University of Melbourne Global Scholars Award 2025 – International Students Guide

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Every year, the prestigious University of Melbourne in Australia supports students seeking international academic exposure through its Global Scholars Award. Known as the Melbourne Global Scholars Award (MGSA), this scholarship aims to help students from around the world cover living expenses when participating in an approved study abroad or exchange program.

With over 800 grants awarded annually, the 2025 MGSA offers a one-off payment of up to AUD $2,500 to eligible students. This guide covers everything you need to know: who can apply, key deadlines, benefits, selection criteria, application steps, tips, and FAQs. Whether you’re a current undergrad or postgrad planning overseas study, you’ll find all the info you need right here.

What Is the Melbourne Global Scholars Award?

The Melbournе Global Scholars Award is part of the broader Melbourne Mobility Awards suite—offered to support students undertaking international study experiences. It is designed to relieve some of the financial burdens associated with travel, accommodation, and daily expenses abroad.

There are two grant levels:

• $1,000 AUD for short-term programs (3–12 weeks)
• $2,500 AUD for longer programs (over 12 weeks)

These bursaries are one-off, non-renewable grants and are available to students enrolled in approved overseas components like exchanges, study abroad subjects, or overseas courses offered by the University of Melbourne.

Eligibility Criteria for MGSA 2025

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be enrolled (or intending to enrol) at the University of Melbourne in an undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, or vocational education program.
• Have an approved overseas study component (not part of an externally funded scholarship, e.g., Australia Awards).
• Not have previously received a Global Scholars Award, Global Grant, or Global Scholarship in language study.
• Apply during the application window after receiving official confirmation of their overseas program.

Who Is the Award For?

The MGSA is open to:

• Domestic and international students
• Undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students
• Participants in exchange, study abroad, or overseas campus subjects
• No citizenship limitation—any student enrolled at the University is eligible

What Can the Award Be Used For?

The award is flexible, aimed at offsetting overseas-related costs such as:

• Airfare and transportation
• Accommodation
• Living expenses (food, local transport)
• Health insurance or travel insurance
• Course-related costs (supplies, local excursions)

2025 MGSA Key Dates & Timeline

• Call for MGSA Applications Opens: ~March 2025, after Global Learning confirms placements
• Deadline for MGSA Applications: Typically within 4–6 weeks of offer, often mid-year
• Award Notification: Within 2–3 weeks of application
• Overseas Study Begins: Program-specific (Semester 2/3 2025 or 2026)

Because deadlines vary by program and region, watch your university email and the Global Learning portal for precise details.

How to Apply Step-By-Step

1. Secure Confirmation: First, obtain written confirmation of your overseas study placement from Global Learning or relevant faculty.
2. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria and haven’t already received an MGSA or similar award.
3. Prepare Application: Gather details about your overseas program, estimated budget, and personal statement.
4. Submit Online Form: Complete the MGSA application form available via the My Studies portal or Global Learning link.
5. Await Decision: Award offers usually land within a couple of weeks—check your University email regularly.
6. Accept and Use Funds: Accept your grant offer, then use the money toward travel and living costs abroad.

Selection Criteria

Selection is based on:

• Your academic standing and engagement at the University of Melbourne
• Clarity and feasibility of your overseas study plans and budget
• How the overseas experience aligns with your academic and career goals
• Financial need—students from lower-income backgrounds may receive priority

There is no minimum GPA requirement, but academic performance and commitment to international experience are assessed.

If I’ve Received Another Scholarship?

MGSA is independent of other awards. However:

• You cannot receive MGSA and a similar mobility grant like the Melbourne Global Grant or Language Scholarship for the same program.
• MGSA can complement larger awards, provided there is no explicit exclusion.

Reddit users confirm overlap restrictions but say most students can combine awards unless otherwise specified [oai_citation:0‡studiesinaustralia.com](https://www.studiesinaustralia.com/scholarships-in-australia/the-university-of-melbourne/melbourne-global-scholars-award?utm_source=chatgpt.com).

How Much Funding is Available?

Study Duration	Grant Amount (AUD)
3–12 weeks abroad	$1,000 (one-off)
>12 weeks abroad	$2,500 (one-off)

Awarded annually with roughly 800–1,000 grants granted through the MGSA and other Melbourne Mobility initiatives ().

What About Exchange vs Study Abroad?

MGSA applies equally to:

• Formal University exchange programs (credit transfer)
• Study abroad subjects taken through the University’s network
• University-led overseas field courses or overseas campus units

Double-check your program qualifies before applying.

Tips to Strengthen Your MGSA Application

• Apply early: Submit as soon as your placement is confirmed
• Be realistic: Build an accurate budget—don’t inflate or underestimate
• Show impact: Explain how this international experience aligns with long-term academic or career plans
• Provide documentation: Attach any placement or enrollment confirmations
• Proofread carefully: Mistakes can signal lack of commitment or professionalism

FAQs – Common Questions Answered

Is MGSA available to international students?

Yes—it’s open to all University of Melbourne-enrolled students, regardless of citizenship ().

What if I defer my overseas placement?

You must reapply in the new intake. The grant cannot be automatically carried forward.

Can I apply for multiple Mobility Awards?

You can apply for MGSA and another award (e.g., Financial Assistance Grant), but some awards cannot be combined (). Verify eligibility requirements.

Can I use MGSA for a short language study overseas?

No. It cannot be used for language-study scholarships or previously funded travel grants.

Does MGSA cover tuition fees?

No. It’s designed to offset living and travel costs only—not tuition.

When will I hear back?

Awards are usually confirmed within 2–3 weeks after application submission.

Real Student Experiences

According to student reports, the application deadline is typically announced once Global Learning confirms your placement [oai_citation:1‡students.unimelb.edu.au](https://students.unimelb.edu.au/your-course/study-overseas/help-and-support/scholarships?utm_source=chatgpt.com). Grants are awarded automatically if eligibility is met, and awarded amounts are promptly deposited into University accounts.

Why the MGSA Matters

Many students cite cost as a major barrier to overseas learning. MGSA helps bridge that gap, ensuring mobility programs remain accessible. Recipients say it allows them to focus fully on their academic and cultural experiences abroad, rather than stressing over daily expenses.

University of Melbourne at a Glance

The University of Melbourne, founded in 1853, is a globally recognized public research university and a leading member of Australia’s Group of Eight ().

In 2023, the University enrolled nearly 54,000 students, including over 23,000 postgraduates. It has partnerships worldwide and is deeply committed to expanding student mobility through scholarships and grants.

Other Scholarships to Explore

• Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship – 25% tuition remission for eligible students from low-income countries ()
• Commerce Global Scholarship – 20% remission for under-represented international students in Commerce ()
• Graduate Research Scholarships (MRS & RTP) – Full tuition, stipend, and living allowance for masters by research and doctoral students ()

These awards are separate from MGSA and require individual applications. Combined strategically, they significantly reduce study costs in Australia.

Next Steps and How to Prepare

1. Stay alert for your overseas study confirmation through Global Learning or your faculty
2. Estimate your living and travel budget for your overseas term
3. Gather required documents and plan your MGSA application promptly
4. Consider additional funding opportunities to complement MGSA
5. Set realistic expectations about MGSA being a one-time award
6. If eligible, apply for undergraduate or postgraduate domestic/international tuition scholarships

Downloadable Resources & Where to Find Help

• MGSA Application Guide – Available via Global Learning My Studies portal
• Sample budgets and statements provided by the University
• Global Learning advisors – schedule an appointment
• University Scholarship Office – email or drop-in sessions

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply?

If you’re planning an overseas academic experience and are enrolled at the University of Melbourne, applying for the Global Scholars Award is a smart move. It relieves budget pressure and enhances the value of your international study.

Although the award doesn’t cover tuition or large expenses, it’s meaningful support in offsetting travel-related costs. With hundreds of grants available every year and a smooth, online application, MGSA is a no-brainer: you won’t know unless you try.

Be sure to:

• Confirm your overseas study early
• Submit your application promptly
• Provide clear statements and realistic budgets
• Combine MGSA with other scholarships where possible

Start Your MGSA Application

Watch your email from Global Learning or faculty advising in early 2025. Once your overseas placement is confirmed, the MGSA form will appear in your My Studies portal—fill it out, submit, and await the grant decision. Good luck, and best wishes on your international academic adventure.

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