ID and password

UPDATED: 15 APRIL 2026

On 15 April 2026 we’ve introduced a new way of managing your University ID password. You can now reset or change your password by yourself, without needing to contact the ANU IT Service Desk. 

Scroll down to the How to change or reset your password section for step-by-step instructions.

On this page, you’ll find everything you need to manage your University ID password, including how to create a strong password, change or reset it, set up multi‑factor authentication (MFA), and how to get started as a new starter.

 

The basics

When you become a student or staff member at the University, you are assigned a University ID (UID), which is a seven-digit number, for example u1234567. You can find your UID in your enrolment email (students) or in the onboarding email (staff). If you're both a staff member and a student, you'll have one UID.

Your ANU email address is your UID number followed by @anu.edu.au. For example: u1234567@anu.edu.au

To access ANU systems including email, ANU Secure Wi-Fi or Canvas, you will need to use your University ID (UID) and password. Before you log in for the first time, please read the ANU password requirements.

To protect your account and university data, your password must meet the following requirements:

  • a minimum of 15 characters long.

Your password must not:

  • contain the account name or UID in any form (as-is, reversed, capitalised, doubled, etc.).
  • be your first or last name in any form.
  • repeat previous password.
  • be reused across systems or websites.

It should not be:

  • a simple dictionary word, well-known quote, song lyric.
  • based on your name or other things about you (like the name of a pet or favourite sporting team).

We recommend that you use a passphrase, a long and unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. To create a secure passphrase: 

  • pick a nonsensical phrase (for example: Orange bishop nightingale) and,
  • mix the phrase up a little (for example: Orange4bishop?Nightingale!).

Never share your password with anyone. Make your password hard to guess but easy for you to remember.  

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is required for all ANU accounts. This strengthens our cyber security and protects our systems.  

New student or staff?

To access ANU systems including your ANU email, ANU Secure Wi-Fi, Canvas, you will need to use your University ID (UID) and password.

When you join the University, you will receive two separate emails. The first email will contain your University ID (UID). The second one will contain your temporary password.

You will be prompted to change the temporary password when you first log in. 

Haven’t received the temporary password? Contact the ANU IT Service Desk on +61 2 612 54321. 

For detailed guidance, including step-by-step pictures, read this Knowledge Article.

Before you begin, please ensure that you have:

  • received an email with a temporary password as part of your onboarding/matriculation.
  • your mobile phone ready as you will need use the multi-factor authentication (MFA).
  • read the User authentication policy.  

  1. On the login screen of your ANU-managed device, enter your University ID in the u1234567 format.
  2. Enter in your temporary password (this is the password you have received in your onboarding email).
  3. You will be prompted to change your password (the one you want to be using going forward).
  4. Once you have logged in to your device, go to office.com.
  5. Click Sign In. This will prompt you to set up your multi-factor authentication.
  6. Please install the Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile phone. If you have the application already installed, you can skip this step.
  7. In the Microsoft Authenticator, click on the plus button (+) and select Work or school account.
  8. Scan the QR code on the computer or laptop screen and then click Next.
  9. You will be prompted to test the authentication. Follow the prompts on your mobile phone.
  10. You’re all set. You can click Done.

  1. If you are using an ANU-managed Mac device, log in to the computer ANU email in the u1234567@anu.edu.au format. Then go to Step 3.
  2. For other devices go to the Microsoft My Account Portal. Enter your ANU email in the u1234567@anu.edu.au format.
  3. You will be prompted to change your password. Enter your current password (this is the password you received in your onboarding email) and type in your new password.
  4. Then click Sign in.
  5. You will be prompted to set up a multi-factor authentication. Click Next.
  6. Please install the Microsoft Authenticator on your mobile phone. Once done, click Next. If you have the application already installed, skip to Step 8.
  7. Click Next.
  8. In the Microsoft Authenticator, click on the plus button (+) and select Work or school account.
  9. Scan the QR code on the computer or laptop screen and then click Next.
  10. You will be prompted to test the authentication. Follow the prompts on your mobile phone.
  11. You’re all done. You can click Done.

How to change or reset your password

You can change or reset your password anytime, but only once within a 24-hour period.

If you know your current password, you can change it. If you have forgotten your password, you'll need to reset it.  

To change your password, choose the section below that applies to your system, and follow the detail steps provided.

For detailed guidance, including step-by-step pictures, read this Knowledge Article.

Please ensure your device is connected to theANU network either through the GlobalProtect VPN, ANU Secure Wi-Fi, or docked in the office.

  1. On the keyboard of your device, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
  2. Select Change a password.
  3. Type in your current password.
  4. Type in your new password and confirm this new password.
  5. Click the arrow.
  6. Your new password has been set. Sign in using your new password.

Note: If you see the following message on your device, please restart your device: “Logon failure: the user has not been granted the requested logon type at this computer.”

Please ensure your device is connected to the ANU network either through the GlobalProtect VPN, ANU Secure Wi-Fi, or docked in the office.

  1. Navigate to the Self Service+ application (press command + space and type in Self Service). Alternatively, you can access this app from your menu bar on the top right corner.
  2. Click on Change Password.
  3. Sign in with your ANU email (for example u1234567@anu.edu.au) and password.
  4. Enter your new password and click Submit.
  5. After your password has been changed, you will be prompted to sign in using your new password. Click OK.
  6. Enter your new password and click Sign In. 

  1. Go to the Microsoft My Account Portal.
  2. If you are not already signed in, you may be prompted to do so. Enter your ANU email in the format u1234567@anu.edu.au and follow the prompts to authenticate.
  3. Click on Change Password on the left-hand navigation bar.
  4. You will be prompted to authenticate. Follow the steps on the screen and your mobile phone.
  5. A pop-up window will appear. Type in your new password and confirm the password.
  6. Click Submit. Your password has been changed. 

To reset your password, choose the section below that applies to your system, and follow the detail steps provided.

You will need to verify your password reset using the multi-factor authentication (MFA). If you are unable to use MFA, you can reset your password by contacting the ANU IT Service Desk on +61 2 612 54321.

For detailed guidance, including step-by-step-pictures, read this Knowledge Article.

Please ensure your device is connected to the ANU network either through the GlobalProtect VPN, ANU Secure Wi-Fi, or docked in the office. 

If you can't connect to the ANU network, you can reset your password using the Microsoft password reset portal, your password will sync across all systems once you reconnect to VPM. 

  1. On your login screen click on Sign-in options.
  2. Then click on the key symbol.
  3. Click Reset Password.
  4. Click on Reset Password one more time.
  5. In the pop-up window, type your ANU email in the u1234567@anu.edu.au format.
  6. Type in the characters you see in the picture and click Next.
  7. From the drop-down menu choose the authentication method and click Next. The authentication method can be either a push notification or manually entering a code in your authenticator app.
  8. Follow the prompts on your mobile phone to authenticate.
  9. Enter and confirm your new password and click Next.
  10. Your new password has been set, click Finish.
  11. Important: to get back into your account, click Switch user on the bottom left corner of the screen.
  12. Then type in your UID and your new password.

  1. Go to the Microsoft password reset portal and then follow the steps below.
  2. Type your UID in the u1234567@anu.edu.au format.
  3. Type in the characters you see in the picture.
  4. Click Next.
  5. There are two ways you can authenticate your account. You can either:
    1. Approve a notification on my authenticator app. Then click Send notification. This will push the authentication via your authenticator app.
    2. Enter a code from my authenticator app. For this option, you will need to open your authenticator app and insert a code which will appear on the app screen. Then click Next.
  6. Using your mobile phone, follow the prompts and authenticate.
  7. Enter your new password.
  8. Click Finish.
  9. Your password has been reset. 

If you’re using Safari on a Mac and you’ve just reset your password, please check your saved passwords to make sure the Microsoft entry has been updated.

Other password guidance

If you are ANU Alumni and need to reset your University ID password, please use this form or contact the ANU IT Service Desk on +61 2 612 54321.

Enterprise Systems are software packages that support business processes, information flows, reporting and data analytics across the University. The University ensures appropriate data management standards are in place for enterprise system information; and these systems are considered by the University to be the primary source for the data they contain.

Some enterprise systems, including ES-Financials, HRMS, Student Administration and iMIS, require an Enterprise account and password. 

The Enterprise Systems password is different to your University ID password and is allocated to you when you request access to the systems. You need to change your Enterprise Systems password regularly.

Password managers securely store your login credentials and simplify access to websites and applications. They allow you to use strong, unique passwords without needing to remember each one. 

Please note that ANU is not currently able to provide technical support for any issues relating to these password managers.

Password managers can be used for most accounts. However, privileged and auxiliary account passwords must not be stored in cloud-based systems.

You are responsible for the security of your passwords and password files. Any loss or compromise of ANU credentials must be reported to the ANU IT Service Desk as a cyber security incident.

Benefits 

  • Only one master password to remember.
  • Unique, complex passwords for every account.
  • Faster logins via copy-paste or autofill.

Password manager examples

Choice of Password Manager depends on specific circumstances and preference. The following password managers have good reputations in the broader security community.

Best practices when using password managers

  • Use a strong master password or passphrase (at least 15 characters).
  • Enable multi-factor authentication.
  • Generate a unique password or paraphrase for each account.
  • Keep your work and personal passwords separate and ensure that any backups are fully encrypted.

It's not recommended to use the browser built-in password managers.

Web browsers often permit access to stored passwords without requiring authentication or MFA. Somebody with remote or physical access to your device could gain unrestricted access to your saved passwords via the browser.

Report suspicious activity

We will never ask you to verify your account by clicking a link in an email. Please treat any such requests with suspicion and report them as soon as possible.

 

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