves the right to revoke the Scholarship if a student:
  • fails to pay all tuition and other applicable fees/costs in full by the census date of each study period.
  • fails to meet the conditions of their student visa.
  • breaches any of these terms and conditions.

7. University's decision:

• VU's decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the Scholarship is final, and no right of appeal exists for unsuccessful applicants or in cases of scholarship withdrawal.

8. Amendments:

• VU reserves the right to make changes to these terms and conditions without notice. Any changes will be published on the VU website and will apply to future scholarship offers.

9. Contact:

For any questions regarding the Scholarship, please contact [email protected] .

East-Kalimantan Provincial Government scholarship program

The East-Kalimantan Provincial Government scholarship program (Kaltim cemerlang scholarship) offers scholarships to eligible Indonesian nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

The scholarships are available for postgraduate studies at VU.

Eligibility: Citizen of Indonesia, studying a postgraduate qualification.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
How to apply: Apply to VU and East Kalimantan Provincial Government, Department of Education and Culture, the Republic of Indonesia.

Split-Site Masters Program (SSMP)

The Split-Site Masters Program (SSMP) is a co-sponsorship between an Indonesian Government Organisation (IGO) and Australia Awards Indonesia for masters degrees offered jointly by Australian and Indonesian universities.

The SSMP program requires at least one academic year of study at an Indonesian university, followed by an additional academic year at an Australian university, resulting in the award of two master’s degrees from two respected institutions within a related field of study.

In the 2025 round, Victoria University successfully obtained SSMP approval for the Master of International Community Development in collaboration with Universitas Brawijaya.

Learn more about how to apply for the SSMP program

The Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait offers a range of scholarships to eligible Kuwaiti nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Kuwaiti Cultural Office in Canberra.

Eligibility: Citizen of Kuwait, various study levels.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the Kuwait Ministry of Higher Education for more information.
How to apply: Apply to VU and liaise with the Kuwaiti Cultural Office regarding your application.

Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

• name of university (i.e. Victoria University)
• your name and student number
• name of course and duration of sponsorship
• details of scholarships entitlement.

The Ministry of Higher Education in Saudi Arabia offers a range of scholarships to eligible Saudi Arabian nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission in Canberra.

Eligibility: Citizen of Saudi Arabia, various study levels.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Refer to the Ministry of Higher Education for more information.
How to apply: Apply to VU and upon receiving an offer apply to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Higher Education.

Accept your offer and provide a financial guarantee that includes:

• name of university (i.e. Victoria University)
• your name and student number
• name of course and duration of sponsorship
• details of scholarships entitlement.

The Ministry of Higher Education in the Sultanate of Oman offers a range of scholarships to eligible Omani nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman in Melbourne.

Eligibility: Citizen of the Sultanate of Oman, various study levels.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the Sultanate of Oman Ministry of Higher Education for more information.
How to apply: Apply to VU and liaise with the Consulate General of the Sultanate of Oman regarding your application.

Accept your offer and provide a financial guarantee that includes:

• name of University (i.e. Victoria University)
• your name and student number
• name of course and duration of sponsorship
• details of scholarships entitlement.

Military Attaché – Ministry of Defence Scholarships

The Ministry of Defence in the United Arab Emirates offers a range of scholarships to eligible Emirati nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Military Attaché Office, Canberra.

Eligibility: Citizen of the United Arab Emirates, various study levels.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the United Arab Emirates for more information.
How to apply: Apply to VU and liaise with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates Military Attaché Office regarding your application.

Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

• name of university (i.e. Victoria University)
• your name and student number
• name of course and duration of sponsorship
• details of scholarships entitlement.

Ministry of Interior Scholarships

The Ministry of Higher Education in the United Arab Emirates offers a range of scholarships to eligible Emirati nationals interested in pursuing higher education qualifications at overseas institutions, including Australia.

These scholarships are managed in Australia through the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates Police Attaché Office, Melbourne.

Eligibility: Citizen of the United Arab Emirates, various study levels.
Value: Tuition fees, living allowance and Overseas Student Health Cover. Please refer to the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Interior for more information.
How to apply: Apply to VU and liaise with the Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates Police Attaché Office regarding your application.

Accept your offer and provide a Financial Guarantee that includes:

• name of university (i.e. Victoria University)
• your name and student number
• name of course and duration of sponsorship
• details of scholarships entitlement.

The VU International Scholarship supports new international students who commenced their higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) studies in 2023.

Value: 10% tuition fee reduction for the entire standard duration of eligible courses (calculated from the date of commencement to the course end date in the letter of offer).
Eligibility: New students commencing a higher education diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) course with VU Melbourne are eligible. English courses, Foundation Studies, VET and Research courses are not eligible for this scholarship.
How to apply: You'll be assessed automatically after submitting your application for an eligible course.

Terms & conditions

• The VU International Scholarship is awarded at the sole discretion of the University.
• Successful applicants will be notified in their full offer letter. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation for their VU course are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Students must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer and confirm the scholarship. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
• The VU International Scholarship is not refundable or convertible to cash.
• The VU International Scholarship cannot be transferred to another individual, course or commencing study period.
• The VU International Scholarship cannot be deferred into commencement in a new study period without reassessment of eligibility.
• New students receiving advanced standing for previous studies are eligible for the VU International Scholarship for the remaining standard duration of eligible courses.
• Students with approval to reduce their study load are eligible to receive a reduced scholarship, based on the number of units taken (pro-rata).
• Students returning from approved Leave of Absence (Intermission) are eligible to continue receiving the scholarship until the course end date in their letter of offer.
• Students will continue to remain eligible to receive the VU International Scholarship providing they pay all tuition and additional fees/costs in full by census date each study period and meet the conditions of their student visas.
• Scholarships only apply to eligible students during their period of study at VU and cannot be allocated retrospectively to students who are no longer enrolled.
• The University’s decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the scholarship is final, and there is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship or have the scholarship withdrawn.
• Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice.

The VU Global Leaders Scholarship ended in 2022 and new applicants are no longer eligible to apply. The terms and conditions below are for the benefit of enrolled VU students currently receiving this scholarship. 

Terms & conditions

• The VU Global Leaders Scholarship is awarded at the sole discretion of the University.
• Successful applicants will be notified in their full offer letter. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation for their VU course are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Students must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer and confirm the scholarship. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
• The VU Global Leaders Scholarship is not refundable or convertible to cash.
• The VU Global Leaders Scholarship cannot be transferred to another individual, course or commencing study period.
• The VU Global Leaders Scholarship cannot be deferred into commencement in a new study period without reassessment of eligibility.
• New students receiving advanced standing for previous studies are eligible for the VU International Scholarship for the remaining standard duration of eligible courses.
• Students with approval to reduce their study load are eligible to receive a reduced scholarship, based on the number of units taken (pro-rata).
• Students returning from approved Leave of Absence (Intermission) are eligible to continue receiving the scholarship until the course end date in their letter of offer.
• Students will continue to remain eligible to receive the VU Global Leaders Scholarship providing they pay all tuition and additional fees/costs in full by census date each study period and meet the conditions of their student visas.
• Scholarships only apply to eligible students during their period of study at VU and cannot be allocated retrospectively to students who are no longer enrolled.
• The University’s decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the scholarship is final, and there is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship or have the scholarship withdrawn.
• Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice.

The Pathway to Victoria Scholarship allocation ended in 2022 and new applicants are no longer eligible to apply. The terms and conditions below are for the benefit of enrolled VU students currently receiving this scholarship.

Terms & conditions

• A limited number of scholarships will be available and awarded at the sole discretion of the University on a rolling basis.
• This scholarship can be awarded in conjunction with another VU scholarship.
• Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Students must accept their full offer within two weeks of the date on the letter of offer, and before the scholarship allocation has been exhausted.
• Successful applicants will be notified in their full offer letter. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• The scholarship will be released to eligible students after the first census date of the principal course. To remain eligible to receive the scholarship, students must:
  • make satisfactory academic progress and maintain full-time study load in the pathway course to remain eligible.
  • successfully transition to the principal course and have remained enrolled past the first census date of the principal course before the end of 2023 to remain eligible.
• Students who defer or take intermission during the pathway course will become ineligible.
• The Pathway to Victoria Scholarship is not refundable or convertible to cash.
• The Pathway to Victoria Scholarship is not transferable to another individual, course or commencing study period.
• The Pathway to Victoria Scholarship cannot be deferred into commencement in a new study period without reassessment of eligibility.
• Students studying at Victoria University Sydney are not eligible for this scholarship.
• By accepting the Pathway to Victoria Scholarship, students agree to the conditions and requirements of this scholarship.
• Scholarships only apply to eligible students during their period of study at VU and cannot be allocated retrospectively to students who are no longer enrolled.
• The University’s decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the Scholarship is final, and there is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship or have the scholarship withdrawn.
• Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice

The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) ended in 2021 and new applicants are no longer eligible to apply. The terms and conditions below are for the benefit of enrolled VU students currently receiving this scholarship. 

Terms & conditions

• The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) is awarded at the sole discretion of the University.
• Students must pay the required tuition fee deposit to accept their offer. The remaining balance is due before the course start date.
• Students who have received a scholarship or sponsorship from another organisation are not eligible for this scholarship.
• Current VU students changing from one course to another with advanced standing (credits) are not eligible for this scholarship. Students who have completed a bachelor-level qualification at Victoria University and are applying for a postgraduate qualification are eligible.
• After two semesters of study, students may be eligible for an extension of this scholarship. The extension is valued at 10% of the semester’s tuition fee for the remainder of their studies. Students must maintain a 60 course Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
• Students with approval to reduce their study load are eligible to receive a reduced scholarship, based on the number of units taken (pro-rata).
• New students receiving advanced standing for previous studies are not eligible for the extension of the VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International).
• The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) is not refundable or convertible to cash.
• The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) is not transferable to another individual, course or commencing study period.
• The VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) cannot be deferred into commencement in a new study period without reassessment of eligibility.
• Scholarships only apply to eligible students during their period of study at VU and cannot be allocated retrospectively to students who are no longer enrolled.
• Successful applicants will be notified in their full offer letter. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified.
• Students will continue to remain eligible to receive the VU Future Leaders Scholarship (International) and the extension of the scholarship providing they pay all tuition and additional fees/costs in full by census date each study period and meet the conditions of their student visas.
• The University’s decision concerning the assessment of eligibility for the Scholarship is final, and there is no right of appeal should the student be unsuccessful in securing the scholarship, or has the scholarship withdrawn.
• Victoria University may make changes to these terms and conditions without notice.