Managing difficulties during candidature

Working with my supervisors: Your supervision team, with the support of the advisory committee, will guide and support you through all the stages of candidature.

Resolving issues: You can expect guidance from your faculty and department throughout your candidature. If problems arise, the information on this page will help you to take a considered approach to manage any issues.

Progress concerns: If you find yourself ‘at risk’, make sure you access the help available to you.

Respect: The University of Melbourne is committed to a safe, inclusive and respectful community.

The Safer Community Program provides support and advice to members of the University of Melbourne community about inappropriate, concerning or threatening behaviour.

• The University of Melbourne has zero tolerance for sexual assault and sexual harassment. The University has clear codes of conduct and will not tolerate behaviour that does not meet our standards.
• The University of Melbourne does not accept bullying or unlawful discrimination. Differences enrich and diversify our community. If anything happens that makes you feel unwelcome or unsafe, the University is here to help you.

The Speak Safely portal enables you to report sexual misconduct directly to the right area of the University. The portal has an encrypted chat function to protect your privacy and allow you to report anonymously if you want to. Read more about Speak Safely.

SafeZone mobile App - Through the Safer Community Program, the University introduced an App that adds another layer of safety and security for all campus users.

With the App you can quickly contact security in an emergency or engage with other security services. More details and information can be found on the University's SafeZone page.

The UMSU Advocacy Service can assist students navigate the University’s complaint system and provide advice how best to escalate matters for internal complaints regarding bullying and harassment.

The UMSU Legal Service is a nationally-accredited community legal centre that provides free and confidential legal help on issues of discrimination, bullying and harassment.

The UMSU Sexual Harm Response Coordinators (SHRC) provide independent, confidential and trauma-informed support and advice for people affected by sexual violence.

Financial support and scholarships - If you are experiencing financial hardship during your studies, The University of Melbourne Financial Aid team can help you navigate the challenges of having a limited income while studying. This may include loans, government support, grants or other types of financial assistance.

The UMSU Legal Service also has a free financial counselling service for students who are struggling with debts, or who want more control over their financial situation.

Student Health and Wellbeing Hub: The ‘front door’ to access health and wellbeing services and resources for students and graduate researchers.

Healthy workstations: This Office Ergonomics course will assist you to set up your workstation to best suit your needs and ensure safe work practices. If you cannot access this course, or need further advice on your workstation, please contact your local HR Business Partner.

• Video tips for stretching and moving
• Healthy use of laptops at home

Beyond Blue wellbeing resources: Suggested activities, guidance and inspiration to help you find the balance in all areas of your life while navigating the ups and downs.

Stress management: Tips for coping with stress while at University.

Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS): Provides services for candidates who need ongoing assistance with their studies. This may include an academic adjustment plan, which supports you when negotiating your study adjustments with your supervisors. Information you provide is strictly confidential and subject to the protections of relevant privacy laws.

If you register with SEDS, you may also be eligible to apply for prospective periods of leave to account for anticipated recurring absences. See the Managing leave for ongoing chronic health conditions section of Taking Leave

Health, physical and or mental support: If you have a chronic or permanent medical or mental health condition, the University can make reasonable adjustments to your studies to help offset any disadvantage you might face without them.

Managing chronic conditions: This page gives ideas on how to manage a chronic condition.

Counselling & Psychological Services: The University of Melbourne Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free, confidential, short-term professional counselling to currently enrolled students and staff.

• Wellbeing resources
• Student workshops
• External mental health resources
• Surviving the journey (graduate researchers)
• Strategies for maintaining wellbeing during candidature

WellMob: Social, emotional and cultural wellbeing online resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Stay connected: Join your favourite clubs and societies and become a part of our thriving campus.

Graduate Student Association: GSA provide representation, events, training and support for graduate students at the University of Melbourne.

Networking: Building professional and academic networks.

Murrup Barak: Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development.

Volunteering Opportunities: Volunteering can be an opportunity to meet new people and give back to the community.

Seek volunteering opportunities

Volunteering Victoria

Volunteer with sustainable campus

University of Melbourne Student Union (UMSU): An organisation run by students for students that provides quality experiences on campus that create a community for students, staff, and visitors from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

The UMSU Advocacy Service assists research students with providing expert, independent advice on their rights and obligations in the context of their education, be it issues with research integrity, academic progress, academic adjustments, and supervision issues.

International student support: Information about student visas, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and international student support services.

International student services map: Find service providers relating to community engagement, mental health and wellbeing, accomidation and crisis navigation.

Study Melbourne: Access free support, information and contacts to help you enjoy living and studying in Victoria.

Employment and your rights: Victoria legal aid provides information about your basic rights, entitlements and obligations as an employee.

Tenants Victoria: Free and confidential legal advice, assistance and advocacy for tenants and residents in Victoria.

Academic skills : Refine your academic skills through our extensive library of online resources, templates, videos and more.

The Thesis Writers’ Community will help you develop your writing skills, from the outset to final submission.

Developing my skills: Enrich your studies and prepare for your future career.

The Thesis Whisperer blog includes resources on a range of academic and wellbeing topics for graduate researchers.

Resources for studying: Information on how to cope with psychological issues which may be affecting your studies.

Motivation to study: Strategies to increase and maintain your motivation to study.

Procrastination: Strategies for overcoming procrastination when you're studying.

Time Management: Master the art of prioritising your tasks and commitments to minimise stress.

GSA’s Shut Up & Write: Graduate researchers can use these sessions to write well and write together, providing moral support and motivations.

Perfectionism: While it can sometimes be a good thing, perfectionism can also prevent you from performing effectively at the University.

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt: How to recognise feelings of inadequacy and  self-doubt and how to tackle them.

Self-esteem exercise: Self-esteem helps people feel they can develop their own skills and contribute to their community.

Consider if any changes to candidature may assist you (changing from full-time to part-time, or taking leave of absence).

Student life: Explore your campus and find ways to get involved with University life.