UOW Wollongong graduation ceremonies

Attending a graduation ceremony at our Wollongong campus is a chance to celebrate your achievements where so many memories were made. From your first days on campus to this significant milestone, Wollongong has been the backdrop to your learning, growth and success. Sharing this moment with fellow graduates, family, friends and the broader UOW community creates a meaningful celebration that reflects the strong connections, support and sense of belonging that are at the heart of the UOW experience. 

Upcoming ceremony details

Dates: Tuesday, 3 – Thursday, 5 November, 2026

Location: University Hall, Building 11, UOW Wollongong campus

Ceremonies will fill fast – we recommend you register as soon as you receive your invitation in mid-August.

Schedule of ceremonies

Note: Your invitation will include a recommended ceremony based on your course, faculty and school.

Tuesday, 3 November 2026

Time Faculty Schools
9.30 am Faculty of Arts, Society and Business

School of Education
12.30 pm Faculty of Arts, Society and Business

School of Business (Undergrad) 
School of Law 
3.30 pm Faculty of Arts, Society and Business

School of Business (Postgrad)
Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)

Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Time Faculty Schools
9.30 am Faculty of Arts, Society and Business

School of Liberal Arts  
School of Creative Arts and Humanities 
School of Social Sciences 
12.30 pm Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health 

School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences  
Graduate School of Medicine  
3.30 pm Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health 

School of Nursing 
School of Psychology 
School of Science

Thursday, 5 November 2026

Time Faculty Schools
9.30 am Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences   School of Computing and Information Technology
12.30 pm Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences  

School of Engineering
School of Mathematics and Physics 

Preparing for registration

UOW has partnered with Reed Events to support you throughout the graduation journey, from registration to gowning through to photography opportunities during your ceremony. 

Registration is completed through the Reed Events Portal. You’ll need your UOW Student ID to log in, with full instructions provided in your invitation. 

During registration, you’ll be asked to do the following:

1. RSVP by accepting, declining or deferring

Accept – you wish to attend and continue with a ceremony booking. UOW will recommend a ceremony based on your faculty and school.
Decline – you don't wish to attend a ceremony.
Defer – you don't wish to attend this ceremony but want to be considered for the next available ceremony (within the next 12 months).

2. Personalise your graduation ceremony experience  

You'll have the option to share a photo and short quote/reflection about your time at UOW, which may be featured during your ceremony. See FAQs below for more information.

3. Reserve your academic dress

You’ll need your height and head circumference (in centimetres). 

4. Provide your name pronunciation

To help ensure your name is announced correctly, you’ll have the opportunity to provide phonetic guidance and an audio recording.  Each graduate's name is professionally recorded ahead of the ceremony. 

5. Reserve guest tickets

Each graduate may reserve up to three (3) guest tickets. 

6. Pay your graduation fee

You’ll be asked to create a Reed Events account to complete payment. You will also use this account to manage your booking and access guest tickets. 

Invitations

Invitations will be sent in the week commencing 17 August to students conferred from Autumn 2026 who have not yet attended a ceremony. Registration closes on Sunday, 27 September.    

A second round of invitations will be sent from Monday, 28 September to students conferred in the September 2026 conferral round. Registration closes Sunday, 4 October.   

Your invitation will include a recommended ceremony based on your course, faculty and school so you can celebrate alongside others from your cohort.  If you're unable to attend this ceremony, you may choose to attend another ceremony for your faculty, subject to availability. 

Invitations are sent to the email address you nominated for My eQuals.  

Guest tickets

Graduates will receive up to three (3) guest tickets. Additional tickets are not available; however, all ceremonies can be watched via livestream both on and off campus.    

The livestream link will be shared on this website on the day of the ceremony, so your friends, family and loved ones can watch from any location.  

If you have additional guests on campus on the day, we welcome them to watch the ceremony via livestream at the UniBar and join you for celebrations on the Jugglers Lawn after the ceremony. 

Your graduation day

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Preparing for your ceremony

On the day

Merchandise and photography

FAQs

When you receive your invitation, you'll have the option to defer to a 2027 ceremony.

We encourage you to attend in November if possible, as it is the best opportunity to secure your place and celebrate with your peers.

 

Absolutely! Your graduation involves two stages: the completion and conferral of your course, and an in-person graduation ceremony.

If you don’t attend a ceremony your course will still be conferred, and you’ll be able to access your digital academic documents immediately. Hard copies will be posted to you in the weeks after your conferral.

More information on the graduation process is available here.

We expect each ceremony will go for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

If you have graduated with multiple degrees you will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony for your highest degree.

For example: 

  • If you've graduated from both a Bachelor AND Honours degree, Honours is the higher degree.
  • If you've graduated from both a Graduate Certificate and a Masters, Masters is the higher degree.

If you have graduated with multiple degrees in the same conferral period, the names of these degrees will be displayed on screen while you are on stage during the presentation of the award for your highest degree.   

For example:

  • If you have graduated from both a Bachelor's and an Honours degree, both degrees will be displayed on screen while you are presented with the award for your Honours degree.  
  • If you have graduated from two Master's degrees, both degrees will be displayed on screen and you will be presented with the award for the Master's you have most recently completed.  

If you’ve applied to graduate and are eligible to attend a ceremony, your invitation will be sent to the email address you nominate for My eQuals. Make sure to check your junk/spam folder.

If you still can't locate the email, please contact AskUOW stating your student number, name and email address and they will confirm your eligibility and resend your invitation.

If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact AskUOW. 

The graduation fee covers the following:

  • One (1) graduate ticket  
  • Up to three (3) guest tickets per graduate
  • Hire of graduate academic gown/dress (graduation regalia)
  • Trencher (hat) or bonnet (PhDs) to keep
  • Graduation booklet
  • Post-ceremony celebration

If you have registered and paid for a ceremony and can no longer attend, please contact the Reed Customer Support team.   

Email: hello@reedevents.com.au  
Phone: 1300 361 806    

Please include the following information when you contact Reed Events:  

  1. Student number
  2. Name
  3. Course
  4. Faculty
  5. Booked ceremony date and time
  6. If you'd like to defer your attendance to the following year

Your refund will be credited to the same payment method used when registering.

To help create a more personalised and memorable graduation experience, we invite you to share a photo and a short quote that may be displayed during the celebrations. You’ll have the option to upload these as part of your registration. Participation in personalisation is completely optional.

Please ensure that any photo or quote you submit is appropriate for a public audience. All contributions will be reviewed, and inclusion will be at the discretion of the Graduation team. Your submission may not be included if it doesn't align with the spirit of the graduation ceremony. 

Photo: Upload a clear, high‑resolution photo of yourself. Images will be displayed in a square format. Minimum file size: 2MB, maximum file size: 15MB. Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG, PNG.

Quote: Share a brief reflection or meaningful moment from your time at UOW (maximum 150 characters, including spaces).

There are two ways to receive or share your guest tickets.

Option 1 – During registration

In the Guest Registration section (Step 2) of the graduation booking process, you will be prompted to provide guest contact information. You may enter either your own email address or your guest’s email address. Please ensure the email address is entered correctly, as tickets will be sent to the address provided.

Option 2 – After registration

Download and share via the Reed Events App:

  • Download the Reed Events App via the App Store or Google Play
  • Log in to your account using the details you created during registration
  • Navigate to the 'Guest Tickets' tab
  • Select the share option (share button located in the top-right corner) to send the tickets to your guests

Share your booking confirmation:

  • Locate your graduation booking confirmation email and PDF attachment. The email is from 'Reed Events' with subject line 'Confirmation order'.
  • If you can't locate it, log into the Reed Events Portal and retrieve your booking information. You will need to sign into the account using your email and password you created at registration. 

You and your guests need to make sure you meet Australian visa requirements. In Australia, migration advice for people who wish to enter or stay in Australia can only be provided by registered authorities.  

As part of their visa application, your friends or family may be asked for additional documentation by the Department of Home Affairs. This can include: 

  • a letter of support from you (view sample letter)
  • a certified copy of your passport and student visa grant letter 
  • details about your graduation ceremony (such as the invitation you received for your graduation) or 
  • details of your enrolment 

For more information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs website, or contact their general enquiry line on 131 881.    

Please note that UOW has recently updated our processes to align with other higher education institutions. The sample letter above can be used as a guide to help you prepare your own supporting documentation. 

Overseas visitor health cover

If your family or friends are visiting Australia, Bupa offers Overseas Visitor Cover to help with unexpected medical costs. Visit the Bupa website to find the right health insurance based on their visa type.

 

Preparing for your ceremony

Location

Your ceremony will be held in the University Hall, Building 11 Wollongong campus.

Travel and parking

Free parking is available for graduating students in the P1, P2, P3 and P4 carparks. If possible, please travel with all your guests in one vehicle, to minimise parking congestion. You may also like to consider using public transport.   

If you indicated that you or your guests have accessibility requirements, parking will be made available to you in the P8 carpark.  If you haven’t submitted your accessibility requirements, please contact AskUOW as soon as possible. Our team will liaise directly with you closer to the event. 

What to bring

We recommend that you limit the size of your bag and personal belongings. All bags must be kept under your seat during the ceremony or left with a guest.  

What to wear

A graduation ceremony is a formal occasion with smart casual wear being the minimum standard for graduates and their guests.   

You will be required to wear the approved University of Wollongong academic dress over your clothes when taking part in a graduation ceremony. The graduation fee covers the hire of your academic dress (gown and hood), as well as a trencher (hat) or bonnet to keep.   

When selecting what you're going to wear, keep in mind:  

  • The academic gown is three-quarters in length and opens at the front, so your clothes will be visible
  • The gown is made of heavy material, so you may wish to leave your jacket with your family or friends
  • You will be wearing an academic trencher or bonnet on your head, so we recommend a hairstyle that allows this to sit comfortably
  • You will be walking onto stage via a ramp, so we recommend that you consider this when selecting your footwear
  • You are welcome to enrich the colour of the ceremony with garments that celebrate your cultural heritage

Purchasing academic dress 

If you wish to purchase your graduate gown you can do so at any time of the year from the Unishop. However, if an item is out of stock you must place your order no later than 6 weeks prior to the ceremony. Enquiries regarding the purchase of academic dress may be directed to the Unishop.  

If you purchase your academic dress you will need to collect your purchase from the Unishop prior to your graduation ceremony and bring it with you to the venue.  

Please note that if you purchase your academic dress, you are still required to pay the full graduation fee.   

Graduates must arrive with plenty of time for registration and gowning. If you arrive late, you may not be able to participate in the ceremony.

9.30 am ceremony 

Registration opens at 7.30 am and closes at 9 am sharp

7.30 am 

Registration and graduate gowning opens in Building 11, Level 1

8.45 am 

Smoking ceremony on the Duck Pond Lawn

9 am 

Gowning and registration closes
University Hall doors open and graduates move to allocated seating
Doors open for guests 

9.25 am 

Doors close. All graduates and guests must be seated

9.30 am  

Ceremony commences

Before 12.30 pm 

Return gown to Building 11, Level 1

12.30 pm ceremony

Registration opens at 10.30 am and closes at 12 pm sharp  

10.30 am 

Registration and graduate gowning opens in Building 11, Level 1

11.45 am 

Smoking ceremony on the Duck Pond Lawn

12 pm 

Gowning and registration closes
University Hall doors open and graduates move to allocated seating
Doors open for guests

12.25 pm 

Doors close. All graduates and guests must be seated

12.30 pm 

Ceremony commences

Before 3.30 pm 

Return gown to Building 11, Level 1

3.30 pm ceremony 

Registration opens at 1.30 pm and closes at 3 pm sharp  

1.30 pm 

Registration and graduate gowning opens in Building 11, Level 1

2.45 am 

Smoking ceremony on the Duck Pond Lawn

3 pm 

Gowning and registration closes
University Hall doors open and graduates move to allocated seating
Doors open for guests

3.25 pm 

Doors close. All graduates and guests must be seated

3.30 pm 

Ceremony commences

Before 6 pm 

Return gown to Building 11, Level 1

 

To make registration as smooth as possible, please download the Reed Events App before the day of your ceremony so it's easy to locate your registration QR code, seat number, and guest tickets. 

Once you've installed the app:

  • Open the app
  • Select 'University of Wollongong'
  • Sign into your account using your email and password you created at registration
  • Click 'Login' to access your dashboard

From here you will have access to your registration QR code and be able to share your guest tickets. Your seat number will also be visible from the app on the day of your ceremony.

Guest tickets

Graduates will receive up to three (3) guest tickets. Additional tickets are not available; however, all ceremonies can be watched via live stream both on and off campus.  

Before your ceremony, it's important that you share your guest tickets with your guests.

Children and prams

Designated pram/stroller parking bays will be available.

Children older than one year will need their own ticket. It is not recommended that children sit with you in the graduate seating area, or go on stage with you and will need to be supervised by a friend or family member.

If you require support or other arrangements to be considered, please contact AskUOW.

If you arrive after the close of registration, please go directly to the graduate registration area.

Our staff will assist you on the day, but arriving late will impact your graduation experience, as your name will be read out at the conclusion of the ceremony and we will be unable to have your name displayed on the screen.  We’ll do our best to accommodate you, but it’s not guaranteed that you’ll participate in the graduation ceremony. 

Please note that if you arrive late and we can’t accommodate you within the ceremony, you won’t receive a refund. 

If your guests arrive late, they may be admitted during a suitable break, at the discretion of the Graduation team.

We are more than happy to accommodate accessibility requirements, and any requirements for yourself or your guests noted during the online registration process will be accommodated.
   
If you have accessibility requirements and have didn't note this during online registration, please contact AskUOW.

Unishop

The UniShop has a great range of specialised graduation gifts, flowers, cards and UOW memorabilia. You can shop online or in-person on the day. Visit UniShop and take home a piece of your university experience and the memories you have created.   

Portrait photography 

Reed Events will have professional photo studio sessions available on the day of your graduation. Bring along your friends and family and let skilled photographers capture this wonderful milestone with a range of high-quality photos than you can cherish for years to come. These photography studios are located in Building 11, Level 1 in the Exhibition Area.  

Stage photography 

All graduates will be photographed on stage and Reed Events the importance of capturing this momentous moment. Stage images will be available for viewing and purchase immediately after the ceremony. Reed Events will have a stall in front of Uni Bar where you can purchase these images as well as from the Photography Studios located in Building 11, Level 1 in the Exhibition Area. 

Frames 

Reed Events and Pulse offer a wide variety of frame options which are perfect to proudly display your award. If you would like to bring your certificate it can be framed by our professional framers on the spot, ready to take home on the day of your graduation.  

Plaques

Graduation plaques offer a unique way of commemorating your award. Having your certificate replicated onto a silver or gold plaque fitted on to either rich walnut wood base, smooth matte black backing or a clear Perspex base adds professional flair and pleasing appearance to any office or room, allowing you to proudly display your award. These will be available from Reed Events.  

On the day

Please arrive by the specified time and make your way to the graduation registration desk located in the Student Lounge, Building 11, Level 1.   

To avoid overcrowding, we ask that guests wait outside and do not accompany you to the registration desk.  

When you arrive at registration you will:  

  • show your QR code
  • get dressed in your academic dress
  • receive your trencher (hat) or bonnet (PhD graduates)

Smoking Ceremony

A Smoking Ceremony will take place on the Duck Pond Lawn prior to each ceremony. Led by our Indigenous Community Leaders, the ceremony is to welcome graduates, guests, and the Academic Procession.

Recognition is an important part of the University’s commitment to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and we’re appreciative of our local community for sharing their teachings and ceremony with us. 

PhD Graduates will participate in the Smoking Ceremony prior to entering University Hall, along with the Academic Procession. All other graduates and guests have the option to participate in the ceremony before their ceremony.

Ceremony proceedings  

The official proceedings of UOW graduation ceremonies may include:   

  1. Opening of Ceremony 
  2. Welcome to Country   
  3. National Anthem   
  4. Opening and Congratulatory Address   
  5. Presentation of Awards   
  6. Musical Interlude   
  7. Presentation of Awards (con’t)   
  8. Honorary Award/Emeritus Professorships Awards   
  9. Occasional Address and Vote of Thanks   
  10. Closure of Proceedings   
  11. Event Concludes  

Ceremonies are expected to be 1 hour and 30 minutes in duration.  

You must be sitting in your allocated seat 30 minutes before the ceremony commences. You will receive an SMS with your seat number the day before your ceremony. Your allocated seat is also noted in the Reed Events App.  

It’s essential you sit in that seat to ensure you are presented on stage in the correct order. You must not swap or change your seat to be close to friends. 

Please note that guest seating is not allocated and is separate from graduate seating.  

Doctoral Graduate (Doctor of Research)

If you’re a doctoral graduate, after registration and gowning you will need to proceed directly Administration, Building 36 as you’ll be entering the ceremony with the Academic Procession.  

Don’t forget to share your guest tickets before you leave your guests.

Ushers will direct graduates throughout the ceremony. When it is time to commence the presentation of awards, ushers will direct graduates as follows:   

  1. The Presenter will ask all graduates to stand for confirmation of degrees. After this, everyone can be seated except the first row of graduates who will then be guided by ushers to the stage.   
  2. When it is your turn to make your way to the stage, an usher will ask you to stand and will direct you into position. Leave your booklets and other items on your seat.   
  3. An usher will check and adjust your academic dress.   
  4. When you reach the bottom of the stage ramp, you will receive your certificate from an usher.   
  5. You will be directed to ascend the ramp and stand on the side of the stage until your name is called.   
  6. When you hear your name, Presiding Officer will 'tip their cap' to you, and you can return the gesture by tipping your cap slightly downwards with your right hand.  
  7. Then make your way to the centre of the stage towards the Presiding Officer and shake their hand. Please pause on stage while a photo is taken.  
  8. After the photo, you can begin descending the ramp on the other side of the stage. As you exit the stage there will be another photo opportunity. As you exit, we encourage you to pause for this photo.
  9. You will then make your way back to your allocated seat and remain there until the end of the ceremony.   
  10. At the completion of the ceremony, you will be directed to follow behind the Academic Procession and leave the venue.   

Stage photos will be available immediately after the ceremony for viewing and purchase from Reed Events. A stall will be setup in front of UniBar as well as in the photography studios in Building 11, Level 1. 

If you'd like to view and/or purchase your stage photos at a later time, they'll be available in the Reed Events App.

All ceremonies will be live streamed and a link will be available on the graduation website on the day. Guests can also watch the live stream from UniBar.

Your academic dress must be returned to the gown returns area near the registration desk in the Student Lounge, Building 11, Level 1 no later than 2.5 hours after the conclusion of your ceremony.

At the conclusion of your ceremony, you and your guests are invited to join UOW dignitaries at the graduation celebration area on the Juggler’s Lawn  to continue the celebration and enjoy some refreshments.    

It's a good idea to organise somewhere to meet your guests as it will be busy.   

UniBar will also be open after the ceremony if you'd like to continue the celebrations. 

Contact us

Registration portal or process

Contact the Reed Events Customer Support 
W: reedevents.com.au/contact-us  
E: hello@reedevents.com.au 
P: 1300 361 806  

Conferral, eligibility or personal details 

Contact AskUOW 
E: askuow@uow.edu.au
P: 02 4221 3927