Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA)

Australian Postgraduate Awards (APAs) are funded by the Australian Federal Government and awarded to local students wishing to undertake research higher degree studies at the University. From 2011, students awarded an IPRS at the University of Melbourne normally receive an APA as well. A small number of APAs are also awarded for strategic research (Strategic Research Australian Postgraduate Awards [STRAPAs]).

Number

The University of Melbourne offered about 370 new Australian Postgraduate Awards in 2012.

Benefits & conditions

Benefits provided by the APA include:

  • a living allowance of $24,653 per annum (2013 rate)
  • a Relocation Grant of $2,000 awarded to students who are moving from interstate in order to study at the University of Melbourne or $3,000 awarded to those who are moving from overseas
  • a Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2013 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2013 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates, and
  • Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.

Please click on the following link for the conditions relating to the APA, which includes information about duration of awards; commencement requirements etc.

Eligibility criteria

Applicants must have completed tertiary studies that are at least equivalent to a 4-year honours degree at an Australian university with a minimum result of first class Honours.

Applicants must have applied for, or be currently enrolled in, a graduate research degree*.

Applicants who have commenced their graduate research degree must have at least 12 months full-time or equivalent candidature remaining.

Applicants who have previously held an APA for six months or more cannot be considered for another APA.

Please click on the following link for further information about eligibility criteria.

*Graduate research degrees have a research component of at least 66%.

Selection criteria

Selection will be based on the eligibility criteria and academic merit. Scholarship assessment guidelines , tips for applicants and other funding opportunities may be found on the Scholarships Resources webpage.

Application process

Please refer to the 'How to Apply' webpage for application information.

Application outcome

Applicants will be advised via email as soon as an outcome to their scholarship application is determined.

Closing date & timelines

31 October

Applications completed and submitted after 31 October will not be considered for an APA; they will only be considered for any Melbourne Research Scholarships (MRSs) that remain at the time the application is assessed.

For detailed selection timelines please refer to the table of timelines for local applicants.

For further information

Please contact Melbourne Scholarships.