Graduation ceremonies FAQs

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• When will I receive a registration link?

  Graduands eligible for Spring 2026 ceremonies will be contacted in August or September 2026. 

  Please keep an eye on your emails, particularly the junk folder, for communication about graduations. 

• Where can I find my ceremony date and time?

  You can find your ceremony date and time by logging into the GFP Portal. This information is shown on the Confirm Details page. 

  Your ceremony information is shown in a banner at the top of the page that remains throughout the registration portal and also under the title of your award.

  

  Your ceremony date and time is also shown on the Checkout page. Please review before checkout.

  

  Your ceremony date and time is also shown on the Payment Confirmation once you've paid for your ceremony.

  

• If I can’t attend on my allocated ceremony date, can I defer to attend in a later ceremony period?

  Graduates are invited to attend a graduation ceremony based on their conferral date.

  If you're unable to attend the ceremony season that you've been invited to, you may be able to attend a future ceremony season by filling out the deferral form, depending on your eligibility to defer. 

  If you’re no longer eligible to attend a ceremony, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry.

• Who are GFP Events and why do I have to register via their website (gfp.com.au)?

  GFP Events are a service provider of UTS. We work with them for registration, ticketing and photography purposes. 

  • Phone: 1300 360 445
  • Email:info@GFP.com.au
  • GFP landing page for UTS graduations:https://uts.graduations.com.au/

• Will I have to make any payments during registration?

  Yes, a ceremony registration fee of $180 is required when registering to attend a graduation ceremony via the ceremony registration portal. This fee includes up to three guest tickets, light refreshments, a keepsake trencher for Bachelor and Master graduates, academic dress hire for your ceremony and a non-refundable admin fee of $30. 

  We’ll send you the link to the ceremony registration portal when we invite you to register.

• Can I log back in to view and/or update my registration details?

  Yes, you can log back into the ceremony registration portal to see your ceremony details and update information.

  Changes to guest details must be made by Friday 25 September 2026.

• I registered but I don’t think I paid or got a ceremony date?

  Your registration to attend a ceremony will only be confirmed after payment is received.  

  If you haven’t paid for your graduation ceremony, then your ceremony is not confirmed.

  If you haven’t received a payment confirmation from GFP Events or you’re unsure if you’ve paid, please contact GFP using the following details:

  • Phone: 1300 360 445
  • Email:info@GFP.com.au
  • GFP landing page for UTS graduations:https://uts.graduations.com.au/

• How many tickets will I be given?

  Each UTS graduate is allocated a maximum of 3 guest tickets, which is included in your ceremony registration. This number is set by venue capacity limits.

  Graduation ceremonies are also livestreamed for your wider network of family and friends to join your ceremony experience with you.

• Can I purchase additional guest tickets?

  Prior to your graduation ceremony day

  Pending availability, a maximum of 2 additional tickets per graduate may be made available at an additional fee of $30 per ticket from 5pm AEST, Tuesday 29 September 2026 

  All graduates who have registered for a ceremony on or by Monday 21 September 2026 will receive further information regarding additional ticket availability or alternative options via the email address you included when you paid your ceremony registration fee. 

  UTS Graduations will share updates and instructions ahead of the sales period on how to purchase additional tickets (if available) via the email address registered in the ceremony registration portal. Please ensure you check this email address regularly.

  Guest tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  Should you wish to purchase more than 2 tickets or if additional tickets for your ceremony are sold out/unavailable after the above ticket release date, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry with your student ID, ceremony date and time, and the number of additional tickets you're requesting. UTS Graduations will reply to your enquiry to confirm if your request is possible, or if placed on waitlist in case of cancellations. However, cancellations aren't guaranteed. UTS Graduations will reply to your enquiry to confirm if additional tickets become available.

  Please don't submit multiple requests as this may delay response times.

  On the day of your graduation ceremony

  Additional guest tickets may become available pending cancellations, although this is not guaranteed. You may enquire about additional tickets on the day by visiting the GFP Helpdesk on Level 5, Building 1. 

  • For a 10.30am ceremony, additional tickets may become available for purchase from 9am.
  • For a 2pm ceremony, additional tickets may become available for purchase from 12.30pm.

  Should there be no tickets available at this time, your guest/s may place their name/s on the waitlist, pending seat availability in The Great Hall. Just before ceremony commencement, we recommend guests without a ticket and on the waitlist wait to the left of the GFP Helpdesk, by the Balcony room doors.

  GFP staff will announce names in order of the waitlist or will advise if no seats are available. All guests must purchase a ticket at the GFP Helpdesk prior to entering The Great Hall.

  Guests who have purchased tickets on the day must sit in the available space at the back of the hall. Should some of your guests be already seated, so as to not disrupt ceremony proceedings, seats can't be saved to sit with your existing party. Please always follow and respect the advice of the ushers and staff.

  As outlined above, spare seats are not guaranteed and are dependent on space becoming available from unexpected absences on the day.

• How do I purchase additional guest tickets (if available)?

  All graduates who have registered for a ceremony on or by Monday 21 September 2026 will receive further information regarding additional ticket availability and purchase instructions (if available) via the email address you included when you paid your ceremony registration fee. The purchase instructions will be sent ahead of the sales periods.

  To purchase additional tickets, please log back into the ceremony registration portal and click through to the Guest Tickets page. On this page, select the number of additional tickets you wish to purchase, add your guest details on the Register Your Guests page and continue through to payment.

  Additional tickets are secured once payment has been successfully processed. Once purchased, additional tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.

  Should you experience issues with purchasing additional tickets, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry as soon as possible indicating the difficulties you've experienced (providing screenshots is recommended).

• How can I access my tickets?

  Your guest tickets will be available once your order is complete.

  The tickets will be sent to the email address you nominated when inputting your guest information during ceremony registration. If you nominated your (the graduate’s) email address, please share the link to the tickets with your guests prior to the ceremony as guests and graduates will enter and be seated in The Great Hall separately.

  Your (graduate)ticket is available to download (after scanning a QR code) on the day of your ceremony. 

  If you experience issues on the day, please see our friendly staff or head to the GFP ticket helpdesk for assistance.

• I don't want my legal name read out as I cross the stage at the ceremony. Can I have my preferred name read onstage ?

  While we are unable to accommodate nicknames, we welcome the use of preferred names when crossing the stage for both personal and culturally significant reasons. 

  If you would like a name read out as you cross the stage that isn’t your legal name, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry with your student ID and your preferred name as you would like it to be read.

  While testamurs are legal documents and must contain your legal name, a preferred name for the purpose of crossing the stage can be accommodated. Should you have a legal name change at a later date, you may replace your testamur (additional costs may apply).

  Please note: testamurs are presented offstage, except for graduating PhDs.

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• What should I wear on the day?

  It's important to remember the clothing you wear will be visible as you walk across the stage.

  Neat, business casual attire is most appropriate and it's best to avoid jeans and sneakers. Business casual attire typically includes chinos or slacks with a collared shirt or blouse. 

  When planning your hairstyle, please note a trencher or bonnet (graduation cap) must be worn as part of your academic dress.

  On the day, the following items will be hired to you:

  1. Gown - The gown is worn over the top of your clothing like a jacket. Gowns are different for undergraduate and postgraduate graduates. Undergraduate gowns require the wearer’s arms to go through the sleeve, while postgraduate gowns require the arms to slide through an opening in the sleeve.
  2. Faculty hood - The hood is worn on top of your gown, over your shoulders with the colour hanging down the back of the gown and the V at the front of your neck. Your hood colour correlates to your faculty/school.
  3. Trencher (graduation cap) - The trencher is worn with shallow part to the front of your head and the deep part at the back of the head, with the tassel positioned on your right. If you wear cultural headwear, please ensure that the trencher is securely fastened on top.
  4. Bonnet (PhDs only) – The bonnet is worn on top of your head with the tassel positioned on your right.

• Can I bring a bag?

  Please leave large bags, backpacks, gifts, umbrellas and other items with your guests. Sydney Central Station Baggage Storage provides secure storage for large items and suitcases that can't be taken into The Great Hall or left unattended in the foyer.

  For coursework and Masters by Research graduands:
  Yes, however nothing can be taken with you onstage. Usually, graduands bring a small bag with their phone which is left on their seat before going on stage. You'll return to your original seat after crossing the stage.

  Please note, you're responsible for your own belongings during the ceremony.  

  For PhD graduands: 
  You'll first be seated in the audience with all graduands. After crossing the stage and having your photo taken with the Presiding Chancellor, you'll take your seat as part of the academic procession on stage. 

  We recommend you wear clothing with pockets or a small shoulder bag that can be concealed under your academic dress so you can carry your phone and any emergency medication. 

• When should I and my guests arrive?

  We recommend graduates arrive 90 minutes prior to the commencement of the graduation ceremony, as registration and gowning take time. Guests can arrive a little later but need to be seated 10 minutes prior to ceremony commencement (a lockout period applies). 

  • For a 10.30am ceremony, the gowning room opens at 9.00am.
  • For a 2.00pm ceremony, the gowning room opens at 12.30pm.

  Doors will open to graduates and guests approximately 45 minutes prior to the commencement of the graduation ceremony. 

  All graduates should be registered, gowned and seated in The Great Hall30 minutes prior to the commencement of the graduation ceremony. A mandatory briefing will be played. 

• Where do we go when we arrive?

  Please arrive to the UTS Tower (Building 1) on Level 5. Level 5 is accessible via lifts, stairs and escalators. 

  Upon arrival to Level 5, graduates should have their phone on hand and join the queue outside the gowning room to collect their academic dress. Signage and staff will be available to direct you where to go. 

  Family and friends should wait in the Level 5 foyer away from the graduate queue. 

  The graduation ceremony will be held in The Great Hall. 

• Where do I collect my testamur?

  If you haven't already received your testamur either by collection or mailout, you'll receive your testamur on stage (for PhD graduands) and off stage for all other awards immediately after you've crossed the stage. 

• I've already received my testamur. Should I bring it on the day of my ceremony?

  
  You're welcome to bring your testamur if you would like photos taken with it. However, this is optional, and you’re not required to bring your testamur to your ceremony.

  Please note, testamurs should not be brought onstage. If you're yet to receive your testamur, this will be handed to you after exiting the stage. 

  For PhD graduands

  PhD graduands are awarded their testamur on stage. If you've already received your testamur, we encourage you to bring this with you to your graduation ceremony. 

  As you enter the gowning room, please hand your testamur to one of the gowning room staff. Staff will ensure your testamur is placed in the correct order for you to receive this onstage. You can take photos with your testamur after the graduation ceremony. 

  If you forget to bring, or are unable to bring your testamur, you'll cross the stage and have your photo taken with the Presiding Chancellor like the coursework and Masters by Research graduands. 

• What if I have problems with my graduate or guest tickets?

  Please visit the GFP help desk located outside The Great Hall on Level 5.

• What if I'm running late?

  If you're running late, you may not be able to attend your ceremony. If you’re able to, please call the UTS Student Centre on 1300ASK UTS (1300 275 887), and advise them of your approximate arrival time. Upon arrival to Building 1, Level 5, please immediately speak to a member of staff. 

   If we don’t hear from you prior to the ceremony commencement, you will be considered a “no-show” and your ceremony registration fee will be kept as no-show fee.

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• Where are the official photos taken?

  GFP studio photos are on Level 4 of Building 1. Official photos can be pre-purchased or paid on the day. 

  The on-stage photos are available after the ceremony on Level 5 directly outside The Great Hall.  

• How long do we have to take photos?

  Graduands can collect their academic dress from 90 minutes prior to the commencement of the graduation ceremony. 

  Academic dress must be returned within 60 minutes of the conclusion of the graduation ceremony. 

• Can we take photos elsewhere on campus?

  Yes, photos can be taken out on Alumni Green or anywhere else on campus. 

  Please keep in mind that academic dress must be returned within 60 minutes after the ceremony concludes. 

• Can guests take photos during the ceremony?

  Guests are allowed to take their own photos; however, no flash photography is permitted during the ceremony. 

  Tripods and selfie sticks are not permitted out of consideration for all guests. 

• Can guests move around to take photos during the ceremony?

  For the enjoyment of this special occasion for everyone, guests should remain seated during the ceremony.

  If a guest wishes to move to the very back of The Great Hall to take some photos, they may do so discreetly and return promptly to their seats. 

  Please note, this is not permitted when the academic procession enters and exits The Great Hall.

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• If I have more than one degree, will both be read out during the ceremony?

  This depends on when both degrees were conferred. 

  In the case of double degrees conferred on the same date, both qualifications will be read out on stage. 

  In the case of an Honours or additional degree completed after the first degree, the graduate should attend the graduation ceremony relevant to the second degree so that both can be read out on stage.

  Please submit an Ask UTS enquiry if you are unsure which degree(s) will be read out.

• Can I leave my ceremony early after I've crossed the stage?

  Out of respect for all graduates, their families and friends, the academic procession and Presiding Members, UTS staff and the occasional speaker, departing the ceremony early is strictly not permitted. 

  Once graduates have crossed the stage, they should return to their assigned seat. Guests should also remain in The Great Hall for the full duration of the ceremony. 

  If you need to leave the ceremony early for any reason, you must return your academic dress immediately after exiting The Great Hall. 

• Can my guests sit with me?

  No, guests and graduates will be seated separately.

• Can prams be brought into the ceremony?

  No, for safety reasons and in the case of an emergency evacuation, prams must be left outside The Great Hall. Valuables should be taken into The Great Hall and not left in the pram.

  Guests can request to be seated in an aisle seat, accessibility seat or back row seating if they know they will need to come in and out of the ceremony. Please submit an Ask UTS enquiry to make arrangements in advance where possible.

• Can suitcases be brought into the ceremony?

  No. Sydney Central Station Baggage Storage provides secure storage for large items and suitcases that can't be taken into The Great Hall or left unattended in the foyer.

• Can babies and children be brought into the ceremony?

  Yes, however, babies and small children will need to sit on the lap of their parent/guardian unless they have their own ticket. All children over the age of 2 must each have their own guest ticket to attend the ceremony.

  Please note, a parents’ room is available for use across the foyer on Level 5.

• I'm a late arriving guest. Can I still enter the ceremony?

  Guests are seated on a ‘first in, first seated’ basis and will be assigned by our ushers onsite. We encourage guests to arrive on time so they can be seated together. We’re unable to reserve any seats for late arriving guests.

  Please ensure you and your accompanying guests are seated at least 10 minutes prior to ceremony commencement (a lockout period applies). Guests not seated by lockout (10 minutes prior) forfeit their ticket and available seats may be sold to other guests. 

  So as not to disturb the ceremony, late guest arrivals (if permitted) will be seated at the back of The Great Hall.

  Guests are not permitted to enter or exit The Great Hall during the academic procession and the national anthem. Security and UTS ushers will be monitoring the doors during these moments.

• Can extra guests view the ceremony from elsewhere on campus?

  No, there is no viewing area outside The Great Hall or elsewhere in UTS buildings. 

  Extra guests are welcome to watch the ceremony livestream from their own devices. 

• Is the ceremony livestreamed or recorded?

  Yes, all ceremonies will be livestreamed and recorded. Ceremony recordings will be made available via the UTS Youtube channel - Graduations playlist in due course. 

  If you’re unable to locate your ceremony recording, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry with the date and time of your ceremony and we’ll contact you when your ceremony recording is made available.

  If you have a religious or cultural objection to being recorded in still or moving images, please let us know via an Ask UTS enquiry.

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• Where do I go to return my academic dress?

  Academic dress is returned to the Level 5 foyer outside the gowning room. 

  After your ceremony, please return to the Level 5 foyer outside the gowning room with your phone to return your academic dress. When returning, you'll first need to scan the QR code to register your return. A staff member will assist you as required to take off the academic dress. 

• Where can I buy my own UTS academic dress?

  UTS gowns are available for purchase via UTS only.

  If you're planning to attend graduation, you don't need to purchase academic dress for your ceremony. Full academic dress hire is included in your ceremony registration fee.

• What if there is an issue with my testamur?

  Please enquire at the UTS helpdesk when returning your academic dress. Alternatively, contact the UTS Student Centre on 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887). 

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• Is there any accessible parking?

  UTS has a limited number of accessible parking spaces (which require RMS Mobility Parking Permit) which can't be booked in advance. Guests with access requirements can be dropped off in the accessible parking area out the front of the UTS Tower, Building 1 at 15 Broadway. 

  If you would like to discuss your accessibility requirements, please contact the UTS Student Centre. 

  Public parking options nearby can be viewed at UTS Parking.

• Is there any assistance into the building?

  Our staff are not trained to escort anyone that requires medical support. Please contact the UTS Student Centre to request an additional ticket if a guest or graduate requires the assistance of a carer or support worker.

  In an emergency or an unforeseen situation on the day, please visit the GFP helpdesk or speak to a UTS staff member.

• What are the arrangements for accessible seating and stage access?

  Accessible seating for graduates and guests is available in The Great Hall. The stage has a ramp either side and there are no stairs.

• Is there a hearing loop?

  Yes, there is a hearing loop in The Great Hall and in the gowning room.

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• If I cancel my ceremony attendance, can I attend another ceremony instead?

  If you’ve registered to attend a ceremony but are unable to attend due to extenuating circumstances, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry or call the UTS Student Centre on 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887).

  If you need to cancel your attendance on the day of your ceremony, please call the UTS Student Centre on 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887) as soon as possible and prior to your ceremony commencement. 

  The team will work on your request to arrange another ceremony date in either the current season or the next available season. We’ll then contact you regarding the outcome of your request.

  Where prior notice has been provided, a refund of your ceremony fee (minus the non-refundable $30 admin fee) may be available. Please note, refunds require approval from UTS and are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Once approved, the refund will then be processed by GFP. 

  If we don’t hear from you prior to ceremony commencement, you will be considered a “no-show” and the no-show fee of $180 will be charged against your registration.

• Can I get a refund?

  Refunds are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to a non-refundable $30 admin fee. 

• If I cancel on the day, is there a cancellation fee?

  You may cancel on the day; however, you may not be eligible for a partial refund. All cancellations are subject to a non-refundable $30 admin fee.

  If you need to cancel, please call the UTS Student Centre on 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887) prior to the ceremony commencement. Shortly thereafter, you’ll be contacted by the Ceremonies & Events team to discuss options. 

• What if I'm unwell on my ceremony day?

  You may cancel on the day if you’re sick or unwell, however, notification is required prior to ceremony commencement. All cancellations are subject to a non-refundable $30 admin fee.

  If you need to cancel due to becoming unwell, please call the UTS Student Centre on 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887). Shortly thereafter, you’ll be contacted by the Ceremonies & Events team to discuss options. 

  If we don’t hear from you prior to the ceremony commencement, you will be considered a “no-show”. Your ceremony registration fee will be kept as a no-show fee of $180.

• What if one of my guests is unwell on my ceremony day?

  If your guests are unwell on your ceremony day, please ask them not to come to campus for the safety of others. You’re welcome to bring an alternative guest as a replacement so long as they have the ticket to scan. 

  Please note that any additional guest tickets purchased (where available) are non-refundable.

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• I'm no longer eligible to attend a graduation ceremony. Can I still attend a ceremony in 2026?

  If you were conferred prior to or during March 2025, you're no longer eligible to attend a UTS graduation ceremony. Should you still wish to attend a graduation ceremony, please submit an Ask UTS enquiry.