Monash University Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship 2026 – $53,608 p.a.

Scholarship Description

The Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship (SJMN) is a prestigious scholarship funded by a private trust, established in memory of the late Sir James McNeill, who had a long association with Monash University. This scholarship is awarded to support graduate research students with living costs while studying at a Monash campus in Australia.

The scholarship is specifically available for research that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial. It is a testament to Monash University's commitment to sustainability and social impact. The scholarship is awarded once every two years (from R4/2024 onwards) and provides substantial financial support to the successful candidate.

Scholarship Location

The scholarship is tenable at Monash University in Australia. Students must study at a Monash campus in Australia to receive the scholarship.

Scholarship Deadline

Applications close 31 October each year. The scholarship is offered once every two years (from R4/2024 onwards).

Host Institution

Monash University is a world-class public research university based in Melbourne, Australia. Founded in 1958, Monash is one of Australia's Group of Eight universities and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The university is known for its strong research output, commitment to sustainability, and social impact.

Level and Fields of Study

Level: Postgraduate Research (Master's or PhD).

Eligible Faculties:

• Arts – School of Music only
• Engineering
• Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
• Science

Research Focus: Research that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial. Applicants must demonstrate that their proposed research aligns with these values.

Target Group

The scholarship is open to all eligible students, including:

• Australian citizens
• New Zealand citizens
• Australian permanent residents
• Australian humanitarian visa holders
• International students

This prestigious scholarship welcomes applications from both domestic and international students.

Scholarship Duration & Amount

Total Scholarship Value: $53,608 per annum (2026 rate).

Duration: Standard postgraduate research scholarship duration (typically 2-3 years for Master's, 3-4 years for PhD).

Number of Awards: One scholarship every two years (from R4/2024 onwards).

Benefits include:

• Living cost stipend
• Support for environmentally and socially responsible research
• Access to Monash University's world-class research facilities

Scholarship Eligibility

Essential criteria:

• Citizenship: Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder, or International student.
• Scholarship application: Must have submitted a scholarship application in the year the scholarship is offered.
• Research focus: Must be undertaking research that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial.
• Selection process: Must meet Monash's competitive scholarship selection process requirements.
• English proficiency: Must meet Monash English language proficiency requirements.
• Enrollment: Available to students undertaking Joint Research Awards when Monash University is the home institution.

Application Procedure

1. Check eligibility – Ensure you meet all criteria: citizenship status, research focus, faculty eligibility, and English proficiency.
2. Apply for admission – Graduate research scholarship applications are submitted at the same time as your course application, unless you are already enrolled.
3. Use the myApp Portal – Whether you are a new applicant or a current student, the myApp Portal is used for both course admission and scholarship applications.
4. Automatic consideration – You do not need to select specific scholarships. Eligible applicants are automatically considered for all available graduate research scholarships.
5. Important timing – This prestigious scholarship is awarded in the 31 October scholarship round only. Eligible applicants from Rounds 1 through to 4 (of the same year in which the scholarship is offered) will automatically be considered for nomination by the relevant faculty.
6. Review details – Different scholarships may have varying application requirements, so carefully review the details and ensure your application is submitted by the specified deadline.
7. Selection process – Monash scholarships are highly competitive and are awarded based on academic excellence, research outputs, and prior research experience.
8. Notification – Successful applicants are notified by Monash University.

Important notes: The scholarship is offered once every two years (from R4/2024 onwards). Applicants must be undertaking research that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial. The standard RTP Scholarships terms and conditions apply, with the exceptions outlined in the eligibility criteria.

Official Website & Application Links

Monash University – Sir James McNeill Scholarship Official Page

Contact: Graduate Research Admissions Team
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 9905 1538

Application Portal: myApp Portal (available through the Monash University website)