Graduation ceremonies

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation.

Congratulations to all our graduates. Please enjoy these moments from the winter 2022 celebrations.

A day to celebrate.

Your graduation ceremony is a very special occasion. It’s a chance to celebrate your academic achievements with classmates, friends, family and staff.

From dress hire to studio-quality photos, we have plenty of ways to make your big day special. Keep reading to learn more.

Follow YouTube to watch each ceremony live

Upcoming 2024 Autumn Ceremonies

Thursday 22 and Friday 23 August

  • Times and ceremonies to be announced.

Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 December

  • Times and ceremonies to be announced.
  • Town and Gown to be announced.

Note: Ceremony allocations, dates, times and venues are subject to change.

Venue accessibility information

Venue

Launceston Conference Centre
50 Glen Dhu Street, Launceston

Preparing for your graduation

  • When you’re eligible to graduate, we’ll contact your university email. You’ll be asked to check your details, and we’ll share some important information about your ceremony.
  • Contact us by email at U.Connect@utas.edu.au if you have any concerns or queries.

Graduation checklist​​​​​​​

If you are eligible to graduate, please complete the following checklist.

Name

It is essential you have your legal name on your certificate.

Changes need to be initiated 21 days before your ceremony.

How to update your name.

Address and contact

We need to know where to post your graduation testamur, so we will post it to the 'preferred address' that we have on file for you. Please check your preferred address in eStudent. If you are no longer able to access eStudent, contact UConnect to update your details.

Award

When you receive the letter that says you will be eligible to graduate, please check that the name of your award listed in the letter is correct. If it isn't correct, you can contact UConnect.

If you have outstanding fees or other sanctions against you, you may not be able to graduate. Current sanctions are listed on the My Details page in eStudent.

Let us know if you will be attending your big day.

Register for your graduation ceremony

Can't make it? Find out what happens if you won't be attending your graduation ceremony.

To find out more about what to wear and how to order your academic dress, visit academic dress.

Register to attend your graduation ceremony

You will receive an email when registration opens with a link to your graduation registration. Registrations for our Autumn (Tasmanian) ceremonies are now closed.

Sydney will be open on the 19th March and will close on the 4th April.  

When you register for your ceremony, you can book:

  1. A ticket for your seat at your graduation.
  2. Your guest tickets, including:
    • Up to two guest tickets at no charge.
    • Additional guest tickets (subject to venue capacity) at $25 per ticket.  These tickets are available on a first serve basis and cannot be guaranteed. Additional ticket limits apply and this limit varies depending on ceremony/location – you will be advised the number of additional guest tickets for your ceremony in the registration email. Your guests can also watch live on our YouTube channel.
  3. Graduation Gown Hire
    • If you wish to hire a graduation gown you must do this at the time of registration, see pricing details below:
      • Full set: $90 includes gown, hood/stole & mortarboard
      • Hood/stole only: $30
      • Doctor of Philosophy full set: $90 includes gown, hood & bonnet

If you’re not planning on attending your ceremony, you don’t need to register. Check the attendance FAQs below for further information.

Watch our fun video to find out everything you didn't think you needed to know about what to do at your ceremony.

What to do on the day

  • Read the academic dress FAQs for more information on collecting your academic dress.
  • Please make sure you print your tickets or have them ready on your mobile device.
  • Leave plenty of time to find parking, the venue, and be seated.
  • Please arrive at the venue 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. It’s a good idea to leave plenty of time to find parking and be seated.

You will be allocated a seat for your graduation.

  • Please be seated 30 minutes before your ceremony’s commencement time.
  • Ushers will be there to help you find your seat. As you will graduate in the order you are seated, it’s very important that you do not swap seats with anyone else.

Guest seating is general admission.

  • All guests are required to have a valid ticket for the ceremony. They should be seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony commencement time.
  • As guests will not have allocated seats, please let them know to arrive early to get the position they want.
  • Please note, guests will not usually be admitted after the ceremony has started.
  • Wheelchair access is available at all venues. If you or your guests have accessibility requirements, such as using a wheelchair, crutches or a guide dog, please let us know by emailing u.connect@utas.edu.au.

Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions with several speeches and are, therefore, not always suitable for young children.

Please consider the length and timing of graduation ceremonies when thinking about bringing children. Each ceremony is 90 minutes in length with many formal speeches.

Children will require a ticket unless sitting on a carer’s lap.

Each ceremony begins with a procession of university leadership and academics to the stage. The Chancellor will then deliver some opening remarks and the Occasional Address will be made by the guest speaker.

Graduates and diplomates will cross the stage and be presented to the Chancellor. Graduates and diplomates then acknowledge the Chancellor by doffing their hat before being congratulated.

Whilst on stage, you’ll have the chance to pose for a photograph with the Chancellor. You’ll be given your testamur and alumni pin.

The ceremony usually lasts for 90 minutes. Afterwards, the Chancellor will invite you and your guests to refreshments.

Travel and accommodation

We do not recommend arranging travel for interstate or overseas guests until you have a valid ticket for them to attend your graduation ceremony.

Ceremony venues are centrally located in their respective cities, and are easily accessible by bus or taxi, or even walking.

There are many great hotels and Airbnb's close to all our venues.

Ride Share Services
The pick-up and drop off point for the ride share services, such as Uber, is located in front of Entry 1. We encourage guests not to order their ride share service until they have reached the pick-up point to avoid causing congestion in the pick-up area.
Bus Services
Public transport is the quickest and easiest way to get to and from an event. To plan your journey with Metro bus services, click here.

Taxis
On event days, there is a taxi rank available from Entry 1.

Parking
MyState Bank Arena has over 1,000 car spaces over two car parks within the precinct.

Car Park West Accessed from the Brooker Highway.  
Located near Entrance 1 & 2 of the Arena, with accessible parking and drop off and pick up zones.

Car Park East Accessed from Goodwood Road and along Loyd Road.
Located near Entrance 3 and the Derwent Room, with accessible parking and drop off and pick up.

MyState Bank Arena will have Car Parking Attendants to help facilitate the flow of traffic for most events. Please follow all instructions given by MyState Bank Arena Car Parking staff when parking your vehicle.

Additional off-site parking is available at KGV and Montrose Bay. These parking spaces are not managed by MyState Bank Arena and fees and charges may apply.

There is an abundant amount of free off-street parking, and well as undercover parking and disability access.

Entry to the paranaple convention centre is via Market Square, the central pedestrian square located off Rooke street and in the heart of the paranaple precinct.

Market Square is adjacent to the multi-level carpark, accessible from Best Street and Fenton Way.

The entrance to the paranaple convention centre is through automatic doors directly off Market Square. Universal access is available at the touch of a button, providing ease for patrons with access difficulties.

CBD (Multi-level) Car Park – Pay As You Leave Car Parks

The Multi-level car park is located directly behind the paranaple convention centre, with disability parking, elevator access and flat walking surface between the car park and paranple precinct.  Fees apply

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.00pm – $1.00 per half hour.
Saturday and Sunday and after 6pm Monday to Friday – $2.00 flat fee.

$5.00 all day parking available on the top-level of the car park.

Town and Gown

The Town and Gown parades are a special feature of our graduations. This is a chance for the entire community to celebrate the achievements of our graduates.

  • Devonport                                                                                                                                           Friday 15th March, 9:45am - Download Devonport route (JPG 464KB)
  • Launceston
    December dates to be announced
  • Hobart
    December dates to be announced

Graduation services

A variety of graduation services will be available on the day of your graduation.

Please note: Academic dress must be hired prior to your graduation ceremony. Academic dress will not be available to hire on the day of your ceremony. For information on how to hire academic dress please click here.

Academic dress

While it isn’t mandatory, we encourage all graduands to wear academic dress. It’s a great way to make the most of the occasion. You can hire your gown and colours when you register for your ceremony.

Graduation photography

There’s no better way to commemorate the occasion than a professional studio photo with your family and friends. Our photographers attend each ceremony.

Stage photography

We’ll also be there to capture your big moment on stage.

Certificate framing

You can choose from a range of professional frames with embossed mats, perfect for displaying your certificate after the ceremony.

Keepsakes

To celebrate and remember your graduation, a range of keepsakes and branded merchandise will be available to purchase on the day.

Flowers

Purchase a bouquet of locally grown flowers to surprise your Graduate.

Frequently asked questions

Attendance requirements

You don't need to apply to graduate. You’ll receive a graduation eligibility letter from the Graduation Office in February for the Autumn graduations, mid-June for Winter graduations and mid-October for December graduations. This will confirm your potential eligibility to graduate, subject to completing any last course requirements and payment of outstanding fees. You can also find your graduation information in eStudent.

Find out more about eligibility (student portal).

Name

It is essential you have your legal name on your certificate.

Changes need to be initiated 21 days before your ceremony.

How to update your name.

Address and contact

We need to know where to post your graduation testamur, so we will post it to the 'preferred address' that we have on file for you. Please check your preferred address in eStudent. If you are no longer able to access eStudent, contact UConnect
to update your details.

You can’t defer your graduation, but you don’t have to attend your ceremony if you don’t wish to.

If you don’t come to your ceremony, you’ll graduate in absentia. Your testamur will be sent to you by Registered Post (within Australia) or EMS Courier (overseas) after the conclusion of the graduation round. If your documents are being sent to a non-Australian address, please allow extra time for delivery.

You’ll receive a digital testamur, academic transcript and Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). These documents will be available in My eQuals, and you will receive an email in the days following graduation to let you know when you can view these documents, as well as instructions on how to register with the My eQuals website.

You can always attend a ceremony in the future if you decide later. Refer to 'Can I attend a future ceremony instead?' below.

Email U.Connect@utas.edu.au. Your testamur will be posted out to you in 4-6 weeks after your graduation.  Please make sure your preferred postal address is updated in eStudent as soon as possible. To receive a refund, click on the link in your registration confirmation email and update your online order to cancel your tickets.  You can request a refund up until 24 after your ceremony time.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept late registrations. If you don’t register by the close date (or earlier if a ceremony reaches capacity), you’ll have to wait until a future round of graduation ceremonies.

You can always attend a ceremony in the future if you decide later. This is called ‘attending as a walk-through’, which is the same as everyone else except you won’t receive a testamur, because you already have it.

Your name will appear in the graduation program of the earlier ceremony, and you’ll be presented with a 'blank' certificate. This allows you to have your degree conferred at the appropriate time, while still having the opportunity to participate in a ceremony at a time convenient to you.

Please contact u.connect@utas.edu.au to be included in the current graduation round.

If you require support in attending your Graduation, whether this be venue accessibility, hearing, vision or general support, we are here to assist.

Information on disability support is available for students graduating (PDF 89.2 KB) and guests (PDF 85.0 KB).

Academic Dress

  • While we do not make academic dress compulsory, we would prefer all those participating in the ceremony to wear it. The academic dress set includes a gown, a mortar board or bonnet, and a hood and/or stole.
  • Our graduation ceremonies are a formal occasion, and students and guests are encouraged to dress appropriately. As a general guide, think of what would be suitable for a special dinner or a job interview.
  • The colours associated with academic dress generally distinguish the college you belong to (or, in some cases, the discipline within a college). You’ll be provided with the correct dress for your award as per our Academic Dress Guide PDF 203.0 KB. Please note that academic dress not sourced through our preferred supplier may not provide you with regalia that is an exact match.
  • If you are receiving a diploma or certificate, and you already have a degree, you should wear the appropriate academic dress for the highest degree you’ve been awarded.
  • If you’re receiving a double degree, and are graduating for both degrees in one ceremony, you’ll only need to place one order. Please notify us by email to U.Connect@utas.edu.au if you have a higher award as we will organise academic dress based on what you are graduating with.
  • Our academic dress is patterned on that used at the University of Oxford.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are invited to wear a coloured scarf to celebrate their cultural heritage, supplied by the Office of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Aboriginal Leadership.
  • When you register to attend your ceremony, you will be able to hire your academic dress from the University's preferred supplier.
  • Payment is required at the time of booking academic dress.
  • Academic dress hire prices vary depending on your requirements - as a general rule:
    • Full set:  $90 includes gown, hood/stole & mortarboard
    • Doctor of Philosophy full set: $90 includes gown, hood & bonnet
    • Hood/stole only:  $30

Gown collection details are as follows:

Launceston 
Launceston Conference Centre - 50 Glen Dhu Street, Launceston

13th March 2pm - 5pm

14th March - 8am - 12.30pm

Devonport
Paranaple Convention Centre - Market Square, 137 Rooke Street, Devonport

15th March - 8am - 1pm

Hobart 
Mystate Bank Arena - 601 Brooker Hwy, Glenorchy

Tuesday 19th March - 2pm - 5pm

Wednesday 20th March - 9am - 4.30pm

Sydney
City Recital Hall - 2 Angel Place, Sydney

Students graduating in the 10.30am ceremony
Monday 15 April - 8am - 1pm

Students graduating in the 2.30pm ceremony
Monday 15 April - 1pm - 5pm


  • If you're unable to make the designated collection time for your ceremony, someone can collect on your behalf provided they have your order confirmation. Alternatively, you can collect your academic dress on the day of your graduation. Please arrive early to allow plenty of time to collect prior to your ceremony.
  • Please return your academic dress no later than one hour after your ceremony concludes, unless you've made prior arrangements with our gown hire provider.
  • Failure to return academic dress on time may incur a charge equivalent to the purchase price of the regalia. Purchase price is three times the hire price.
  • Academic dress is worn over your normal attire. 
    • Please note that what you’re wearing underneath will be visible. For this reason, business attire and comfortable shoes are highly recommended. The gowns are quite heavy, so you may want to remove any jackets.
    • Gown: The gown is worn over the top of your clothing like a jacket. Undergraduates’ arms go through the sleeve, while postgraduate students’ arms slide through an opening in the sleeve.
    • Hood: For all degrees, the hood is then placed over the top of your gown and worn with the colour hanging down the back of the gown and the V at the front of your neck.
    • Mortarboard: The Mortarboard is worn with the shallow part to the front of your head and the deep part at the back of the head, with the tassel placed on the left (over your left ear).
  • If you’re confused about your academic dress, don’t worry. Staff will be there to help you.

When you place your order online, you’ll have the option to select your size, based on your height. You’ll be fitted for the correct size when you pick up your academic dress.

SIZEHEIGHT (cm)HEIGHT (ft)
XXS 130 - 150 cm 4'2" - 4'9"
XS 150 - 160 cm 4'9" - 5'3"
S 160 - 170 cm 5'3" - 5'6"
M 170 - 180 cm 5'6" - 5'9"
L 180 - 190 cm 5'9" - 6'2"
XL 190 cm + 6'2" +

Yes, both staff and students are welcome to purchase University of Tasmania academic dress from our supplier, Blashki.

Please click here for more information.

Our alumni community

As a graduate of the University of Tasmania, you’re part of a vibrant global family of over 130,000 of our alumni. Our alumni live and work on all continents around the world and across approximately 112 countries.

We encourage our global alumni family to keep in contact so we can continue to keep you informed about the opportunities and networks available to you. And if you want to revisit your graduation ceremony, you can find links to past graduation videos and programs as well.

Our alumni community