Melbourne graduation ceremonies

Celebrate your big achievement at our Melbourne graduation ceremony!

Learn more about upcoming ceremonies and schedule, and what to expect when graduating. More detailed information about your ceremony will be provided in your official invitation.

October 2026 graduations

VU students waiting at the 2024 March graduation ceremony

The next graduation ceremony will be from the week of 5 to 9 October 2026 at Flemington Racecourse.

Invitations will be sent to your email from 7 August to 3 September.

Completion & conferral

A Notice of Completion will be sent to eligible TAFE students by 14 August 2026, and higher education students by 20 August 2026.

Students eligible for the October 2026 graduation ceremonies should have their award conferred by 21 August (TAFE) and 27 August (higher education).

We'll send your digital completion documents (testamur, transcripts, AHEGS) by 3 September 2026. You'll also receive a physical copy of your award at the ceremony (unless you already have it).

What to expect

You have your tickets, and graduation day has arrived! The information below will step you through what to expect on the day.

Specific ceremony timings will be emailed to you in the days leading up to the event.

: The graduation ceremonies are held at The Grandstand, Flemington Racecourse.
If you're arriving by car, please follow the instructions provided in your graduation invitation or visit The Grandstand - Google Maps for more information about parking.
: Upon arrival, you will confirm your attendance with REED Events – our graduations partner, who look after ticketing, gowning and photography.
You will be given a seat number that you must keep until you enter the ceremony.
You’ll then be directed through to the regalia area where you get gowned and ready for the celebration and once you’ve been gowned, you will be able to get professional photos taken with your loved ones. There is also graduations memorabilia and flowers available for you or your guests to purchase.
Note that photography will close 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, so it’s best to arrive early. There will also be an opportunity to get photography after the ceremony.
: Doors to enter the ceremony will open 60 minutes prior to the start of the presentation.
Graduates need to be seated at least 20 minutes before the ceremony begins, so arrive in plenty of time to find your seat and settle in. Once inside, speak to one of our friendly staff members who will help you find your seat number.
: After some formal proceedings, our staff will direct you to line up and get ready to cross the stage. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
You will be briefed about what you need to do on stage and our staff are always happy to help. Once on stage you will get to pose for a photo with your testamur, before returning to your seat.
: The Order of Proceedings can vary slightly from ceremony to ceremony. However generally the ceremony will run for around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, in the following format:
Welcome to Country
Presiding Officer’s Address
Presentation of graduates
Vice-Chancellor’s Address
Charge to the graduates
Ceremony Close
: The Graduate reception will take place after the ceremony. This is an opportunity to celebrate with your friends, family and fellow graduates. The reception goes for one hour.
Light refreshments will be provided at the reception.
: After the reception, you will follow the signs to return your gown.
This will conclude your graduation celebration.