Congratulations on completing your studies at the University of Canberra! Your graduation is a very important event that marks the culmination of many years of study and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!
You will be sent an invitation to your graduation ceremony by email. When it arrives:
If you are unable to attend graduation, please RSVP as in absentia through the Reed Graduation Portal. This will prompt you to provide your mailing address, which we will require for testamur postage.
You will have an option to collect your testamur from the Student Centre (see contact details) the week after graduation (26–30 September). Students must present valid photo identification to collect the testamur. Students may also provide authorisation for someone to collect a testamur on their behalf through a Third Party Authorisation form (PDF, 231KB).
The postage of graduation documents will take up to 6–8 weeks.
The Graduation ceremonies will be held at the National Convention Centre Canberra (NCCC).
Address: 31 Constitution Avenue, ACT 2601
The NCCC offers underground parking for graduates and guests, further details can be found on the NCCC website. Additional parking can be found on Allara Street and Constitution Avenue, near the Canberra Olympic Pool.
If you or your guests have a wheelchair, walker or require any other assistance with seating, please contact the Student Centre so we can arrange special seating for you.
You should arrive at least 90 minutes before the start of your ceremony.
On arrival at the venue, graduates can make your way up the stairs where you can register your attendance and be dressed in your graduation regalia. Guests do not need to go upstairs; they can wait for you in the foyer downstairs.
An announcement will be made when it is time to head into the theatre. Graduates will enter through the doors on the ground floor. Guests will enter from the doors upstairs and will need to show their ticket to enter. If you are unsure where to go, please ask a staff member dress in purple robes and we will direct you to your seat. It is important to be seated at least 30 minutes before the start of proceedings.
The ceremony will begin when the Chancellor declares the proceedings open.
Purple ushers will direct you and your fellow graduates to move from your seats to the side of the stage to be called for your award. When your name is called and you are prompted by an usher, you will walk across the stage to the Chancellor. You should not doff your hat, curtsy, or shake hands with the Chancellor. The Chancellor will present you with a folder and you will both pose for an official photo.
Once you receive your award, continue walking across the stage where you will be met by UC staff. We will provide you with your testamur and academic transcript offstage and then direct you back to your seat.
Once the proceedings are closed, the official party and academic procession will leave the stage. Once they have left the hall all graduates will leave their seat via the centre aisle as directed by the purple ushers. Your guests will then join you in the Exhibition Hall to continue celebrations.
You are invited to celebrate your achievements at the graduation reception, hosted by the UC Alumni Team.
The UC Alumni Team will be there for each step of your journey after university and would like to take this opportunity to meet you and congratulate you on this incredible occasion. Bring along your family and friends and join the team on the ground floor in the Exhibition Hall for live DJ entertainment, canapés, drinks, plenty of photo ops and a gift for the newest members of our dynamic, inspiring and talented community of alumni. We hope we will see you there!
Graduates and guests please do not attend if you are feeling unwell or displaying cold and flu like symptoms.
Masks are encouraged however they are not mandatory, the University will have some available on the day if you forget to bring one.
Please use the provided hand sanitiser regularly throughout the event.
Your connection with the UC community doesn’t cease when you cross the stage, the Alumni Team are here to support you in your journey beyond student life and into the workforce.
One hour after your ceremony ends.
You will be sent your ticket and seat number via email the week before the event.
You will receive a blank folder on stage, however will collect your degree testamur and academic transcript off stage before returning to your seat.
The Conferral of Awards ceremony is 1.5 to 2 hours in duration. If you or your guests need to leave the theatre during the ceremony, head to the main doors at the back of the theatre and ask an usher for assistance.
Filming of the graduation ceremony is not permitted. The livestream of the event will be uploaded to the University of Canberra Live Streaming page.
Refunds will be available up until 7 October 2022. Please email the Student Centre for a refund and ensure you provide supporting documentation with your request. Refunds make take up to two weeks to be processed.
You will not be allowed to take bags, phones, or other personal items up on stage when receiving your award. There is a cloak room service at the venue for coats and backpacks, however they will not take small items. For small items, kindly ask one of your guests to keep your belongings safe during the ceremony.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries regarding your graduation.
Location: Student Centre, Building 1
Email: Student.Centre@canberra.edu.au
