Attending graduation is one of the most exciting parts of obtaining your qualification.
Graduation is a formal event, and an important part of recognising your academic progress. University Medals of Excellence are awarded and a Valedictorian speaks on behalf of the graduating cohort.
As a public acknowledgement of your achievement, you will celebrate surrounded and supported by fellow graduates, friends, family and the VU community.
In 'Attend a graduation ceremony':
Melbourne ceremonies
Our onshore ceremonies are held in Melbourne in August and December. Dates are subject to change and will be confirmed six weeks prior to the ceremonies.
2017 onshore ceremonies
The first round of ceremonies were held from 1-3 August 2017.
The second round of ceremonies were held from 12-14 December 2017.
2018 onshore ceremonies
- The first round of ceremonies is scheduled to run between Tuesday 7 August to Friday 10 August 2018.
- The second round of ceremonies is scheduled to run between Monday 10 December and Friday 14 December 2018.
Exact dates will be published six to eight weeks ahead of the ceremony.
Eligibility to graduate
All eligible students will receive an email invitation with full details of the date and time of their ceremony six to eight weeks prior to the ceremony round.
The invitation contains instructions on how to finalise your registration (you must have pre-registered) to attend graduation, how to book academic dress and purchase guest tickets.
Eligible VU Sydney students will be invited to attend one of our ceremonies in Melbourne.
Ceremonies location
All Melbourne ceremonies are held in the Flemington Racecourse Grandstand, Epsom Rd, Flemington.
Free parking is available at Flemington Racecourse. You can enter via Gate 1 (Main Gate) in Epsom Road or Gate 2 (Hill Entrance) in Leonard Crescent off Langs Road. Parking attendants will direct you to the reserved parking area.
Important ceremony information
The University's graduation ceremonies are livestreamed on YouTube.
Graduation ceremonies are not recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the formality and length of the ceremony (approximately 2 hours).
Prams cannot be taken into the theatre due to access and safety regulations. You will need to purchase a guest ticket for children 6 years or older to attend.
Attendance is free for children under 6 years of age, but due to limited seating capacity at the venue they will not be able to occupy a seat of their own.
Overseas (offshore) ceremony
The Victoria University offshore ceremony for 2018 is scheduled for Sunday 15 April in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Note: Dates are subject to change and will be confirmed six weeks prior to the ceremonies.
Graduation costs & ticketing
The cost to attend a graduation ceremony is AUD$115, which includes gown hire and the graduation reception.
Guest tickets can be purchased at a cost of AUD$42 each.
If additional tickets are available, attending students will be notified two weeks prior to the ceremony.
Register for your tickets
Registration and ticket purchase is completed through Reed Graduations.
Guest tickets will be limited to 3 per graduate. More may be released closer to the ceremonies depending on availability of seats.
If you have trouble registering, please call Reed Graduations on 1300 361 806 or email hello@reedgraduations.com.au.
Only students who have been emailed the Graduation Invitation can complete the registration process.
The graduation attendance fee does not include any photography packages.
Graduation programs
Melbourne
- December 2017 graduation program
- August 2017 graduation program
- December 2016 graduation program
- May 2016 graduation program
Offshore
Academic dress (Regalia)
Graduates are required to wear the University’s academic dress at their graduation ceremony.
The Academic Dress (Regalia) must be hired or purchased. This is done directly through Reed Graduations.
Information on hiring (or purchasing) Academic Dress (Regalia) from Reed Graduations is provided when you receive your invitation to attend a graduation ceremony.
Photography, framing & flowers
You might like to purchase some little extras on the day to make the event more memorable - Reed Graduation Services will be at the venue on your ceremony day.
Occasional & valedictorian addresses
Speeches are an important part of the VU graduation ceremonies.
You can watch addresses from our ceremonies on our VU Graduations YouTube channel.
Contact us
Find answers to commonly asked questions or ask your own.
Phone: +61 3 9919 6100
Visit: Student Service Centres
