Getting Started
Congratulations on your offer! We look forward to welcoming you on campus. Here is how you can get started on in your research program.
Getting started for Postgraduate Research students
Accepting your offer
Successful applicants will be sent an offer of admission.
Successful applicants may receive two types of offers:
- If students have not yet fulfilled all requirements of admission, a conditional offer may be sent to them. Students who receive these are not able to accept, or receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (International students only), however can defer or decline their offer by emailing the Research Student Unit.
- Students with unconditional offers can accept, defer or decline their offer online by emaling the letter back to the Research Student Unit.
The offer letter will answer most questions that might arise. Please ensure that you read the offer letter in its entirety, before accepting the offer.
For International Students:
- If you have applied for a UNSW scholarship, you may wait for the scholarship outcome before accepting the admission offer. You must complete the reply form of both the admission and scholarship offers to accept – please do not complete the online acceptance.
- Once you have accepted the offer and either paid the deposit or submitted your sponsorship/scholarship information, it will take up to five working days to create and release your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Once you receive this, you can apply for your visa.
Research Student Unit
Telephone: +61 2 6268 8112/8597
Email: rsu@adfa.edu.au
Location:
Ground Floor, Adams Auditorium,
Building 111
Enrolment
All candidates who have accepted their offer of admission into a research program at UNSW need to enrol before commencing study. After accepting your offer, you will be emailed further information on the enrolment procedure. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are enrolled at the start of every semester and that your enrolment is correct.
Full-time enrolment in a higher degree research program is on the basis of at least 35-40 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (candidates can take up to 4 weeks holiday)
Part-time enrolment in a higher degree research program is on the basis of at least 15-20 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (candidates can take up to 4 weeks holiday)
After you are enrolled you can collect your ID card and set up IT accounts through the IT Help Desk:
IT Help Desk General Enquiries:
Telephone: + 61 02 6268 8140
Email: athelpdesk@adfa.edu.au
Passwords
zPASS Password
To access online services at UNSW, you will need to use your student ID and zpass password.
- To gain your initial zPASS access, go to:
www.it.unsw.edu.au/students/zpass/create_zpass.html and follow the instructions.
For any enquires contact IT Service Desk Sydney:
Phone: +61 2 9385 1333
Email: itservicecentre@unsw.edu.au
ADFAPASS Password
To access the on-campus computers and wireless you require to use your student ID and ADFApass.
- To gain your initial ADFAPASS access, go to:
www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/passwordreset follow the prompts.
For any enquires contact ICTS Helpdesk:
Phone: 02 6268 8140
Email: helpdesk@adfa.edu.au (send your contact details)
Getting Started
Research Preparation Course
Attendance at the Postgraduate Researchers Orientation is compulsory for all candidates commencing a PhD or Masters research degrees and ensures a smooth transition to research study at UNSW.
The event will provide new research candidates with important information on:
- the Graduate Research School
- enrolment, progression and scholarship administration
- services provided across the University for research candidates
Attendees will also receive key publications at the event, including the Postgraduate Candidate Handbook and Essentials for Postgraduate Researchers. These publications provide a handy summary of documents needed throughout candidature including:
- relevant guidelines, policies and procedures
- advice and resources
- useful contacts
Induction is offered twice (Semester 1 and Semester 2). The program will be emailed to students after census date.
Getting your Student ID Card
Students should note that it is a condition of enrolment at UNSW Canberra that you obtain and retain an ADFA Card for the entirety of your study with UNSW Canberra. Failure to obtain a card will severely limit your access to services. While on campus you should display your ID card at all times.
To obtain UNSW ID card in person please visit ICTS Helpdesk ( Building 14) with a valid photo ID ( Driver’s licence or passport)
To receive your UNSW ID card via mail please send an email request to helpdesk@adfa.edu.au with the following information:
- Student number
- Copy of a valid photo ID
- Mailing address
- Passport size photo
The address to post this information to is:
Helpdesk
ICT Services, UNSW Canberra,
Australian Defence Force Academy,
Canberra ACT 2600
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In all instances the card will be mailed to you unless you advise the ICTS Helpdesk that you wish to collect the card, so please make sure your mailing address in myUNSW is correct.
email: helpdesk@adfa.edu.au
phone: 02 6268 8140
Support Services
As a student you will have access to the Academy Library, Indoor sports centre, bookshop, coffee shop, bank, prayer room and the Research Student recreation area with a table tennis table. Plus we have a range of support services to help you with every aspect of your study. Click here for more information.
Graduate Research School (GRS)
The GRS is the central administration and support unit for all higher degree research candidates at UNSW. Their website contains links to relevant research candidate policies and procedures.
Living and studying in Canberra
Canberra is the national capital of Australia, a multicultural city and the seat of national government. It is a 3-hour drive from Sydney and a 2-hour drive from the snow and the coast. It is consistently rated as one of the world’s top city to live by the OECD, to study by QS Best Student Cities and to travel by Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel ratings.
Explore these websites to find helpful information about living in Canberra:
For information about accommodation*:
Blue and White Lodge (temporary accommodation)
*when considering rental properties, please do not make payment until you have inspected the property and signed a rental agreement.
Estimated Cost of Living in Canberra
