Getting started as a graduate researcher

Getting started as a graduate researcher

Find essential information for new PhD, Joint PhD, and Masters by Research candidates. Access the resources you need to navigate your graduate research journey, manage your candidature, and access support services throughout your time at RMIT.

Haven't enrolled yet? Complete the steps in the Higher Degree by Research Enrolment Guide to enrol in a master’s by research or doctoral (PhD) degree. Joint PhD candidates must also complete enrolment at their partner university. 

Getting started checklist

Before you commence your Higher Degree by Research, complete the following tasks.

Change your password

Your password and student number can be used to access all RMIT systems.

RMIT ID & password

Order your student card

You may need a student card to access some facilities on campus. Find out how to order, use and replace your card.

Student ID card

Start using your RMIT email

You'll receive important information to your RMIT email – it's a requirement to check your RMIT emails regularly.

RMIT email

Complete your mandatory modules

As part of your onboarding to RMIT, you're required to complete mandatory modules.

Student onboarding modules

Connect with your supervisors

Book a meeting early to discuss your responsibilities, facilities access and working arrangements.

Working with your supervisors

Set up free campus WiFi

Free internet access is available at all RMIT campuses.

WiFi on campus

Understand your fees

Fees payable for your research degree will depend on whether you are an international or domestic candidate.

Fee information for HDR candidates

Understand your enrolment, leave and changes to candidature

Understand what research courses and mandatory coursework you must enrol in, how your HDR program is structured, leave options and more.

Enrolment, leave and changes to candidature

Register for HDR orientation events

As a new research student there is a lot to discover. It's highly recommended that you attend the following events early in your candidature.

  1. HDR Getting Started Information Session
  2. HDR Welcome Event
Register for orientation
Students at a table talking and smiling

More helpful stuff

Research students webpage

A central hub of information for all research candidates. Bookmark this page for easy access to info on milestones, enrolment, leave and submission.

Loan computers, desks and lockers

Go to your College's HDR Intranet for information on loan laptops, hot desks, lockers and more.

Acronym glossary

RMIT uses a lot of acronyms. Find out what they mean.

Publishing during candidature

Information about including publications in your thesis and developing a publication and authorship plan.

Research facilities

Explore the research facilities across RMIT.

Campus facilities

Find out about cycling and sporting facilities, parking, RMIT childcare and more.

For international students: Offer, visa and arrival

Relocating to Australia

International graduate researchers, including Joint PhD candidates, must complete the Relocating to Australia Form at least 5 months before your planned arrival.

Submitting this form initiates your Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE), which you must use in your student visa application.

Discuss your arrival date with your supervisors before you submit the form. Plan to arrive in Melbourne 2-4 weeks before your program start date to give yourself time to settle in.

Complete the Relocating to Australia Form

Visa and enrolment requirements for international students

Scholarships, OSHC and banking

A man writes in a book on a tram.

View scholarship information

General information about RMIT scholarships is available under the ‘scholarships’ tab. Your offer details the conditions of your scholarship.

Two women stand in a medical clinic smiling at the camera.

Understand Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) requirements

Your offer letter will confirm whether OSHC is included in your scholarship or Joint PhD package. If OSHC is not included, you must arrange your own cover for the duration of your visa. RMIT can assist with purchasing cover.

A student walks across Brunswick campus.

Learn about banking in Victoria 

After you arrive in Australia you must open an Australian bank account to receive scholarship payments. Study Melbourne provides guidance on banking in Victoria.

Help with settling into Melbourne

Building 80 - City Campus.

Prepare to arrive in Melbourne checklist

A practical guide to help you plan your move.

accommodation-promo.jpeg

Living in Melbourne

Understand the cost of living, how to find accommodation and what to expect when working in Australia.

Student with backpack at City campus

Visit Study Melbourne

Connect with Study Melbourne, a dedicated State Government site for international students living in Victoria.

Three students in a English Class room

Free Australian English classes

Want to learn English in the Melbourne CBD? Our English language classes can help you learn to speak, write, and listen like a local Australian.

Support services at RMIT

Research and development support

Access your College intranet for graduate researcher information

For details about desk spaces, loan laptops, lab access, equipment, lockers and other college-specific setup requirements, check your College’s HDR intranet. You’ll need your RMIT username and password to access them.

Get connected

Email newsletters

For the latest updates, events and opportunities, read the HDR Bulletin (HDR student newsletter) and Campus Buzz (all RMIT student newsletter). Find them in your RMIT email inbox.

Access your RMIT email inbox

Need help? 

Submit an enquiry to the School of Graduate Research

Submit an enquiry
aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures