Fees and payments

Graduate research

Most of our courses offer domestic graduate researchers Australian Government Research Training Program Fee-offset scholarships, which provides a full tuition fee remission. Tuition fees may apply to some courses. There's also a Student Services and Amenities Fee plus additional expenses you'll need to consider, including accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees

Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) place

To receive an RTP Fee-offset scholarship you need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, permanent humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen and accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Philosophy or Research doctorate or masters by research.

If accepted, you are exempt from paying tuition fees for your course. This exemption is valid for up to four years if you're enrolled in a doctoral program and up to two years if you're enrolled in a masters course.

If you enrol in additional subjects or courses during your enrolment, you may incur an additional cost, such astuition fees if it's an Australian fee-paying place.

Australian fee place

If you’re enrolling in an Australian fee place, tuition fees are calculated based on your course and study load per semester.

It's also important you read and understand the University's current tuition fee terms and conditions before accepting your offer and enrolling in a course.

Student Services and Amenities Fee

You'll also need to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) that goes towards providing you with essential services and support when you study. The amount you're charged will depend on whether you're a full-time or part-time student.

If your study less than 75% of the normal full-time study load, you'll be charged as a part-time student. If this changes to a full-time load your SSAF charge will be recalculated.

See Student Services and Amenities Fee

If you're eligible you can defer payment of the SSAF by applying for SA-HELP assistance.*

Find out about SA-HELP

*Graduate researchers who submit their theses on or before 31 March (early completers) will be exempted for SSAF liability for that academic year. Similarly, candidates who commence their research after 1 October (late commencers) will be exempted.

Other expenses

You also need to factor in additional expenses associated with your course, including the cost of textbooks. There will also be additional costs living in Melbourne, including accommodation, food, weekly bills, transport, social activities and club memberships.

For help budgeting for study at Melbourne, see Financial aid.

Tuition Fees

If you're eligible for an Australian Government Research Training Program place, your tuition fees are covered by the Australian Government.

Up-front payments

If you want to pay any fees up front, you can pay online or over the phone using BPAY®. To find out how, login to your student account, view your Statement of Liability and follow the instruction on how to pay.

See Students - Pay my fees

Unpaid fees and refunds

If your fees remain unpaid, your enrolment could be cancelled. You'll remain liable for any outstanding debt.

There are some circumstances you may be able to request a refund.

To find out what these are, see Section 3: Refund policy - Terms and conditions.

Also read our student loans, fees and charges policy

Funding your studies

There are financial loans, scholarships and bursaries that can help you pay your student fees and other living expenses.

Financial aid

To help with the cost of living while you study, you may be eligible for Australian Government financial aid, including Youth Allowance, Austudy or Abstudy. To find out how these could help your situation, visit the DHS – Centrelink payments and services.

Our financial services can also give you advice on scholarships, grants and how to budget for living and studying at Melbourne.

See Financial aid

Tax deduction on your fees

If your course is closely related to your current employment, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for the cost of your tuition fees.

To find out how to claim this, talk to your accountant or the Australian Taxation Office.

Scholarships and bursaries

We also offer a range scholarships and bursaries to help with tuition and living costs while you're at Melbourne.

Some scholarships cover part or all of your course fees. Others are one-off grants to help with the cost of living while you study. Faculties and Graduate Schools also offer a number of other scholarships and bursaries.

See Melbourne Scholarships

Visit our Research website

If you need more information on research funding, applications, faculties, industry connections and more, check out our University of Melbourne Research website.

Find out more

Read our tuition fees policy

It's important you read our tuition fees policy for domestic students. Once you enrol you'll be bound by our fees policies, terms and conditions.

Read now