Frequently Asked Questions

General Information


How Much Does It Cost to Graduate?

The total cost of attending a graduation ceremony, including the hire of academic dress and three guest tickets, will be $170.00 AUD plus a GFP transaction surcharge.
Additionally, you may choose to purchase photographs or merchandise if you wish.

Can I Have a Refund If I Am Not Able to Attend Due to Extenuating Circumstances?


Yes, you can submit a refund request. Please contact UTS by submitting an Ask UTS enquiry outlining why you're requesting the refund.
UTS will then contact you regarding the outcome of your request.

After receiving approval from UTS, your refund will be processed by GFP. Refunds relating to Autumn 2024 ceremonies must be submitted by Friday, 31 May 2024.
Autumn 2024 ceremony refund payments will be processed in June 2024.

Please note, GFP Events are responsible for refunds related to photography packages.


 

Ticketing Information

Graduate Ticket

You'll be issued your graduate ticket when scanning a QR code outside the gowning room on the day.

Guest Ticket

All graduates can request up to three guest tickets that will be available for download once your order is completed.

Guest tickets will be sent to an email of your choosing. You can add this email in the guest ticket section of the registration form.

Please ensure your guests present the digital tickets when queuing to enter The Great Hall. Printed tickets or screenshots aren’t compatible with our ticket scanners.

Seating Arrangements

Graduates will be sitting in their own section in The Great Hall, separate from their guests. Guest seating is served on a first-in, best-dressed basis.


 

Ceremony Information

What Should I Do on the Day of My Ceremony?

- Please arrive 90 minutes before the start of your ceremony.
- Bring your UTS Student ID Card or another form of official photo ID to register.
- Upon arrival to the gowning room (UTS Tower, Building 1 on Level 5), scan the QR code to receive your graduate ticket.
- Staff will then provide academic dress and assist with gowning.
- You must be registered, gowned, and seated in The Great Hall 30 minutes prior to your graduation ceremony.
- If you’re feeling unwell on the day, please don’t attend and contact the UTS Student Centre to arrange an alternative ceremony date.

Will I Receive my Testamur and other graduation Documents?

You may have previously registered your preferred documents collection during testamur registration in MSA.

"Hold" Document Collection
If you've opted for the university to “Hold Documents,” you'll receive your testamur and graduation documents at your ceremony.

"By Mail" Documents Collection

- Coursework and Masters by Research Graduands: You're welcome to bring your testamur on the day should you wish to take photos before or after the ceremony with it, however, this is optional. Testamurs aren't to be brought onstage. If you're yet to receive your testamur, this will be handed to you after exiting the stage.
- PhD Graduands: PhD graduands are awarded their testamur onstage. If you've already received your testamur, we encourage you to bring this with you to your ceremony. Please present it to a UTS staff member upon entry to the gowning room. Our team will ensure your testamur is prepared to be awarded to you onstage.

Further information about 2024 graduation ceremonies is available on the UTS graduation ceremonies page.

For more information, visit the UTS graduation ceremonies FAQ page, and if you still have a question, reach out to the UTS Student Centre.

If you have concerns about privacy and how your personal information is used, please check the UTS Graduation events privacy notice.


 

Academic Dress


Where and When Can I Collect/Return My Academic Dress?

Academic dress will be collected and returned to the gowning room located in UTS Tower, Building 1 level 5.

Academic Dress Collection/Return Times:

- 10:30am Ceremony - Collections from 9:00am, return before 1:00pm
- 2:00pm Ceremony - Collections from 12:30pm, return before 4:30pm

Academic dress must be returned within one hour after your ceremony has finished.

After your ceremony, please return to 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 to take off the academic dress.

Do I Have to Wear Academic Dress to Participate in My Graduation Ceremony?

Yes, you’ll be required to wear full academic dress for the degree you’re graduating with. This includes a gown, trencher, hood, and/or sash in the appropriate colour.

How Do I Hire My Academic Dress?

Academic dress hire is included in the ceremony registration fee.

How Do I Work Out My Academic Dress Size?

When you place your order online, you'll have the option to select your size (e.g., extra small, small, medium, large, etc.), and we'll also ask for your height. This will ensure you have the correct sized academic dress during graduation. Our friendly UTS staff will professionally fit you on the day. The chart below is just a guide for the approximate fit for gowns based on your height:

- 4'3" - 4'8" (130 - 150 cm): XXS
- 4'8" - 5'2" (150 - 160 cm): XS
- 5'2" - 5'7" (160 - 170 cm): S
- 5'7" - 5'10" (170 - 180 cm): M
- 5'10" - 6'1" (180 - 190 cm): L
- 6'1" + (190 cm +): XL

Do I Have to Wear Anything Specific Under My Gown?

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

Neat, business casual attire (e.g., Chinos, dress pants, collared shirts, blouses, etc.) is most appropriate, and it's best to avoid jeans and sneakers. When planning your hairstyle, please note a trencher or bonnet (graduation cap) must be worn as part of your academic dress.

For all coursework and Masters by Research graduates, academic dress is comprised of a black gown, a hood in the colour of the faculty at the level of the award, and a trencher (cap).

PhD graduates wear a red gown with white satin facing and a black velvet soft bonnet with gold cord and tassel. The bonnet (cap) is worn straight on the head with the tassel hanging over the right side.

Refund Policy

Where a refund is requested, please contact UTS by submitting an Ask UTS enquiry outlining why you're requesting a refund.

UTS will then contact you regarding the outcome of your request.

After receiving approval from UTS, your refund will be processed by GFP.

Refunds relating to Autumn 2024 ceremonies must be submitted by Friday, 31 May 2024.

Autumn 2024 ceremony refund payments will be processed in June 2024.


 

Ticket Information


Further assistance and accessibility

Accessible parking
UTS has a limited number of accessible parking spaces (which require RMS Mobility Parking Permit) which cannot be booked in advance. Guests with access requirements can be dropped off in the accessible parking area out the front of Tower Building 1 on Broadway. If you would like to discuss your accessibility requirements, please contact the UTS Student Centre. Public parking around the campus is available nearby and the parking options can be viewed at UTS Parking.

The Great Hall and stage access
The Great Hall is located in Tower Building 1, Level 5.
The ceremony runtime is approximately 60 minutes and you will be seated for the majority of the ceremony. The stage is accessed via ramps.

Hearing loop in the Great Hall
The Great Hall has a hearing loop with coverage across the entire hall and can be used by following the instructions on the signs outside the hall.

Access seating requirements
If you or your guests require particular seating arrangements for accessibility reasons, please contact the UTS Student Centre.

Parking and public transport
Some user-pays parking stations are located within walking distance of city campus buildings, including the privately-run parking station in the basement of Building 10.

InterPark parking - Thomas Street, Building 10 (CB10)

Novotel Sydney Central - Wilson Parking Car Park

Wilson parking - Market City, Haymarket

For public transport information, please visit Transport to UTS.


 

Other Services


Photography and Merchandise Services at Your Graduation

Studio photography
Save time on ceremony day and pre-order your studio photography package online. You can pre-order these services on page four of the registration process.

Stage photography
GFP's professional photography team will capture your moment on stage. Prints, including the university logo, border, and year of graduation, are available for purchase and collection at the conclusion of your ceremony. Your stage photo will also be available to view and purchase through our website following your ceremony. Pre-order your stage photography package today through our Graduation Portal.

Graduation retail opportunities
UTS retail partners are excited to make your graduation day a special and memorable occasion for you and your loved ones. From framing services for your testamur to graduation bears and flowers – we've got you covered. Skip the line on your ceremony day by pre-ordering now, or wait and purchase on the day.