Attend a graduation ceremony

Attending a graduation ceremony is one of the most exciting parts of obtaining your qualification.

Graduation ceremonies are a formal event, and an important part of recognising your academic achievements. Crossing the stage at a graduation ceremony is an exciting highlight of your study journey, and a great way to mark the completion of your course.  

You will celebrate surrounded and supported by fellow graduates, friends, family and the VU community. 

Registration & ticketing

Invitation to graduate

You will receive your invitation to attend a ceremony approximately 4-6 weeks before the event, provided you have received your notice of completion.

You must register for the event prior to the RSVP date listed in the official invitation.

The following table details your ceremony eligibility and other key associated dates:

  March 2024 September 2024
Graduation ceremony dates 19 March – 22 March 2024 9 September – 13 September 2024
Invited graduates Graduates that receive their notice of completion between 1 August—31 January. HDR (Doctoral & Masters by Research) graduates conferred between 1 July—31 December. Graduates that receive their notice of completion between 1 February – 31 July. HDR (Doctoral & Masters by Research) graduates conferred between 1 January – 30 June.
Invitation to attend Received from Wednesday 14 February 2024 Received from Wednesday 7 August 2024

Find out more about notice of completion and academic records.

Registration

Once you’ve received your invitation to graduate you will need to register for your ceremony via the link provided in the invitation. You will also need to hire academic regalia (gown) and purchase your guest tickets which is completed during the registration process.

It is recommended that you purchase any photography packages and graduations memorabilia when you purchase your tickets. This will allow you more time to enjoy the ceremony as quite often there can be long queues and wait times for photography purchased on the day.

Tickets

Students are required to show photo ID at check in. No ticket is required.

Guests will receive a copy of their ticket on their phone, which displays a QR code to be scanned in at the door. Anyone who does not have a valid ticket will not be allowed into the venue.

Invitation letters

VU can provide invitation letters for family who are planning to attend from international locations.

Visit AskVU for more information about requesting an invitation letter.

Graduation costs

The cost to attend a graduation ceremony is AUD$240.

This fee includes:

  • hire of official academic dress (regalia)
  • two guest tickets seated in the auditorium
  • graduate reception (light refreshments following the ceremony)

Seated guest tickets are limited to two per graduate. If additional tickets in the auditorium become available to purchase, you will be notified via email after Wednesday, 6 March 2024.

Guest Standing Ceremony and Reception Access Tickets will be available for AUD$40 per ticket. These tickets allow guests to celebrate with graduates, family and friends at the graduate reception, and enjoy the live ceremony on screens from a designated standing area within the venue.

VU Sydney

There are no graduation ceremonies held at VU Sydney. Students are invited and encouraged to attend the Melbourne ceremonies, if convenient.