Welcome to the Graduate Research Hub
Guides for all graduate researchers, resources and information from orientation to graduation
Stipend extension applications are now open for doctoral candidates directly impacted by COVID-19 and whose scholarships end 1 June - 31 March 2021. Information on eligibility criteria and how to apply can be found on the Scholarships page.
For further updates and advice about COVID-19 for graduate researchers please visit our dedicated graduate research FAQs.
- Confirmation
One of the key milestones in your candidature, the confirmation process is designed to help improve your chances of successfully completing your degree.
- Making changes
Find out how to make changes to your course or enrolment, such as changing your supervisors, changing your project or changing to part time candidature.
- Preparing my thesis
Get information on how to approach writing and editing your thesis, thesis formats, word limits, what examiners look for, plagiarism, and more.
- Examination
Before you submit your thesis there are some important steps you must take. Information, support and guidance is provided at every stage of your examination.
Can't find what you're looking for?
Getting started
There is a lot to learn when you are starting out as a graduate researcher. Get familiar with your course, find your way around the University and get access to all the resources you need to achieve your academic goals.
Roles and responsibilities
Learn about what the University expects from you as a student, as well as what you can expect in return. Find guidelines to help you work effectively with your supervisors and carry out responsible research.
Being a candidate
Find out what you need to do to maintain your enrolment as a graduate researcher, such as passing confirmation and attending progress reviews. There's also information to help you make changes to your enrolment and resolve problems if they arise.
- Pre-confirmation
- Confirmation
- Reviewing my progress
- At risk of unsatisfactory progress
- Unsatisfactory progress
- Making changes
- Resolving issues
- Taking leave
- Study Away
- Finishing on time
- Request an evidence of enrolment or evidence of qualification statement
- Graduate Research End-User Engagement Statement
- Being a joint PhD candidate
Developing my skills
There are a range of courses and opportunities available to help you get the most out of your learning experience.
Preparing my thesis
The approach to writing your thesis will vary by discipline. Resources, programs and workshops are available to help you along the way.
Examination
Before you submit your thesis or creative equivalent, there's some important steps you must take. Information, support and guidance is provided at every stage of your examination.
Planning my future
Access a range of resources and supporting information to help you plan your career.
Getting support
Find key contacts, get help navigating difficulties or hardships and access a range of support services to assist you while you're a graduate researcher.
Surveys
Access more information about our student surveys.
The University offers a comprehensive suite of researcher development programs and opportunities to put you on the right path to completing your degree, and prepare you for a job in any field.
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Research skills
There are plenty of courses and opportunities available to support you and give you the skills required to research effectively. Developing these skills early is strongly recommended and highly beneficial, as they will set you up for a successful candidature.
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Academic writing and communication skills
Your academic writing and communication skills are a crucial part of your studies and essential skills to have in the workplace, regardless of your chosen career. Find courses, opportunities and techniques available that help you to develop and enhance these skills.
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Professional development and training
The University of Melbourne offers a comprehensive suite of researcher professional development programs and research training opportunities to put you on the right path to completing your degree, and prepare you for a job in any field.
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Building professional and academic networks
Developing strong professional networks opens up a world of opportunities for you. Learn how to build your networks by attending conferences, utilising your supervisor's network, using social media and creating your ORCID account.
PhD Program
Thematic PhD Programs provide graduate researchers with opportunities to augment their studies, either within a discipline or as part of a multi-disciplinary cohort. They are designed to enhance the student experience and outcomes.
Programs may provide additional research, academic or professional skills development, networking opportunities, internships, professional or industry engagement and more.
Study Away
Study Away allows you to undertake research-related activities such as fieldwork, attending conferences, attending classes or working with collaborators away from the University.
Key contacts
Contact the Graduate Student Association, find faculty contacts and more.
Research Gateway
The digital front page to access research support services and resources. The research gateway assists you in understanding your research journey, directs you to the resources available to you in the University and includes a glossary, FAQs and the research helpline.
Scholarships
Check our scholarships page for information about applying for new scholarships, as well as how to meet requirements if you're a current recipient.
Find a support service
Find services to help you out while you're a studying - everything from health services and counselling, through Academic Skills to Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Identifying issues and potential solutions
If the progress of your research project is impacted by COVID-19 and you are not able to work at your full capacity, you are encouraged to submit a copy of the Research Impact Record form to assist you in keeping evidence of progress problems as you experience disruptions. The information may then be used in the future to support a case for an extension of your candidature, or for Late submission beyond the maximum course duration. You may complete this form more than once (monthly is recommended while you are experiencing significant disruption).
You should discuss all COVID-19 disruptions to your research during your progress reviews, noting the length of disruption and what alterations you are making to your research project to respond to these delays.
There's many different issues that can come up during your candidature. The University has a number of resources to help you identify problems and help you find solutions. This self-assessment includes some of the most common problems and includes real-life examples to help you find the answers.
I am on sick leave for most of my studies
I don’t manage to work on my thesis every week
Procrastination and time management
I am busy doing other things and not working on my thesis
Procrastination and time management
I have all my research data but can’t seem to write up my chapters
Academic communication and writing
I have a diagnosed learning difficulty and I want to succeed in my studies
I feel that nothing I have written is right
I find it hard to balance full-time study and other commitments
I feel lonely and isolated when I’m working on my thesis
If you haven’t been able to find a helpful solution for your situation above, or you need further support in managing an issue, including supervision issues, further information can be found on the Resolving issues page.