Your guide to graduating
A graduation ceremony is a formal event where your academic achievements are recognised and honoured. Upon graduating, you will receive a formal testamur (certificate) in honour of your academic achievement. Your guide to graduating will take you through, step-by-step, the graduation process and attendance at the ceremony.
You are responsible for ensuring you are eligible to graduate and that you receive your testamur. Take the time to prepare to graduate during final semester to ensure you are eligible to graduate. Once you are eligible and have received your Invitation to Graduate, you can then continue to complete this process.
Step 1: Accept, defer or decline your Invitation to Graduate
You need to confirm with us if you accept, defer or decline your Invitation to Graduate. This will register your attendance at the ceremony as well as ensuring you receive your formal academic testamur.
For more information, see our accept or decline your invitation web page.
Step 2: Order your academic regalia
It is compulsory for all graduates to wear academic regalia applicable to your degree being awarded at the ceremony. Place your order online at the regalia ordering portal.
For the regalia ordering cut-off date, see our key dates web page.
Step 3: Collect your tickets and regalia
You need to collect your tickets and regalia from the collection points and on the allocated collection dates.
For more information, see our tickets and venue web page.
Step 4: Attend the ceremony
Arrive at least one hour before your ceremony is due to commence. All graduates are photographed while crossing the stage however if you choose to have additional photographs taken before the ceremony, you will need to arrive at least two hours early.
For photography and on stage procedures, see our attend the ceremony web page.
The length of your graduation ceremony will depend on the number of graduates in attendance but, as a guide, ceremonies last for approximately two hours.
Following your graduation ceremony there will be a 45 minute Toast to Graduates for graduates, guests and staff. Light refreshments will be served.
Step 5: Return your hired regalia
If you have hired your regalia, please ensure you return it to the allocated return point at the graduation venue after the ceremony concludes.
Step 6: Complete the Australian Graduate Survey
All graduates will be asked to complete the Australian Graduate Survey within three to six months of course completion.
For more information, see our Australian Graduate Survey web page.