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
Research Preparation Course
Research Preparation Course
Attendance at the Postgraduate Research Course/Induction is compulsory for all candidates commencing a Doctor of Philosophy, Professional Doctorate or Masters by Research degree. The course 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 in three terms (Term 1, Term 2, Term 3).
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)
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.
Commencing Students (Domestic and International)
Planning your arrival and commencing our studies
Now that you're on your way to study at UNSW, there is a lot to think about before you arrive. Here you will find information and services available to you that will help make your transition easier.
From the moment you arrive we want you to feel welcome. The Research Student Unit (SAS), support staff and your School will welcome you to campus and give you helpful information about settling into UNSW Canberra.
Living 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.
Canberra is a modern and connected city offering big city amenities without the traffic, congestion or pollution. The median age is well below that of Australia in general providing an opportunity to connect with like-minded peers from all over the world. Higher than national average education levels means that students in Canberra are part of a community that encourages you to learn and further your knowledge.
Spend your free-time exploring the wide open spaces and natural surrounds of Canberra. Engage in social events such as sports, concerts and festivals. Enjoy unique access to major exhibitions and take the opportunity to learn and engage with Australia's story, both past and present. Visit the national cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, the Australian War Memorial, the National Museum of Australia and the National Library of Australia. For more information see Visit Canberra, Study Canberra,
The cost of living in Canberra will vary according to your personal lifestyle preferences. You should research these costs before you commit to ensure you have funding to meet these requirements. For international students please refer to 'Estimated Cost of Living in Canberra'
You'll need the capacity to cover the costs of air fares, tuition fees and living costs for the duration of your stay. The Australian Government requires that you have sufficient funds while studying in Australia which will cover accommodation, food, transport, clothing, fuel, power, telephone and entertainment.
Housing and Accommodation:
UNSW Canberra is located in the Canberra suburb of Campbell , near the Airport and on the North side in Central Canberra. There is no accommodation on campus for non-Defence students; however, depending on your personal taste, budget, location and the length of your stay there are a number of accommodation options. Many students choose to live off campus in a unit, townhouse or a house and will usually share the costs with other students. You will often find advertisements for rooms within share accommodation on university noticeboards and online. If you have the budget you may wish to rent your own place.
For more information refer to: Accommodation and Transport information for new students.
Arc Canberra has useful information for student support and legal advice regarding accommodation, your rights and obligations.
UNSW Canberra MATES Program
The word ‘mate’ is an Australian slang word meaning ‘a buddy or friend’ and is used to greet someone as in ‘G’day mate’
For more information on the MATES program and to apply for a mentor please visit https://www.unsw.adfa.edu.au/unsw-canberra-mates-program
Student Visa:
International students studying at UNSW require a Confirmation of Enrolment from UNSW to enable them to apply for a student visa for the length of their program. Intenational students are also required to have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the entire duration of their stay in Australia. Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws include the Education Services for Oversaes Students (ESOS) Act.
For more information refer to:
