The aim of this research is to investigate in an exploratory way personal, relational and institutional factors that are described in literature as influences in the graduate students' adjustment to their courses. A systematic search of national and international studies about adjustment to graduate degree from the last 10 years through a combination of several descriptors was realized. We have chosen to search peer-reviewed articles in scientific indexed journals at Portal de Periódicos of CAPES. 177 international publications were found. After the submission of the articles to the inclusion criterions, remaining 15 studies, which constituted the final sample of this research. It was concluded that graduate life's integration depends mainly on establishing a rewarding relationship between advisor and advisee, setting the rules and demands of graduate and financial security. However, the issue needs further investigation, especially in the scenario for Brazilian graduate students.
students adjustment; graduate students; graduate