To allocate scholarships fairly throughout the year, the University of Queensland offers scholarships based on the applicant's rank order in the Order of Merit list. The Order of Merit score is based on the Academic Merit Score (AMS), which is modified by the school assessment of

• Research Potential/Performance and
• Match with Research Strengths in the school/faculty

The Academic Merit Score is an assessment of demonstrated academic performance. The Reseach Higher Degrees Unit calculates the score on the basis of course results obtained in the last two years of full-time equivalent university study in the most recent and relevant programs (undergraduate and/or postgraduate).

• If one of the years is an honours or final year and contains identifiable research components greater than or equal to 25% of the total credit of the year, then this year is weighted 60% and the other year of relevant study is weighted 40%.
• If there is no identifiable honours or final year, or the research component of that year is less than 25%, both years are weighted equally.

The school assessment of Research Potential/Performance is based on the applicant's research background and experience, demonstrated research performance (including research publications), and potential to undertake high-quality research. The school assessment of Match with Research Strengths is based on the applicant's proposed research area and the quality of the research environment in which the applicant will work. The school assessment can vary the Academic Merit Score by up to +/-10%.

The Academic Merit Score is modified by the school assessment to provide the Order of Merit Score, allowing applicants to be ranked on a single Order of Merit list. Offers for a scholarship are made to the top applicants on the Order of Merit list.