Applications open 1 May 2026. For updates, register your interest.
How to apply
The John Monash Scholarship enables outstanding Australians to pursue a master’s or PhD program at any world-class university outside of Australia, with no restrictions on field of study or institution.
If successful in your application, you will receive $100,000 AUD for each year of study up to a maximum of $300,000 AUD. The scholarship can be used towards tuition fees, accommodation and other living expenses. Scholars receive personalised career support and lifelong leadership development through the Leadership Academy.
Application timeline
Check your eligibility
Ensure you meet the minimum requirements before applying.
Applications open
Applications open 1 May 2026 at 9am AEST.
Applications close
Applications close 30 June 2026 at 5pm AEST.
First-round interviews
If shortlisted, attend a first-round interview in your state or territory in September 2026.
National interviews
If you progress, attend a national interview in Melbourne or Sydney in October 2026.
Outcome notification
National finalists are advised of the outcome in late November 2026.
Check your eligibility
Before you apply for the John Monash Scholarship, check that you meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
Who can apply?
You’re eligible for a John Monash Scholarship if you:
- Are an Australian citizen
- Have completed (or will complete) an undergraduate degree at an Australian university before your postgraduate study begins
- Plan to start a full-time master’s or PhD at an overseas university in 2027
Who can't apply?
You’re not eligible if you:
- Are already completing postgraduate study or plan to start in 2026
- Plan to study at an Australian university
- Already hold a Rhodes, Fulbright or Ramsay scholarship for the same program
If you’re unsure about your eligibility, take the quiz below.
Are you a future John Monash Scholar?
John Monash Scholars are selected based on the qualities modelled by General Sir John Monash.
To be a successful in your application, you must demonstrate:
- 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.
- Outstanding leadership potential: This may be demonstrated in an academic environment, professional environment and/or your involvement with community.
- 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.
Understanding the scholarship contribution
The John Monash Scholarship provides an annual stipend of $100,000 AUD for up to three years of study. Funds can be used to flexibly cover:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation
- Other living expenses
The total amount of funding you are eligible for depends on the length of your chosen program:
- One-year master’s degree receives $100,000 AUD
- Two-year master’s degree receives $200,000 AUD
- Three-year PhD (or DPhil) program* receives $300,000 AUD
Note: If your program exceeds three years, you must self-fund the remaining costs.
You will also receive an additional one-off travel allowance to assist with flights from Australia to your country of study.
The General Sir John Monash Foundation does not provide any other postgraduate funding outside of the John Monash Scholarship.
Choosing a university and program
If successful in your application, you will receive your award and then apply to your preferred university programs. Once selected, we recommend applying for at least two separate universities.
Eligible universities
There are no restrictions on university choice, so long as the chosen institution is an accredited university outside of Australia, and you can justify why this university can support your future career and benefit Australia.
Additional fee waivers and bursaries are also exclusively available to John Monash Scholars if you complete your studies with one of our partner universities:
- Kings College London, England — receive an additional £5,000 bursary
- Cranfield University, England — receive a full fee waiver for master’s programs at all schools (except the MBA)
- IE University Madrid, Spain — receive an additional 30% fee waiver
- University of Groningen, Netherlands — receive a full fee waiver for PhD programs.
Eligible master's programs
The John Monash Scholarship covers:
- 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*.
Funding is awarded based on the duration of the master’s degree.
* Joint or combined master’s degrees must be officially recognised and marketed as such by the university and require a single enrolment process. Examples include Harvard’s Combined Degree programs or Oxford’s 1+1 MBA.
What is not covered?
- Honours year programs (considered undergraduate-level study)
- A second master’s program in consecutive degrees (only the first program is eligible for funding if not officially part of a joint/combined program)*
* Ineligible examples: Oxford MBA with another Oxford master’s program that is not eligible for the 1+1 program.
Eligible PhD (or DPhil) programs
The John Monash Scholarship covers:
- Three-year full-time PhD (or DPhil) program*
* If the PhD (or DPhil) program extends longer than three years, you will be required to self-fund the remaining costs.
What is not covered?
- Post-doctoral positions
- Executive non-award programs, short-courses, fellowships or other research appointments
- Researchers seeking grants or research funding support
Submit your application
To apply for the John Monash Scholarship, you will need the following documents:
- Professional résumé
- Official academic transcripts from your undergraduate degree(s) at an Australian university, complete or incomplete
(Note: transcripts must be an official certified document generated by your university, not a screenshot or non-certified document from a student portal) - Three Letters of Recommendation from academic, professional or personal referees who are the most senior people who can speak to your excellence and leadership capabilities. It is recommended that you select the most appropriate combination of referees based on your career stage; it is, however, not recommended to submit personal references only;
(Note: your referees will submit letters directly to the Foundation during the application period; you should notify them of their inclusion in your application) - A budget plan showing how you will manage your finances abroad using the provided template
Ensure all application components, including reference letters, are submitted on time. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Applications open 1 May 2026.
More information
- Podcasts — Hear from previous John Monash Scholars about their studies, careers and their experience of the application process.
- Register your interest in upcoming Scholarship application rounds — the Foundation presents two live webinars each year to help you in the application process, including a Q&A session.
If you still have questions on how to apply, please contact our team.
