John Monash Scholarship
The scholarship
The John Monash Scholarship is a prestigious Australian postgraduate award that allows recipients to study in any field, at any international university, anywhere in the world.
Inspired by General Sir John Monash, we award between 14–20 scholarships annually, empowering recipients to gain world-class expertise from their chosen institutions and then deliver a positive impact for Australia.
No matter the passion – science, technology, the arts, or social impact – this scholarship is open to Australians of all ages and study areas and supports master’s or PhD studies overseas for those who demonstrate excellence in their field, leadership aptitude and are motivated to contribute to a better future for Australia.
Details
Value
Approx AUD$100,000 per year
Applications open
May–Jun 2026
Scholarship commences
2027
Study level
Graduate
Fields of study
Any
Study location
Any country
Study institution
Any overseas university
Selection bases
Academic merit, leadership, citizenship
Benefits
- Get AUD$100,000 for each year of study – for tuition, living expenses and related costs (a maximum of AUD$300,000 over three years), plus travel support.
- No age, study area, or university restrictions – choose the best overseas university for your goals.
- Join a global network of over 280 scholars, connecting with like-minded leaders.
- Access the Leadership Academy, with opportunities to network and collaborate with leading Australian corporate, government and academic leaders.
- Receive wellbeing support through our Foundation team and international Scholar network.
Since 2001, the General Sir John Monash Foundation has been offering graduate scholarships to outstanding Australians who are eager to study overseas. The Foundation’s mission is to encourage the academic excellence of our nation’s brightest individuals, and help them grow into leaders who will shape the future of our country.
The John Monash Scholarship Program started as a bold idea to support a small group of talented Australians who wanted to further their knowledge by studying graduate programs overseas. The program now has a community of scholars, all with best practice knowledge in disciplines ranging from engineering to the environment, Indigenous rights, domestic violence, business analytics, medicine and wellbeing, human rights, the arts, music, public policy, and much more.
The John Monash Scholarship is awarded in the spirit of General Sir John Monash – a remarkable Australian who believed that education is not given for individual benefit, but for the higher duties of citizens who seek to contribute to the advancement of society. The Foundation’s values are modelled in his name: Leadership, Impact, Community, Excellence and Service.
Recognising leadership as a lifelong journey, the John Monash Foundation Leadership Academy was created in 2021. This alumni program provides support, mentorship, and professional development to ensure that scholars are able to thrive and make a lasting impact.
Applications
How to apply
Apply through the John Monash website when applications open.
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; however, it is 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.
Your written application will include:
- Personal statements that capture who you are, your strengths, ambitions, and why you’re applying for the scholarship.
- A study proposal which outlines the course you’d like to study, and explains your rationale for choosing the course and institution, your career aspirations, and how the course aligns with your academic and professional goals.
- Your academic transcript and any relevant certificates or qualifications.
- A CV or resume that outlines your educational history, work experience, publications, presentations, and any other relevant accomplishments. It should highlight experiences that showcase your leadership skills and contributions to your field of interest.
- Letters of recommendation from three referees who can speak to your professional and academic abilities, and your character.
Key dates
Applications open
9am on 1 May 2026
Applications close
5pm (Melbourne time) on 30 June 2026
Late applications or enquiries received after 5pm on this date will not be accepted.
Initial review
Late July 2026
Your application will be reviewed to ensure it meets all eligibility criteria, and a shortlisting process will begin.
First round interviews
September 2026
If your application is shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a first-round interview held across various states and territories.
Second round interviews
October 2026
If your application progresses past the first round interviews, you'll be invited to attend a national interview in Melbourne or Sydney, where final scholarship decisions will be made.
Offers made
Late November 2026
You'll be notified of the outcome of your application after the final selection process is complete. If you're ultimately unsuccessful, you can request written feedback.
Study commences
2027
The Foundation hosts two webinars each year to answer questions and provide application support.