WEHI offers a number of dedicated scholarships through The International PhD Scholar Initiative (IPSI) to support International PhD Scholars who completed their latest degree outside of Australia to come to WEHI to undertake their PhD research.
International students who are in the final year of their current degree (expected to complete their current degree in mid-2026) are eligible to apply for this round of the International PhD Scholar Initiative.
Host Institution(s): WEHI, Australia
Scholarship Worth: Tuition fee offset, Allowance, and health insurance
Number of Awards: Several
Study Level: PhD
Nationality: International Students
DETAILS | WEHI International PhD scholarships
The International PhD Scholarships provide a living allowance equivalent to the current Melbourne Research Scholarship rate. In addition, all international PhD students receive WEHI’s $2000 per annum scholarship top-up plus a relocation allowance (once-off lump sum of $3000), health insurance coverage and a university tuition fee offset.
WEHI’s PhD students receive advanced, multidisciplinary medical research training through hands-on research within our leading scientific teams. Our Medical Biology PhD Program also equips students with the broader knowledge and skills to advance their careers.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for WEHI International PhD scholarships, applicants are expected to meet the following conditions:
Have a four-year undergraduate degree (with a substantial research component) or Master’s degree at an international university
or
Be in the final academic year of their current degree and due to complete in the first semester of 2026
This initiative is for applicants who will be enrolled as international students in Australia.
Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens qualify as domestic students with University of Melbourne and are not eligible to apply for the International PhD Scholar Initiative.
If your last degree of study was at an Australian university, you are also not eligible for the International PhD Scholar Initiative. These international students should please see the scholarship options available.
Application Procedures
How-to-Apply: Prospective international PhD students should investigate research projects with individual supervisors, attend our Student Open Days and be aware of the PhD application process for research opportunities with us.
To apply for the International PhD Scholar Initiative in 2026, international applicants (not currently or recently enrolled at an Australian university) will be required to:
Check that you currently meet or are on track to meet the entry requirements for PhD candidature at the University of Melbourne.
Investigate the student project opportunities to identify your preferred research areas (applicants should contact supervisors to discuss projects).
Complete and submit an application form online.
You will be asked to nominate up to three research projects or WEHI supervisors for your application. You are encouraged to directly contact supervisor/s to discuss projects; any supervisor/s verbal agreement is informal at this stage. If you have secured a project with a WEHI supervisor, include a letter of support (optional).
You will be asked to submit the following supporting documents:
A cover letter that explains your research interests and motivation for doing a PhD
Curriculum vitae
Academic transcripts (include university grading scale and English translation, if applicable).
Application Deadline: November 11, 2026
Visit the Official Website for Further Details
FAQs
1. What are the WEHI International PhD Scholarships 2026?
The WEHI International PhD Scholarships 2026 are fully funded research scholarships offered by the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Australia. They provide international students with the opportunity to undertake cutting-edge biomedical research, receive mentorship from world-class scientists, and gain access to state-of-the-art research facilities. The scholarship typically covers tuition fees, a living allowance, and research-related expenses.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the WEHI PhD Scholarships 2026?
Applicants must have completed, or be about to complete, a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to biomedical science, molecular biology, immunology, or related disciplines. Eligible candidates must demonstrate excellent academic performance, research experience, and a strong motivation for pursuing a PhD. International applicants are welcome, but they must meet English language requirements and visa criteria for studying in Australia.
3. How can I apply for the WEHI International PhD Scholarships 2026?
To apply, candidates need to:
Identify a WEHI research group and a potential supervisor aligned with their interests.
Prepare academic transcripts, CV, research statement, and reference letters.
Submit an online application via the WEHI official portal, including all required documents.
Applications are reviewed by WEHI’s scholarship committee, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview before final offers are made.
4. What does the scholarship cover, and how long does it last?
The WEHI PhD Scholarship provides full financial support for the duration of the 3-4 year program. This typically includes:
Tuition fees for international students.
A living stipend to cover basic living costs.
Allowances for research costs, travel to conferences, and professional development.
Scholarship recipients are expected to commit full-time to their research projects and maintain satisfactory academic progress throughout their PhD.