Orientation and induction

Welcome to Graduate Research at the University of Melbourne!

At Melbourne we’re here to support you throughout your candidature and to help you make the best start possible.

If you have been directed to this page after receiving an overdue commencement form reminder, the below details will help you complete that form so you can have the best start possible to your degree and your research.

Make a successful start to candidature by...

Attending Orientation

The Graduate Researchers’ Orientation welcomes PhD, Doctorate, Masters by Research and MPhil candidates who are new to the University of Melbourne or a graduate research degree.

Visit the Researcher Development Portal below to learn more about the orientation program and explore career development opportunities designed for you.

Visit the GR Orientation page

Want to get oriented before the next Orientation session? You can access recordings of past sessions in the Grad Space community in the Learning Management System.


Creating and providing a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

If you haven't yet created and/or provided your Unique Student Identifier (USI) to the University of Melbourne, please visit the Unique Student Identifier student page for information on the steps to create and submit your USI.


Joining the induction in your faculty or department

In addition to orientation, you must attend an induction arranged by your faculty or department. The induction should cover:

  • An introduction to your local workspace, facilities, support team and colleagues
  • Information about relevant procedures, health and safety practices and training and research practices
  • Research and professional development opportunities available to you
  • Opportunities to get involved in your academic community.

Completing the Supervisory Agreement

The Supervisory Agreement outlines expectations for graduate researchers and their supervisors. This is a great opportunity for you to discuss and agree on supervision arrangements with your supervisors. The agreement should be downloaded and completed with your supervisors. Once the agreement is complete, it must be attached to your commencement form within the first six months of candidature.

You should then review your supervisory agreement as needed throughout your candidature. Your progress review meetings might be a good time to do this.

Completing your commencement form

Upon enrolment you will be given access to a commencement form that is a checklist that asks you to:

  • verify that you understand the mutual commitments from you, your supervisors and the University for your graduate research degree, and;
  • you have completed all the necessary training and agreements to effectively commence your research journey.

You are asked to submit this form within the first six months of your candidature.

If you have reviewed the information and completed the training and documentation on this page, you will have fulfilled the requirements for the commencement form.

Completing the foundational safety and researcher training activities

Familiarising yourself with these graduate research policies and guidelines

Learning how to manage your candidature and develop your skills


Finding friends and staying well