Graduation is the final step in your journey through the University of Otago.
If you are unable to, or do not wish to attend the ceremony, you can choose to graduate in absentia. Your name will be listed in the ceremony booklet but will not be read out during the graduation ceremony. Your degree or diploma will be sent to you via signature-required courier after the graduation ceremony. If you choose to graduate in person, you will attend the graduation ceremony, and your degree or diploma will be presented to you onstage.
When you become eligible to graduate, an email inviting you to apply is sent to your student email address, usually in the week before applications open. If you are still waiting to receive an invitation after this timeframe, contact AskOtago.
You must apply even if you want to graduate in absentia, and you should normally graduate within 12 months of completing your qualification. You cannot graduate in absentia at a time outside of an official graduation ceremony.
Your application to graduate (in person or in absentia) is confirmed as accepted once all the following conditions are met:
- You have successfully submitted your graduation application in eVision while applications are open
- You have received a confirmation email outlining your graduation arrangements by the end of the business day following your application
- All remaining requirements of your qualification are met, and your qualification is marked as "complete" on your academic record at least four weeks before the ceremony date
- You are not a debtor to the University, and any outstanding fines or fees are cleared at least five weeks before the ceremony date
Once these conditions are met, your graduation in absentia (or in attendance) is confirmed. You will not receive a separate email confirming that all conditions have been met. If you have concerns about your completion status or outstanding fees, contact AskOtago for assistance.
If official results are released and you are yet to meet the requirements for your programme, you will receive an email advising you that you have been withdrawn from the graduation ceremony.
Further information