The Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship (SJMN) 2026 at Monash University
- Omran Aburayya
- Aug 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 20
If you are an aspiring researcher seeking financial support to pursue meaningful research that is both environmentally responsible and socially beneficial, the Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship (SJMN) at Monash University could be the perfect opportunity. Funded by a private trust in memory of Sir James McNeill, this prestigious scholarship supports graduate research students by covering living costs and providing essential allowances while they conduct their studies at Monash University in Australia.
Applications are now open, offering one of the most competitive and prestigious awards for postgraduate research candidates committed to contributing to society and sustainability.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: Monash University, Australia
Level: Postgraduate Research (Master’s by Research or PhD)
Target Group: Domestic and international students meeting eligibility criteria
Fields of Study: Arts (School of Music only), Engineering, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Science
Value & Coverage: $52,352 per annum (2025 rate) + allowances
Award Duration: Up to the standard duration of graduate research programs (stipend for 12 months, renewable based on satisfactory progress)
Application Deadline: 31 October each year
Start Date: Following year’s graduate research intake (subject to faculty nomination)
Eligible to Apply: Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, permanent residents, humanitarian visa holders, and international students
📚 Scholarship Overview
The SJMN Scholarship was created to honor Sir James McNeill’s long-standing association with Monash University and his commitment to research that advances social good and environmental responsibility. The scholarship is awarded once every two years (from R4/2024 onwards) and offers significant support to help graduate researchers focus on impactful projects without financial hardship.
Applicants are considered automatically through Monash’s central graduate research scholarship process. Successful recipients are selected based on academic excellence, research output, and prior research experience, ensuring that only the most outstanding candidates are awarded.
🎁 Scholarship Benefits
The scholarship provides:
Living allowance (stipend): $52,352 per annum (2025 rate).
Research allowance: Additional financial support to aid research-related expenses.
Relocation allowance (if eligible): To assist students relocating to Monash University from within or outside Australia.
Prestige & Support: Access to Monash’s extensive research facilities, supervision, and opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Sir James McNeill Postgraduate Research Scholarship, applicants must:
Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, Australian humanitarian visa holder, or international student.
Submit a scholarship application within the year the award is offered.
Undertake research that is environmentally responsible and socially beneficial.
Meet Monash’s competitive scholarship selection process requirements.
Meet English language proficiency requirements as set by Monash University.
Be enrolled in (or applying for) a research degree in Arts (School of Music only), Engineering, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, or Science.
Eligible students in Joint Research Awards (with Monash as the home institution) may also apply.
Application Procedure
Submit a Graduate Research Course Application – Scholarship applications are submitted simultaneously with your course application via the myApp Portal.
Automatic Consideration – You do not need to apply separately for this scholarship; eligible applicants are automatically considered for nomination.
Faculty Invitation – New applicants must first receive an invitation to apply from the relevant faculty before beginning the application process.
Application Rounds – The SJMN is only awarded in the 31 October scholarship round. Applicants from Rounds 1–4 in the same year will automatically be considered.
📂 Documents Required:
Academic transcripts
Research proposal aligned with scholarship focus (environmentally responsible & socially beneficial research)
Proof of English language proficiency
CV and evidence of prior research outputs
References/recommendations
