Information for external users

Learn how to activate or reset the password for an LMS external user account

Staff can use the External User Tool in their LMS subjects or communities to create and enrol new external user accounts. The new user will receive an invitation email and must activate their external user account before they can log into the LMS and access their enrolled subjects or communities.

Activating an external user account

  1. Check your email inbox for an "Account Creation" email containing your username and activation key:
    • The email is sent from the University of Melbourne Canvas External User Tool "no-reply@unimelb.edu.au" with subject line "Account Creation"
    • Remember to check your junk/spam folders if you do not see it in your inbox.
  2. Click the link to activate your external user account provided to you in the email.
  3. On the University of Melbourne external user activation page, click Activate Account.
  4. Create a new password and confirm password (password is limited to a maximum of 8 characters).
  5. Click Set My Password.
  6. Follow the link in the confirmation message or navigate directly to the Canvas LMS login page.

External user accounts must follow the Alternative LMS login option.

  1. Click the Alternative LMS login button under Special purpose & external accounts.

Screenshot of the LMS login page highlighting the Alternative Canvas login button

  1. Enter your Username (as specified in your activation email) and newly created Password, then click Log In.

Screenshot of the Login to Canvas page with the Log In button highlighted

  1. The Canvas LMS Dashboard displays. You have now been logged in to your Canvas LMS account.

Resetting an external user password

External users can follow this link to reset an external user password. External user passwords are limited to a maximum of 8 characters.

This guide was last updated 14 Apr 2026.

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