Preparing for your graduation ceremony
Get all the information you need to know about preparing for your graduation, what to do when you arrive at your graduation ceremony, and what happens on the day.
COVID-19 and graduation
Due to COVID-19 and government restrictions, we are unable to hold graduation ceremonies in 2020. We are currently working actively to make arrangements for 2021 graduation ceremonies in March, June, August and December 2021. We will communicate information regarding future ceremonies to eligible students as soon as possible.
All students who complete the requirements for their degree will still be conferred, meaning that you will officially complete your course shortly after you receive your final results.
In the meantime, please log in to your eStudent Account and make sure your contact details are up to date. We will be contacting you via your student email and personal email address.
Follow these steps to ensure you're ready for your graduation ceremony:
Sign in to My graduation and choose the option to attend your graduation ceremony.
Check the graduation process for more information.
My results and graduation: How to manage your graduation online
The graduation fee covers:
- Academic regalia hire for the ceremony
- Trencher (cap) to keep
- Two guest tickets
- Graduation ceremony program
- Refreshments post-ceremony for you and your guests.
Fees for 2020 graduation ceremonies
- Timely graduation charge: $225
- Late graduation charge: $275
Graduation for Indigenous students
Graduates who identify themselves as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to have their graduation fee waived.
Note: Registrations for ceremonies close 10 days prior to ceremonies. Students registering after closing date will be allocated to the subsequent round of ceremonies.
Additional guest tickets are available for purchase at $44 each. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Tickets will be automatically emailed to you after payment.
You don't need to book a ticket for yourself. You will be automatically allocated a graduate seat when you pay the graduation fee. Your seat allocation will be given to you on the day of graduation (at registration).
You pay your graduation fee through GFP Graduations. We will notify you when bookings for your ceremony open.
Wearing academic dress is compulsory at your ceremony. You'll need to hire or purchase the right regalia for your ceremony. This includes a gown, a hood or stole, and a trencher (cap). The regalia you need to wear varies according to your qualification.
Book professional photos of your graduation day through Swinburne’s official photographers GFP Graduations. You can also arrange photography on the day of your ceremony.
Even if you don't pre-book photography, GFP Graduations will take a photo of you on stage accepting your award, which you can later buy if you like.
Are you an overseas student?
If you have family overseas wishing to attend your ceremony in Melbourne, you’ll need to make all travel arrangements yourself; Swinburne does not offer this service.
Complete and submit a Status Letter request form if you have not yet completed your course but expect to soon. This letter may be used to substantiate visa applications for visiting family. It is important that you specify why you are applying for a Status Letter. Your ‘Reason for the request’ should state 'for graduation purposes'.
What should you expect on the day of your graduation?
Find out what to do when you arrive at your graduation ceremony, and what happens on the day.
When to arrive
You need to arrive at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre two hours before the ceremony to allow time to have your regalia fitted.
Note: Registration and gowning closes one hour before the ceremony; allow plenty of time to get to the venue in case of transport or parking issues.
Report to the registration and gowning room in Plenary (in the Convention Centre building, lower ground floor).
Note: Make sure you bring your student ID or another photo ID.
Guests should arrive an hour before the ceremony starts (e.g. 3pm for a 4pm ceremony). Make sure that your guests are carrying their own tickets.
Prams cannot be brought into the ceremony hall; however, a space has been set aside in the main foyer for prams. On arrival, please make your way to the Swinburne information desk. A staff member will direct you to the designated area.
Order of events
- Graduates register and have their regalia fitted.
- Graduates take their seats in the ceremony hall or Plenary (45 minutes before the ceremony).
- Guests take their seats in the ceremony hall or Plenary (45 minutes before the ceremony).
- The ceremony begins with an academic procession.
- The national anthem is sung.
- Graduates are presented on the stage.
- The ceremony concludes after 90–120 minutes.
- Light refreshments are served.
What to do on the stage
A staff member will collect you from your seat when your name is about to be called and direct you to the stage.
Once you're on the stage, you will need to:
- Wait until your name is called, then accept your graduation tube from the chancellor.
- Have your photograph taken.
- Leave the stage via the central stairs.
Five steps to nailing your graduation ceremony
From checking that you are seated in the correct seat for presentation of your award, wearing your regalia correctly, crossing the stage to receive your award, and exiting in style, and all with a smile.
Photography
You can have professional photos taken before and after the ceremony. Book your photography in advance through GFP Graduations or on the day.
Pay your graduation fee now
Pay for your graduation ceremony via GFP Graduations, which includes two tickets and academic gown hire.
Hiring your academic regalia
Learn all about the full graduation regalia you will need to wear at your graduation ceremony. Remember, academic dress hire is covered in the graduation fee.
Keep on exploring
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Postnominals
As a Swinburne graduate, you are entitled to add postnominals, which identify your qualification(s) after your name.
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Alumni
Stay connected to your alumni community and enjoy a range of services and benefits, including networking and professional development opportunities.
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Confirm your graduation details
Log in using your student ID and password to confirm your graduation details.
Need graduation advice or course help?
If you have a question or need help with any aspect of completing your course or graduating, contact studentHQ. StudentHQ can help you if you haven’t received your graduation documents or need to get replacements.