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Start your research studies

Welcome to the UC research community

If you are commencing your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Research or Professional Doctorate you are now part of the UC research community. Your research journey is supported by Graduate Research School (GRS) and your host Faculty. 

GRS are excited to welcome you at the HDR Orientation event on Tuesday 10 February 2026 as part of Orientation week. The below check list will help you in preparation for day one of your research journey.  

Essential admin checklist

Now that you’re enrolled and can access your student account, it’s time to explore and complete your admin checklist so you’re set up and ready to go for the start of semester.  
 
If you need any guidance, you can reach out to the Student Centre who will be happy to help.

This is a vital step as it will allow you to access your candidature dashboards and critical updates about your study! 

Your username is your student ID with a 'u' in front. Your password should have been issued to you when you accepted your offer, however if you have lost or forgotten it, you can change or reset your password. 

Your username and password will give you access to your student systems: myUC and UCLearn, as well as your student email account. 

Get set up 

Each Semester, all HDR candidates (commencing and continuing) are required to self-enrol in via MyUC. Typically in your first year, you’ll enroll in a combination of coursework and thesis units. Information on enrolment can be found here.  

Every student is required to provide a Unique Student Identifier. In fact, you can’t graduate without one! 

Create your USI at usi.gov.au, then record it in the Profile section of MyUC. As this is a legal requirement, failure to provide your USI may result in your system access being blocked so early action is essential! 

There are 2 compulsory Orientation events for commencing HDR students:

  • HDR Orientation – Tuesday 10 February, 9am – 12pm (Registration required)
  • Faculty-specific Orientation – Tuesday 10 February, afternoon

HDR Orientation is a great opportunity to meet your peers and the HDR support staff and learn how to successfully manage your HDR journey. Topics covered include:

  • Roles and Responsibilities of Graduate Research, your Faculty, and key University teams
  • Enrolment, Fees, and HDR Milestones – what to expect and how to stay on track
  • Managing Your Degree – tips and tools for success
  • Your Rights, Roles, and Responsibilities as an HDR candidate

Morning tea will be provided to fuel you through a day of meet and greets! GRS staff will join you across O-week for various events.

How to register 

Closer to the start of semester, a dedicated O-week app will be released, via which you’ll be required to register your attendance for HDR Orientation. 
 
You’ll also be able to explore the carefully selected program of events scheduled especially for you and the range of other orientation events taking place across the week.   
 
Keep an eye on your UC email and notifications for details on when the app is ready to download, explore and complete event registrations.

FAQs

If you are struggling to enrol, the GRS team are more than happy to help. You can pop into the GRS office on campus or book a session online.   

Get in touch

If you are struggling to enrol, the GRS team are more than happy to help. You can pop into the GRS office on campus or book a session online.   

While Graduate Research will occasionally issue communications relating to fees, the Student Centre team oversee all matters relating to fees and payment arrangements. You can visit their team in Building 1, Level B or call on 1300 301 727. 

Your faculty will provide you with a UC laptop and desk space. If you haven’t yet been allocated these you will have a chance to connect with Faculty and enquire about this and much more at your Faculty Welcome on Tuesday 10 Feb afternoon.

If you can’t make the faculty sessions, reach out to your faculty admin:

The HDR Development Program for 2026 will support your skill development as you progress your research degree. You can find out about the range of workshops and events here.  

UC Welcome Day

If you have received an offer to study with us at UC, Welcome Day is the perfect day to kickstart your journey at UC early. 

Receive enrolment and timetabling assistance from our friendly team, explore our market with stalls from student clubs and societies, student support services, and UniLodge accommodation or join a campus tour. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s plenty to help you feel ready for your first semester. 

We’re holding two Welcome Day events in the lead up to semester 1 2026, taking place on 5 December 2025 and 15 January 2026. You’ll receive an invite to register following your official offer to study.

Register now

Get ready for O-Week

Whether you’re studying online or on campus – and no matter which UC campus you’re enrolled at – O-Week is your chance to connect, explore and get set up for success.

Kicking off on 9 February 2026, it’s the perfect opportunity to meet your faculty and peers, grow your network, socialise, get familiar with your course and have fun so you feel ready to thrive in your studies at UC.

There’ll be an O-Week app released closer to the date where you’ll be able to explore all that’s on offer, build your personalised O-Week timetable, register for your required faculty sessions, and get excited for your journey at UC.  
 
Keep an eye on your UC email and notifications for details on when it’s ready to download.

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