The 2026 John Monash Scholarship (Australia Based)

Scholarship Awarding University: 

Several Universities

Type of degree: 

Master’s and PhD

Scholarship Deadline: 

Applications for this scholarship will end on the 30th of June, 2025

Scholarship Summary: 

John Monash Scholarships recognize excellence and leadership, and celebrate one of Australia’s finest leaders: General Sir John Monash. Scholarships are awarded annually to outstanding Australian graduates to support them with post graduate study (Masters, PhD or equivalent degree) at the world’s best universities. Successful applicants have demonstrated excellence in their field, leadership potential, and a vision for how they can contribute to a better Australia. The John Monash Scholarships are not limited by age, gender, academic field of study or choice of overseas university.

Scholarship Applicant Criteria: 

To be eligible to apply for a John Monash Scholarship you must;
i. Be an Australian Citizen;
ii. Have completed (or will complete by 31 December 2025) an undergraduate degree at an Australian university;
iii. Plan to start a full-time master's degree or PhD at an accredited university outside Australia, commencing no earlier than 2026;

iv. Commence your studies within 12 months of being awarded the scholarship.

In addition to the above criteria, other factors considered include;
i. Academic excellence –  This may be evidenced by outstanding academic results, prizes, awards, publications, performances, exhibitions, enterprises and professional endeavours. There is no minimum GPA required, however you must show evidence of your academic ability and capacity to manage the academic rigour of your chosen postgraduate degree.
ii. Outstanding leadership potential – This may be demonstrated in an academic environment, professional environment and/or your involvement with community.
iii. A strong vision to build Australia’s capabilities for the future – This may be demonstrated through explaining your career goals, how your career will benefit Australia, and why your chosen university and program are the best fit to help you achieve this

Eligible graduate programs for the John Monash Scholarship include:

• One-year full-time master’s program
• Two-year full-time master’s program
• Two-year full-time joint or combined master’s degree
• Three-year full-time joint or combined master’s degree
• Three-year full-time PhD (or DPhil) program*

Value of Scholarship: 

The John Monash scholarship is an annual stipend of AUD $100,000 per year for up to a maximum of 3 years for postgraduate study (depending on the length of the degree at a full-time study load) and covers the following:

• tuition fees
• accommodation
• other living expenses.

The total amount of funding you are eligible for depends on the length of your chosen program:

1. One-year master’s degree receives $100,000 AUD
2. Two-year master’s degree receives $200,000 AUD
3. Three-year PhD (or DPhil) program* receives $300,000 AUD.

Additional fee waivers and bursaries are also exclusively available to John Monash Scholars if you complete your studies with one of our partner universities:

1. Kings College London, England — receive an additional £5,000 bursary
2. Cranfield University, England — receive a full fee waiver for Masters programs at all schools (except the MBA)
3. IE University Madrid, Spain — receive an additional 30% fee waiver
4. University of Groningen, Netherlands — receive a full fee waiver for PhD programs.

Scholarship Application Guide: 

The application process for the John Monash Scholarship is as follows;
i. Apply for this scholarship through the online application portal.
ii. Applications close — 30 June 2025 (5pm AEST). Late applications or application enquiries outside of this window will not be accepted.

iii. Initial review — Late July. Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets all eligibility criteria, and a short-listing process will commence.

iv. First-Round interviews — September. If shortlisted, you will be invited to a first-round interview held across various states and territories. 

v. National Round interviews — October. If you progress past the first round of interviews, you will be invited to attend a national interview in Melbourne or Sydney, where final scholarship decisions are made.

vi. Notification of outcome — Late November. You will be notified of the outcome of your application after the final selection process is complete. If unsuccessful, you may request written feedback.

vii. Both interview selection rounds are chaired by selection panels, made up of senior professional and academic leaders from across Australia.

Scholarship Website: 

Find further information on this scholarship opportunity at the John Monash Scholarship Page.