Applications to graduate are made online in your eVision student portal.
Each round of graduation ceremonies has a specific time-frame during which applications can be made. Late applications cannot be accepted.
Applications for the May, August, and December ceremonies normally open in late February, mid-June, and late September respectively.
You can submit your application from 12:01am on the published opening date until 11:59pm on the closing date. You will not be able to apply before applications officially open.
When you become eligible to apply, you will receive an email invitation to your student email address by the end of the day before applications open. If you have not received your invitation when applications open, or you cannot see the Your graduation application link in eVision, contact the Graduation Office immediately.
Once confirmed, refer to the Graduation Ceremony dates and application opening and closing dates
Ceremony capacity and application limits
There is a limit to the number of people who can graduate in person at any one ceremony, and applications may close earlier than the stated date if this limit is reached.
If the ceremony you are eligible for reaches capacity and closes, the next available ceremony will be offered. In this case, the alternative ceremony is final and cannot be changed.
There is no limit to the number of people who can graduate in absentia, but your application must be made by the closing date.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Travel arrangements
It is recommended that flights, accommodation, or other travel arrangements are not made until you have submitted your application and received email confirmation of your place in the ceremony.
If you choose to make arrangements in advance, it is at your own risk. Pre-booked travel or accommodation is not sufficient grounds for accepting a late application or approving a change of ceremony.
Choosing or changing your graduation date
You may choose to graduate in May, August, or December, but you are normally expected to attend the ceremony allocated to your discipline.
If you are receiving two qualifications that would usually be awarded at different ceremonies, you may choose one ceremony at which both qualifications will be conferred.
Permission to change to a different ceremony is granted only in limited circumstances (for example, to graduate at the same ceremony as a close family member or where circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending your allocated ceremony).
To request a change, contact the Graduation Office outlining your situation and providing supporting documentation where possible. There is no guarantee that permission will be granted.
Certain reasons such as booking flights for the wrong date or wanting to graduate with friends are not considered sufficient reasons to change your ceremony.
Application support
Ensure you check your student email regularly, or set up email forwarding. If you use a Hotmail or other Microsoft account, ensure the University is added to your Safe Senders or whitelist to avoid missing important graduation communications.
For assistance, contact AskOtago.