MatthewMonash University, located in Melbourne, Australia, is globally recognized for academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and a strong commitment to internationalization. For international students seeking fully funded scholarships, Monash offers one of the most prestigious opportunities available: the Co-Funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS). This scholarship is specifically tailored for research-based degrees at the Master’s and PhD levels and covers tuition, living allowances, and relocation support.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step needed to apply for this scholarship, from understanding eligibility requirements and the application process to securing a supervisor.
Why Monash University?
Monash University is a member of the Group of Eight, Australia’s elite research-intensive universities. Ranked among the top 100 universities in the world, Monash offers world-class facilities, research opportunities, and access to highly ranked faculties across science, engineering, business, medicine, and social sciences. As an international student, studying here means you’re not only investing in top-tier education but also becoming part of a globally respected academic community.
Global Recognition and Research Impact
The university is known for its interdisciplinary approach to solving real-world problems. Monash invests heavily in research infrastructure and partners with leading organizations around the world. This emphasis on research makes it an ideal destination for students seeking graduate research scholarships.
What Is the Co-Funded Monash Graduate Scholarship?
The Co-Funded Monash Graduate Scholarship (CF-MGS) is a merit-based scholarship for high-achieving domestic and international students undertaking Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) programs. It is fully funded, covering:
- Annual Stipend: AUD $33,000 (paid fortnightly)
- Relocation Allowance: AUD $1,500 for international students
- Tuition Fees: Covered entirely for the duration of the program
This generous funding package makes it one of the best scholarships in Australia for postgraduate research students.
Key Benefits of the Scholarship
- Full Tuition Coverage
You won’t pay any tuition fees for the duration of your program. - Generous Living Allowance
The stipend is disbursed every two weeks, helping you comfortably manage daily expenses. - Relocation Support
A one-time relocation allowance helps cover travel and resettlement costs in Australia. - Automatic Consideration
If you’re applying for a research degree, you are automatically considered for the scholarship. There is no separate application form, reducing administrative burden.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- First Deadline: March 31 (Applications closed for this cycle)
- Next Deadline: August 31 (Now open)
Applying well before the deadline is strongly advised, as it allows ample time to secure a supervisor and prepare a strong application.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Co-Funded Monash Graduate Scholarship, you must:
- Be an international student
- Apply for a Masters by Research or PhD (Doctoral) program
- Hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree (for Masters) or a Master’s degree (for PhD) with strong academic standing (preferably Distinction or First Class)
- Demonstrate English language proficiency (though many international students are exempt)
Good News: Students from English-speaking countries such as Nigeria are exempt from submitting IELTS or TOEFL scores if their undergraduate studies were conducted in English.
Taught vs. Research Degrees: A Key Distinction
It’s crucial to understand that this scholarship only applies to research-based programs, not taught coursework programs.
Taught Master’s Programs:
- Structured like traditional classes
- Often require application through an agent
Research Degrees (Eligible for Scholarship):
- Involve a significant research project or thesis
- Require direct contact with a supervisor
- Do not require using an agent for application
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying
Step 1: Identify a Suitable Research Program
Browse the available research programs at Monash University through their Graduate Research website.
Step 2: Find and Contact a Supervisor
This is the most important part of the application. You must secure a supervisor who aligns with your research interests. Here’s how:
- Go to the faculty page (e.g., Engineering, Science, Education)
- Explore the research areas and staff profiles
- Select a supervisor whose research overlaps with yours
- Write an Expression of Interest (EOI) email introducing yourself, your academic background, and your proposed research topic
Each faculty or department may have its own EOI form. For example, the Faculty of Engineering provides a structured Google Form for this purpose.
Step 3: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
When submitting your EOI, you’ll typically be asked to provide:
- Personal details
- Educational background
- English language proficiency (indicate exemption if applicable)
- Preferred research area and supervisor
- Copies of academic transcripts
- Academic publications or research output (if any)
Pro Tip: Even if you haven’t published in journals, you can list your undergraduate thesis, conference papers, or other research outputs.
Step 4: Await Supervisor Response
If your EOI aligns with the supervisor’s interest, you will be invited to submit a full application through the Monash University application portal. Without this invitation, your application may be rejected or redirected to an agent.
Step 5: Apply Online
Once invited, follow the instructions in your email to complete the full online application. Include:
- Verified academic transcripts
- Research proposal (tailored to your supervisor’s interests)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport copy
Reminder: You are automatically considered for the CF-MGS scholarship during this process. No separate scholarship form is needed.
English Language Requirements and Exemptions
Monash University offers a broad list of exempt countries where students do not need to submit English proficiency scores. Nigeria, for example, is listed among countries exempt from presenting IELTS or TOEFL certificates if studies were completed in English.
This saves both time and money for applicants.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Start Early
Begin your application at least 3 months before the deadline to find a supervisor and prepare all documents. - Customize Your Expression of Interest
Research your potential supervisor’s work and align your proposal to their current research direction. - Meet All Requirements
Make sure to include all requested documents — incomplete applications may be rejected without review. - Avoid Agents (for Research Degrees)
Applying through a supervisor helps you avoid agent-related delays and fees, which are typically required only for coursework degrees. - Follow Faculty-Specific Guidelines
Each faculty may have unique requirements, so carefully follow instructions specific to your chosen department.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply without a supervisor?
No. Securing a supervisor is a mandatory part of the application for research degrees at Monash University.
What if I don’t have publications?
That’s okay. Include your thesis, academic essays, or conference papers. Highlight your research skills and potential.
Are students from all countries eligible?
Yes. The scholarship is open to all international students, though English language requirements vary by country.
What’s the difference between this and other Monash scholarships?
There are other scholarships like the Monash International Tuition Scholarship (MITS) and the Monash Research Training Program (RTP) worth over AUD $40,000. You’re automatically considered for multiple awards during your application.
Final Thoughts
Monash University’s Co-Funded Graduate Scholarship is one of the best opportunities available to international students seeking to pursue a fully funded Master’s by Research or PhD in Australia. The process is transparent, and with proper preparation, you can apply directly — no agents, no middlemen, and no additional application fees for the scholarship.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you increase your chances of securing a prestigious scholarship while gaining world-class education in one of Australia’s leading universities. Make sure to apply before the August 31 deadline, secure a supervisor early, and craft a compelling research proposal.
Good luck with your application — your journey to becoming a Monash scholar starts now!
Matthew