Pursuing a graduate research degree is a major commitment. For many talented domestic students, financial pressures, personal hardships, or other barriers can make that dream feel out of reach. The Fay Marles Scholarship 2026 exists precisely for those students.
Named after a trailblazing former Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, this scholarship provides meaningful financial support to Australian and New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are enrolling in a Master by research or doctoral degree and who are experiencing disadvantaged circumstances. With a total value between $80,000 and $138,000, it can transform what is possible during your research journey.
Applications are currently open and close on 31 October 2026, with outcomes expected in December. If you are planning to start graduate research in 2027 and face circumstances that affect your ability to study, this opportunity deserves your full attention.
Scholarship Summary
- Host Country: Australia
- Host University: University of Melbourne
- Scholarship Type: MSC Scholarships
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Scholarship Benefits: Up to $138,000, etc.
Who Was Fay Marles and Why Does This Scholarship Matter
Fay Marles (1926–2024) was a pioneering social worker, public servant, and advocate for social justice and human rights. She served as the first female Chancellor of the University of Melbourne from 2001 to 2004 and worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for Indigenous Australians and promote equity in education.
The Fay Marles Scholarship honours her legacy by removing financial obstacles for domestic students whose personal circumstances — whether financial hardship, health challenges, family responsibilities, regional isolation, or other compassionate and compelling situations — have made pursuing advanced research more difficult.
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In a competitive academic environment, this targeted support helps ensure that research talent is not lost simply because of disadvantage. It aligns with the University of Melbourne’s broader commitment to equity and excellence in graduate research.
What Does the Fay Marles Scholarship Actually Provide?
This is a living allowance scholarship designed to give recipients the financial breathing room needed to focus on their research.
Key benefits include:
- A living allowance of $39,500 per year (pro rata, 2026 full-time study rate). This amount may be indexed annually.
- Support for up to 2 years for a Master by research or up to 3.5 years for a doctoral degree.
- Limited paid sick leave, maternity leave, and parenting leave.
- A relocation grant of $2,000 (if moving from another Australian state or territory) or $3,000 (if moving from outside Australia).
- Total estimated value: $80,000 – $138,000 depending on the length of your degree and relocation needs.
While many domestic students receive a Research Training Program (RTP) fee offset automatically when offered a place in a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne, the Fay Marles Scholarship specifically addresses living costs. This distinction makes it especially valuable for students who need additional support beyond tuition coverage.
If you apply for the Fay Marles Scholarship, you will also be automatically considered for the Frederick Blake Shepherd Scholarship, which offers similar benefits to graduate research students with a physical disability.
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Who Can Apply for the Fay Marles Scholarship 2026?
Eligibility is clear and focused:
- You must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen.
- You must have applied for and meet the entry requirements for a graduate research degree (Master by research or PhD) at the University of Melbourne.
- You must be experiencing disadvantaged circumstances that affect your ability to study.
The scholarship is open across almost all study areas, including agricultural and veterinary sciences, architecture, arts and humanities, business and economics, education, engineering, environment, health, information technology, law, music and performing arts, and science.
It is available for future study and is offered to domestic students only. There is no age limit or restriction based on how long ago you completed your previous studies.
How to Apply for the Fay Marles Scholarship
Applying requires two main steps:
- Apply for admission to a graduate research degree at the University of Melbourne. You can explore available programs and entry requirements on the university’s graduate research pages.
- Submit a separate scholarship application through the University of Melbourne’s SmartyGrants portal. You will need to include:
- A personal statement that clearly explains your compassionate and compelling circumstances and how they have affected your ability to study.
- Supporting documents that provide evidence of those circumstances.
- An explanation of how the scholarship will help you achieve your personal and academic goals.
The personal statement is the heart of your application. Be honest, specific, and reflective. Selection panels want to understand the real impact of your circumstances and see that you have a clear vision for how this support will allow you to succeed.
Important dates for 2026:
- Applications open: 1 May 2026
- Applications close: 31 October 2026
- Outcomes notified: December 2026
You can defer the scholarship to the following year if needed, subject to the Graduate Research Terms and Conditions.
Apply here: Fay Marles Scholarship Application Portal
Official scholarship page: Fay Marles Scholarship – University of Melbourne
Selection Process and What Makes a Strong Application
Only eight Fay Marles Scholarships are awarded each year. The selection panel ranks applicants based on the strength of their scholarship application combined with their course entry score.
A competitive application typically demonstrates:
- Clear evidence of disadvantage and its impact on your studies.
- Academic readiness and research potential.
- A compelling case for how the scholarship will enable you to complete your degree and contribute meaningfully in your field.
Because the scholarship is tied to social justice values, panels often respond well to applications that show resilience, determination, and a desire to use advanced research to make a positive difference.
Why This Scholarship Is Worth Applying For in 2026
Graduate research is demanding. Adding financial stress on top of research, writing, and (often) teaching or other responsibilities can be overwhelming. The Fay Marles Scholarship is designed to reduce that pressure so you can produce your best work.
Recipients gain more than money. They join a community of scholars at one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities and receive recognition that their circumstances and potential have been acknowledged.
For students who might otherwise have to delay, reduce, or abandon their research ambitions, this scholarship can be genuinely life-changing.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Fay Marles Scholarship
Is the Fay Marles Scholarship only for PhD students? No. It supports both Master by research and doctoral (PhD) students, with different maximum durations.
Do I need to have an offer of admission before applying? You should have applied for a graduate research degree. The scholarship selection considers your course entry score, so being in the admissions process is important.
Can I apply if I am already enrolled? The scholarship is primarily for future study, but check the official page or contact the scholarships team if your situation is borderline.
What counts as “disadvantaged circumstances”? This is assessed case-by-case. Examples include financial hardship, serious health issues, caring responsibilities, family or personal trauma, regional or remote location challenges, or other compassionate and compelling situations that have affected your studies.
Is there any bond or work requirement after graduation? No. This is a non-repayable scholarship with no post-study service requirement.
Take the Next Step
If you are a domestic student planning graduate research at the University of Melbourne in 2027 and you are facing circumstances that make funding and focus difficult, the Fay Marles Scholarship 2026 could be the support you need.
Visit the official page for full details, prepare your personal statement and documents carefully, and submit your application before the 31 October 2026 deadline.
Start here:
- Official Fay Marles Scholarship Information
- Submit Your Application
- University of Melbourne Scholarship Guide
- Graduate Research at Melbourne
The legacy of Fay Marles lives on through students who refuse to let disadvantage define their future. If that describes you, this scholarship is worth pursuing with everything you have.
Good luck with your application. Your research matters — and support is available to help you complete it.