MGA Advocacy | HDR Back to Basics: Scholarships

There have been recent changes to scholarships. Here are the updates for Higher Degree by Research students.


Scholarships now automatically paid for 3 years 6 months!

All Monash University scholarships have been automatically extended to 3 years and 6 months. That’s three more months of scholarship without any additional paperwork.

In the past, scholarships were paid to 3 years 3 months with a requirement to apply for a further 3 months of funding. The MGA welcomes this change by the University to support our research grads.


Apply for up to 12 weeks of extra funding from the Graduate Research Completion Award

In recognition of the pandemic and the delays it has caused for many HDR students, the University introduced the Graduate Research Completion Award (GRCA), a program that provides up to 12 weeks of additional funding for students. 

This funding is distributed to students via a competitive process so not every student gets the full 12 weeks of funding, but it is worth having a look to see if it is something you may want to apply for.

The MGA will lobby the University to maintain this temporary award until all HDR students who have been affected by pandemic-related delays have graduated.

  • The details of the GRCA  program can be found HERE.

Struggling financially? The MGA can help.

If you are struggling, it is worth knowing that the MGA has expanded our range of welfare initiatives to help students in serious financial distress. We offer food vouchers and one-off grants to cover expenses for things like study essentials, health expenses, accommodation, and more. 

  • Find out more about the MGA Welfare Assistance Program and how to apply for a grant HERE.

MGA advocacy is here to offer guidance and support

If you have any questions about your scholarship or how they work, we are happy to answer your questions. We can help you understand your situation, no matter how big or small. This is a free service.