Responding to your offer

Please refer to your Letter of Offer for detailed instructions, as requirements can vary. In most cases, the process includes:

• Reviewing your offer carefully to confirm the course details, scholarship information (if applicable), and any conditions.
• Completing the acceptance forms provided with your offer.
• Providing additional details, such as your bank account information (if you have a stipend scholarship) or any required identification documents.
• Submitting your forms by the deadline stated in your offer letter.

We also recommend before accepting your offer that you familiarise yourself with relevant research policies at ACU's Policy Library including:

• Higher Degree Research Policy
• Research Training Program Scholarship Policy
• Preparation and Presentation of a Higher Degree Research Thesis for Examination Guideline
• Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy - see Section 18 for a list of responsibilities for you and your supervisor.
• Research Code of Conduct
• Other research policies

Once we receive your response, we’ll confirm receipt and process your request.

In the month prior to your enrolment, we will send you a Confirmation of Enrolment letter that includes:

• Your course and candidature details
• Instructions on how to access ACU systems, resources and support
• Orientation details
• Contact information for your supervisory team

If you have not received your confirmation of enrolment two weeks prior to your date of commencement, please notify us at grad.research@acu.edu.au.

To decline your offer, please notify ACU in writing by completing the Reply to Offer forms provided with your offer, and emailing to the address listed in your offer letter (usually the Graduate Research School or International Admissions). 

Once we receive your response, we’ll confirm receipt and process your request.

Your commencement date is listed in your Letter of Offer. 

If you are unable to start by the date indicated in your offer, you will need to apply to defer your commencement date.

After accepting your offer, complete and submit a Request to Defer Form outlining your reasons.

Download Request to Defer Form

To make your start as smooth as possible, reach out to your principal supervisor before you arrive. They’ll help plan your arrival and schedule your first meeting. Your supervisor will also work with relevant staff to ensure any approved equipment, materials, or research support are ready soon after you commence.

You’ll find contact details for your supervisory team in the emails sent with your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.

Your Confirmation of Enrolment letter includes instructions on how to:

• Set up your ACU login and password
• Access your ACU email account
• Obtain your student ID card
• Access resources and support

It’s a good idea to review these instructions, complete the setup, and check that you can access all systems before you start.

Your Confirmation of Enrolment letter will invite you to complete an online orientation, along with mandatory modules on Respectful Relationships and Child Safety.

It is a requirement to complete orientation before meeting with your Confirmation of Candidature panel.

ACU offers a range of student accommodation options across campuses in Sydney, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Rome.

Learn more

If you choose to live off campus, ACU provides a Rental Advisory Service to help you:

• Find safe and legitimate housing options.
• Understand tenancy agreements and your rights as a renter.
• Get advice on resolving rental issues.

This service ensures you have the guidance needed for a secure and positive living experience while studying at ACU.

Learn more

Yes. If you are unable to start by the date indicated in your offer, you will need to apply to defer your commencement date.

After accepting your offer, you can submit a Request to defer form outlining your reasons.

Download Request to Defer Form

Yes. International students relocating to Australia can apply for support with relocation expenses by submitting the RTP Allowance (Relocation) application form.

Download application form (DOCX)

Yes. ACU provides dedicated International Student Advisers (ISAs) at each campus to assist with general enquiries, accommodation advice, visa information, and pre-departure/orientation support.

Learn more

Yes. ACU offers a range of student accommodation options across campuses in Sydney, Ballarat, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, and Rome.

Learn more

If you choose to live off campus, ACU provides a Rental Advisory Service to help you:

• Find safe and legitimate housing options.
• Understand tenancy agreements and your rights as a renter.
• Get advice on resolving rental issues.

This service ensures you have the guidance needed for a secure and positive living experience while studying at ACU.

Learn more

No, you do not need to enrol yourself. The Graduate Research School will process your enrolment in the month prior to your commencement date and send you a 'Confirmation of Enrolment' letter. The letter will confirm course details and provide information on how to access ACU systems including your ACU email account, and how to obtain a student ID card.

If you have not received your confirmation of enrolment two weeks prior to your date of commencement, please notify us at grad.research@acu.edu.au.

Your Confirmation of Enrolment letter will invite you to complete an online orientation, along with mandatory modules on Respectful Relationships and Child Safety.

It is a requirement to complete orientation before meeting with your Confirmation of Candidature panel.

To make your start as smooth as possible, reach out to your principal supervisor before you arrive. They’ll help plan your arrival and schedule your first meeting. Your supervisor will also work with the Head of School or Institute Director to ensure any approved equipment, materials, or research support are ready soon after you commence.

You’ll find contact details for your supervisory team in the emails sent with your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.

Your principal supervisor—along with other supervisors where possible—will meet with you at the start of your candidature (or soon after) to discuss key milestones and create a plan for supervision meetings and progress tracking. For more details, see ACU’s Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy.

Use this first meeting to set the foundation. It’s your chance to cover:

• Your research goals
• Key dates and deadlines
• Any requirements
• A schedule for supervision meetings

Please email your principal supervisor to arrange a suitable time. Contact details for your supervisory team are included in the emails sent with your offer letter and Confirmation of Enrolment.

Before you start, the Graduate Research School will email you a Confirmation of Enrolment letter in the month leading up to your commencement. This will confirm your course details and explain how to:

• Access ACU systems, including your ACU email account
• Obtain your student ID card

Your principal supervisor will work with the Head of School or Institute Director to make sure any approved equipment, materials, or research support are ready as soon as possible after you commence. For more details, see ACU’s Higher Degree Research Supervision Policy.

Please email your principal supervisor with your estimated arrival date so they can plan accordingly.

Payments are made fortnightly according to the Payroll Calendar, and you’ll receive a payslip by email.

The annual stipend amount is divided evenly across 365 days. Your first payment will be pro rata for the number of days you were enrolled during the first two-week pay period, so it may be less than your regular fortnightly payment.

ACU provides a comprehensive range of student services to help you succeed. These include academic skills support and workshops to enhance your learning, career development services with job search assistance, and counselling for mental health and wellbeing. The university also offers disability services to ensure accessible learning, financial assistance and scholarships for eligible students, and IT support to resolve technical issues.

Explore all services

ACU campuses provide a wide range of facilities to support your study and wellbeing. You’ll find libraries with extensive resources and dedicated study spaces, computer labs with high-speed internet access, and prayer rooms and chapels for spiritual reflection. There are also sport and fitness facilities to help you stay active, along with student lounges and common areas designed for socialising and relaxation.

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