Managing difficulties during candidature

There are many different issues that can come up during your candidature. The University has a number of resources available to help you find solutions to problems and seek support that may be needed.

You can find your relevant faculty contacts via the Key graduate research contacts

On this page

Understanding Supervision
Harassment and Bullying
Financial support and scholarships
Managing Health and Wellbeing
Opportunities to Stay Connected
Information for International Students
Supporting Academic Development
Maintaining Motivation
Working with COVID-19 Impacts

Understanding Supervision

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

Harassment and Bullying

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.

The 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.

Financial aid

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.

Managing Health and Wellbeing

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.

Maintaining optimism: How to become a more optimistic candidate.

Stay positive: Take a deep breath, find a quiet space, and enjoy some time out with our relaxing activities.

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

Medical and mental health 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.

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

Opportunities to Stay Connected

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

Information for International Students

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

International student support appointments: Stop 1 provides a range of assistance, advice and information for international students.

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.

Supporting Academic Development

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.

Maintaining Motivation

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

Motivation to study: Strategies to improve motivation.

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

Time Management: Master the art of balancing multiple tasks and commitments.

GSA’s study skills: GSA can help you with your studies and your future career.

GSA’s Shut Up & Write: Graduate students 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 University.

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt: Recognise and overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. There are many resources online. The Thesis Whisperer is a blog for graduate researchers that is full of resources.

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

Balancing life and studies: It is important to find a balance between study and other facets of your life.

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

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

Working with COVID-19 Impacts

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 discuss your experience with your advisory committee and record any disruptions on your Progress Review forms.

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.

As a graduate researcher you may have questions about how COVID-19 is affecting your research. Here are some COVID-19 Graduate Researchers FAQs to assist you during this time.

A guide is available discussing how to explain to readers of your thesis, including your examiners, the impact of COVID-19 disruptions to your research.