All students are required to update their UniSC password every 180 days.
When it's time to update your password, you'll be prompted to do so when you log in to your UniSC account via a web browser. Follow the prompts to enter your new password, making sure you follow the password requirements below.
Once your password is updated you will need to follow the steps to verify your identity in using Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). If this is the first time you are logging into UniSC account, please follow the pop-up prompts to set up MFA.
The easiest way to set up MFA is by using a mobile phone and a laptop or PC. For help, support, and video instructions, please visit the Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) page.
If you are simply updating your password, you will be prompted by your chosen MFA verification method, either through the MFA app as a notification, SMS, or a UniSC MFA token.
Password requirements
- Your password must be different from any used previously.
- Your password is case-sensitive.
- Your password must be between 8 and 16 characters in length
- Your password must contain:
- At least one uppercase character
- At least one lowercase character
- At least one number
- At least one special (non-alphanumeric) character (eg ! @ # $ % ^ & * )
- Your password must not contain:
- Spaces
- Part of your name or username.
If you need to change your password
If you need to change your password outside of the 180-day window, there are two ways to do this.
If you have registered your mobile phone number in USC Central and set up MFA, you can change your password via the Self-service forgot/reset password page.
To use this service:
- Go to the Self-service forgot/reset password page
- Enter your username in the text box.
- Enter the letters/numbers from the security image into the text box.
- A security notification will be sent to your registered mobile phone app, via SMS, token, or alternate email address (only if no mobile number is available). Download the quick start guide.
- Approve the MFA notification on the Microsoft Authenticator App on your mobile device.
- Enter and confirm your new password.
You can also access the UniSC Password Reset page by clicking on the ‘Change your password’ link on the USC Central and Canvas sign-in page.
Please refer to the instructions on how you can update your mobile number in USC Central.
If you are on a UniSC-managed computer (eg workstation, computer lab, library commons) you can change your password by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del after you log on.
- Log on to the computer.
- Press Ctrl-Alt-Del
- Select 'Change a Password'.
- Enter your old password and your new password in the text boxes, making sure you follow the password requirements as described above.
After you update your password
After you update your password, please allow up to 10 minutes for your new password to synchronise to all UniSC systems (including web services and campus computers).
If you have trouble using a campus computer after changing your password, log off and log back on.
Need help?
If you need to change your password and can't follow the instructions above, the Student IT Help Desk can help.