Start my higher degree by research

The Student System is where you can:

• view your personal details
• enrol in topics and register in classes (credit-based topics only, not HDR time-based topic)
• view and pay fees
• see topic results

You can access the Student System from your Okta dashboard

When you’re logged in to the Student System, take a moment to check your personal details to make sure they’re correct.

The Australian Government requires you to provide the following information as a condition of your enrolment. Please make sure the following is correct:

• Address Details
• Citizenship and Residency
• Cultural details
• Disability details (you will need to provide this if you wish to apply for a disability access plan).

If these details are missing, or are incorrect, you can update most of them directly in the Student System under the My Details tab. Some personal information, like your name, date of birth and citizenship, can only be changed by taking the relevant legal documents in to Flinders Connect or by submitting scanned and certified copies of these legal documents through Ask Flinders.

You can access the Student System any time through your Flinders dashboard (Okta).

Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) is an Australian government requirement for all higher education students. Applying for a USI is fast and free, and you keep the same USI for life. You can apply for a USI online (it only takes five minutes).

• *Please note if you have studied a VET course in the last five years, including while at secondary school, you may already have a USI. If you think you may have one, but aren’t sure, you can check by visiting: usi.gov.au/faqs/find-your-usi
• Your Tax File Number (TFN), if you’re eligible and intend to defer payment of fees through the HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and SA-HELP schemes. A TFN is a nine-digit number issued by the Australian Taxation Office. If you don’t already have a TFN, you can apply for one online.

Once you have a USI, you will then need to provide your USI number to Flinders. This will only take a couple of minutes. To do this, you need to:

• Log in to the Student System (via Okta)
• Select the ‘My Forms’ tab
• Click on the ‘Enter/Update Unique Student Identifier (USI)’ link
• Enter your USI

Please note: if you do not provide your USI to Flinders prior to your topic Census date, you will not be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or Commonwealth financial assistance (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP, OS-HELP or SA HELP).

The SSAF funds a wide range of student services including advocacy and welfare, academic support, career services, financial counselling and assistance, clubs, societies, sport and recreation activities and mental health and wellbeing programs.

You need to decide how to pay SSAF for your Higher Degree by Research before your enrolment. NB refer to exemptions.

If you’re an Australian citizen, Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder or an eligible New Zealand citizen, you may defer your SSAF by applying for SA-HELP,  a loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their (SSAF). If you are eligible and you choose to defer payment of SSAF, you need to complete and submit the relevant finance forms, via the Student System, prior to enrolling in topics.

Please note that if you wish to apply for SA-HELP, you will need to provide your Tax File Number (TFN) when completing the forms, so make sure you have this ready. If you don’t have one, you can apply for a TFN online.

Ensure that you have read and understand the responsibilities of both yourself and your supervisor.

• Charter for HDR Student and Supervisor Responsibilities

At this meeting you and your supervisor/s should negotiate the expectations of supervision for your candidature, such as regularity of meetings, project structure, work submission guidelines, including types of feedback. You can discuss the college's expectations and HDR milestones, especially the Confirmation of Candidature.

Your supervisors will provide academic support, ensuring your thesis is planned properly and written to expected standards. They’ll also help you adhere to Flinders University’s milestone and thesis submission timeframes.

The college is responsible for providing you with resources for your candidature. Arrange to meet the college's administrative staff to gain access to additional resources that maybe available for you. They will assist you to settle in after you meet with your supervisor. The HDR college contacts will be able to help you with your enquiries. 

There are specialised research librarians who are available to assist you with setting up your database for you to receive emails of the current research publications within your research area. Also see library rules.

Everyone at the University has work health and safety responsibilities for themselves and others.

Our WHS Management System is a coordinated and systematic approach to work health and safety. Our WHS Policy states the principles which underpin University work health and safety and our WHS procedures describe responsibilities, actions and processes required for implementing our WHS Management System and operational activities. More information about WHS is available.

If your research involves working in a laboratory, ensure that you meet with the relevant college laboratory staff and participate in college/laboratory WHS inductions.

Flinders Research Integrity Office supports researchers including the ethics application/ submission process, compliance information and training requirements. Refer to Research Integrity, Ethics and Compliance to find out more.

All users of digital information services are required to behave in a lawful, ethical, appropriate and responsible manner. Flinders Acceptable Use of Technology Procedures (PDF) applies to Flinders University staff and students.

Managing your health is important. We have facilities and services available to help you look after your physical and mental health. For more information please refer to our Health, Counselling and Disability services page.

Course rules detail the program of study and the admission, progression, thesis and assessment requirements of your course. You are responsible for ensuring you follow these rules.

International Student Services provides orientation programs on campus. Familiariarise yourself with the University campus.