Research students
Before you leave
See the Future Students website if you have any questions about accepting your offer. Once you have accepted, you can start planning your arrival.
When to arrive
As a graduate research student, you are expected to negotiate a course commencement date with your supervisor. Try to arrive about two weeks before your commencement date to allow time to finalise your enrolment and adjust to life in Melbourne. If you plan to find housing after you arrive, you should allow for more time. See Student Housing Services for more information.
On arrival assistance
Arrival coinciding with the University’s Orientation period
If your commencement date coincides with the University’s Orientation period, try to arrive in time for orientation, held in February and July each year. During orientation, you can attend the International Graduate Student Welcome Day and a range of orientation programs and support sessions. If you are able to attend, see Enrolment and Orientation for more information.
Arrival not coinciding with the University’s Orientation period
If your commencement date does not coincide at all with the University’s Orientation period, we advise you to register for the On Arrival Mentor Program. This program is intended only for graduate research students who are unable to participate in the Orientation program. The On Arrival Mentor Program assigns you a student mentor. They can provide general help with adjusting and settling in and can answer your questions about life at University and in Melbourne.
Download a description of the On Arrival Mentor program
On arrival assistance is also available at the Welcome Centre and International Centre.
How to enrol
Arrival coinciding with the University’s Orientation period
See Enrolment and Orientation for enrolment steps.
Arrival not coinciding with the University’s Orientation period
Step 1: On Arrival Mentor Program
Register for the On Arrival Mentor Program (see Assistance when you arrive)
Step 2: International Student Services (ISS)
After your arrival in Melbourne, visit our office at the International Centre (map ref J21) to pre-register for an International Research/Higher Degree Student Briefing, held on 10am Monday and repeated 10am Thursday every week. We encourage you to pre-register so that we can prepare resources accordingly. At the Briefing an International Student Adviser will answer your queries about the online enrolment process, provide health and safety information and give you an overview of services and support at the University. You can then go on to meet your On Arrival student mentor (see Step 1).
Note: If you are unable to visit the International Centre at the listed times for your Briefing, or are not based at the Parkville campus, please contact us and we will make alternative arrangements for you.
Step 3: Enrolment pack
If you are enrolling in a course leading to Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy, collect a personalised enrolment pack from the Melbourne School of Graduate Research (MSGR) to begin the enrolment process. For all other research students, visit your Student Centre for assistance.
Step 4: Enrol
Follow the instructions in your enrolment pack (see step 3) to enrol online. Check that your enrolment is confirmed and collect your student card and student diary from your Student Centre. Collect your OSHC card from the Health Service.
More information
Melbourne School of Graduate Research - Getting Started