Wellbeing and support
Find support with all aspects of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) life, from administration to wellbeing
HDR studies are richly rewarding, but there’s no question that they can also be challenging.
We encourage you to prioritise your own health, safety and wellbeing above all else. This section connects you with the huge range of supports available to help you do just that.
This page also covers the administrative and academic support options available to you throughout your candidature.
The Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) provides support from enrolment through to graduation.
Call HDRAC on +61 2 7255 1565 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday or email the relevant contact below for your faculty, school or query.
Contact HDRAC for advice on changes in candidature, enrolment, suspension, extensions, mode of attendance, thesis submission and examination, progress evaluation meetings or the Research Education Candidature System (RECS).
Phone them on +61 2 7255 1565 between 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email the relevant contact for your faculty, school or query.
| Faculty/school | Email address |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Science The University of Sydney Business School |
hdrac.1@sydney.edu.au |
| Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Sydney Law School Sydney Conservatorium of Music |
hdrac.2@sydney.edu.au |
| Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning Faculty of Engineering |
hdrac.3@sydney.edu.au |
| Faculty of Medicine and Health | hdrac.4@sydney.edu.au |
For enquiries regarding mandatory training modules, declaration of external interests or Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS) applications contact hdrac.ops@sydney.edu.au
For enquiries relating to stipend management, contact hdrac.scholarships@sydney.edu.au
You can make a complaint or report any issue of concern through the University’s established complaints process.
If you believe you have valid reason to appeal an academic decision that affects you, you have access to the University’s academic appeals process.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) can also assist you to navigate the process and offer representation and advocacy as required.
The Safer Communities Office has specialist staff trained to support and assist people who have experienced sexual misconduct, family or domestic violence, bullying, harassment or modern slavery.
All students of the University are expected to behave appropriately and respectfully at all times. Inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour by a student may be considered student misconduct, and the University has clear procedures in place to address this.
The Gadigal Centre is the University’s dedicated centre for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, offering support services and culturally safe study spaces.
The Sydney Indigenous Research Hub is a support network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers at the University as well as those researching associated issues, providing opportunities for mentoring, professional development and networking.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) offers specific Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student support, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Postgraduates’ Network and a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Officer.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships are available to eligible students, and tutoring is available through the University’s Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme.
For HDR students engaging with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities and/or subject matter, Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research is a training module designed to help to develop your understanding of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, which sets national standards for ethical and responsible conduct.
For advice and support relating to the conditions of your student visa and related issues, email one of the University’s compliance officers.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) hosts an International Students’ Network to connect and support international postgraduate students.
Sonder is a health and wellbeing smartphone app designed to provide international students with 24/7 anonymous access to instant, free mental health and wellbeing support from anywhere in the world, including access to health professionals, safety resources and mental health support.
If you are the recipient of an Australia Award and you need information or advice about your entitlements or responsibilities, managing your studies, living and working in Australia, or bringing your family with you, you can email an Australia Award Student Contact Officer or phone them on +61 2 8627 5449.
The University’s Inclusion and Disability Services provides specialised support for students with disability or carer responsibilities, including any adjustments or services you need to succeed in your studies. If you have questions about what they offer you can book an appointment to speak to a Disability Officer for further information.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) also hosts a Disability and Inclusion Network to connect and support postgraduate students at the University who identify as having a disability, whether physical, mental, sensory, neurological, learning or immunological.
SensusAccess is a simple self-service technology that enables you to convert a range of file types into alternative and accessible formats to suit your needs.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) hosts a Women’s Network to connect and support women postgraduate students.
The University’s Pride Network supports all LGBTQIA+ students and staff, and LGBTQIA+ Student Support Liaison Officers are staff volunteers who, as members or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, are trained to support LGBTQIA+ students.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) also hosts a Queer Collective to connect and support postgraduate students who are members of the queer community.
The University offers a range of supports and services for students from diverse religious and faith backgrounds, including a Multifaith Chaplaincy Centre staffed by professional chaplains from a range of faiths.
Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association (SUPRA) hosts a Satellite Campus Network to connect and support postgraduate students who are not based at the University’s Camperdown/Darlington campus.