Frequently Asked Questions - Graduates
- What do I need to do to graduate?
- I do not want to attend a graduation ceremony but want to receive my testamur
- Can I get my testamur before the next ceremony?
- Will I receive confirmation once I have registered online for graduation?
- If the timing is not right, can I graduate at a later round of ceremonies?
- If I am doing Honours next year should I still apply to graduate?
- How much does it cost to graduate?
- What graduation information will I receive?
- What do I do if the deadline to register has passed?
- What should I wear to a graduation ceremony?
- Do I need to organise my own regalia?
- How do I wear my regalia?
- How do I purchase my own regalia?
- What services are available on the day?
- How many guests can I bring?
- Can I get a refund of my graduation fee?
- How can I change my name?
- How long will the ceremony last?
- Where are the graduation ceremonies held?
- How do I get to the venue?
- Can I bring children to the ceremony?
- What time should I arrive for the graduation ceremony?
- Is the ceremony streamed live online?
- What should I do if I am late?
- What should I do if I require special assistance?
- What does in absentia mean?
- Will I still get a copy of my results if I don't graduate?
- What happens if I am advised that I am not eligible to graduate?
- If I choose not to graduate, are my qualifications still valid?
- What official documents will I receive?
- Will my specialisation/major be printed on my testamur and academic transcript?
- Will my honours level be printed on my testamur and academic transcript?
- How can I correct an error on my academic transcript?
- More information?
How and When to Apply
I have finished my course requirements - when can I get my testamur (certificate)?
Congratulations on completing your course! Towards the end of your course you will receive an invitation to graduate. Please refer to the when and how to apply section for approximate dates. If you choose to attend the ceremony you will receive your testamur on stage. If you are unable to attend the ceremony and choose to graduate inabsentia your testamur will be posted to you 6 weeks after the ceremony. If you defer your ceremony your award will not be conferred and you will be unable to receive your testamur.
What do I need to do to graduate?
Step 1: Receive your invitation to graduate.
Invitations are sent out at the following times:
| Completion Time | Ceremony Date | Invitations Sent | Registrations Open | Registrations Close |
| Trimester 1 | October 2013 | mid June 2013 | 1 July 2013 | 31 July 2013 |
| International Students completing in Trimester 2 Medical Students completing in Semester 2 |
December 2013 | mid September 2013 | 1 October 2013 | 31 October 2013 |
| Trimester 2 and 3 | March/April 2014 | mid November 2013 | 1 December 2013 | 31 January 2013 |
If you believe that you have completed the requirements for your degree and you have received an invitation to graduate you should lodge an application to graduate via StudentConnect.
If you are unable to access the application to graduate during these times please contact the Graduations Office.
Step 2: Ensure you have no outstanding fees
All debts need to be cleared before you can graduate. You will be unable to obtain your certificate and academic transcript until all payments are made. Further information on how to clear debt-related encumbrances is provided below.
| Encumbrance Type | Who to contact | How to clear | When the encumbrance will be lifted |
| Library Debt | Phone: +61 3 5227 2447 Email: libinv@deakin.edu.au |
In person: At the library at any campus Phone: + 61 3 5227 2447 via Credit Card |
2 working days |
| Tuition Fee | Geelong: +61 3 5227 2333 Melbourne: +61 3 9244 6333 Warrnambool: +61 3 5563 333 Email: enquire@deakin.edu.au In person: visit any Deakin Central Office |
In person: Using your invoice at the University Cashier Office at any campus BPay: Print the PDF version of your invoice. Contact your bank or financial institution to make this payment from your cheque, savings, debit or credit card. Postbillpay: Print the PDF version of your invoice. Pay in person at any Australia Post outlet, by phone + 61 13 18 16 or go to www.postbillpay.com.au |
Payment through University Cashier: Immediately once you have notified Customer Service All other methods of payments between 2-4 working days. |
| SSAF Fee | Geelong: +61 3 5227 2333 Melbourne: +61 3 9244 6333 Warrnambool: +61 3 5563 333 Email: enquire@deakin.edu.au in person: visit any Deakin Central Office |
As per above | As per above |
| Student Loan | Financial Assistance Officers Geelong: + 61 3 5227 2333 Melbourne: + 61 3 9244 6333 Warrnambool: + 61 3 5563 333 Email: finasst@deakin.edu.au |
In person: Using your monthly statement at the University Cashier Office at any campus Mail: By cheque or money order payable to Deakin University and addressed to: Student Loans, Financial and Business Services Deakin University PO Box 423 Warrnambool 3280 BPay: Payments can be made by phone or internet. Biller code and reference number will be at the bottom of your monthly statement. Phone: + 61 3 55633343 via Credit Card |
As per above |
Once your encumbrance has been lifted please contact the Graduations Office with your student number, receipt number and date of payment.
Step 3: Check your details are up to date.
Most correspondence will be issued to your Deakin email address. Your IT access is automatically extended until after your graduation.
I do not want to attend a graduation ceremony but want to receive my testamur
If you wish to graduate without attending a graduation ceremony you must submit an online application to graduate via StudentConnect. You should select the in absentia option. Your testamur will then be sent to your registered postal address after your degree has been conferred at the graduation ceremony. Postage can take up to 6 weeks from the date of your conferral.
Important: Please ensure that your current postal address and contact phone number is registered on the University database.
Can I get my testamur before the next ceremony?
No. At each graduation ceremony the Chancellor admits the graduates present and those graduating in absentia to the appropriate award of the University. This formal proceeding must be completed before we can issue a testamur. Until your award is conferred at a ceremony you will not be able to receive your testamur.
Will I receive confirmation once I have registered online for graduation?
Your registration comes directly to the Graduations Office from StudentConnect. You will not receive an email confirmation or advice from the Graduations Office. If you select to attend the ceremony you will receive ceremony information approximately 4-6 weeks prior to your ceremony date.
You can view your graduation status at any time via StudentConnect. Click the 'view your application status' on the left hand side menu.
If the timing is not right, can I graduate at a later round of ceremonies?
Yes, students are welcome to graduate at a later round of ceremonies if this is more suitable. Your status will remain as "Eligible to Graduate".
You can defer your graduation by selecting the 'DEFER' option through StudentConnect. You will then receive a new invitation prior to the next round of ceremonies.
If I am doing Honours next year should I still apply to graduate?
If your honours course is a separate course then you still need to apply to graduate from your current course. It is up to you if you would like to attend the ceremony for both awards. If you would like to only attend I ceremony then we recommend graduating inabsentia from your current course and then apply to attend the ceremony for your Honours course. This will mean that you will be able to receive your testamur in the mail for your current course and the conferral date on your 2 testamurs will be different.
If your honours is an add on to your current course then you do not need to apply to graduate. You will be sent a new invitation towards the end of your honours year.
How much does it cost to graduate?
If you choose to attend the graduation ceremony the graduation charge is $165. This charge includes the hire of your regalia, two guest tickets, ceremony program and light refreshments for you and your guests after the ceremony.
If you choose to graduate in absentia there is no charge and your testamur will be sent to your registered postal address after the ceremony.
What graduation information will I receive?
The first document you will receive from the Graduations Office is your invitation. This will be sent via email and explains your graduation options and asks you to register via StudentConnect.
Once your faculty have confirmed your eligibility to graduate you will receive in the mail a letter of congratulations and your official academic transcript.
If your faculty have deemed you ineligible to graduate you will be emailed a letter listing the details of the relevant staff member with who you can discuss this matter.
If you have selected to attend the ceremony you will receive information via email approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the ceremony. You need to ensure you are eligible and have paid all outstanding fees in order to receive this information. This will explain what time you need to arrive at the venue, how to get there, where you need to go, what to wear, where to park, how and when to purchase additional tickets, services available on the day, etc.
Also around this time you will receive via email containing your 2 guest tickets. You will need to print these and distribute to your guests. Please check your 'junk' folder as sometimes the email can end up there.
If you have selected to graduate inabsentia your testamur and AHEG Statement will be posted to you after the conclusion of the graduation ceremonies. This process can take up to 6 weeks.
What do I do if the deadline to register has passed?
You will not be able to access the registration portal on StudentConnect once the deadline has passed. You will need to contact the Graduations Office to discuss your case and we will do what we can to assist you.
What should I wear to a graduation ceremony?
Please wear smart, neat or professional attire as a minimum dress standard. Shorts, jeans, t-shirts, thongs, bare feet or joggers are not considered appropriate.
The gown is very heavy so we do recommend that men remove their suit jacket prior to being robed.
Do I need to organise my own regalia?
We will organise regalia for you on the day of your ceremony. We ask you to arrive at the ceremony at a time earlier than the nominated start time so you can be robed. Staff will be on hand to fit your regalia for you.
How do I wear my regalia?
Staff will assist you with robing on the day of your ceremony. After registration you will be directed to the robing area where you will be fitted with a gown. You will then proceed to the pinning area where your coloured hood will be fixed to the gown. Finally you will be fitted with a trencher to complete the look.
How do I purchase my own regalia?
If you wish to purchase your own regalia, this can be ordered through the Deakin Merchandise shop. Please allow at least six weeks for this service. Your graduation fee will be reduced if you purchase your own regalia - please forward a copy of your receipt to the Graduations Office for this to be arranged.
What services are available on the day?
The following services will be available on the day of your ceremony:
Photography
Arthur Reed Photography
Email: enquiries@arphotos.com.au
Web: www.arphotos.com.au
Plaques
Ambassador Productions
Email: enquiries@ambassador.com.au
Framing
R&J Framing
Email: admin@rjframing.com.au
Web: www.rjframing.com.au
Rings
Ring Creations
Email: sales@ringcreations.com
Flowers
Jacinta's Flower Studio (Geelong ceremonies only)
Email: jfs@interflorist.com.au
How many guests can I bring?
The $165 graduation fee includes 2 guest tickets.
Approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the graduation ceremony information regarding the purchase of additional guest tickets will be sent to graduands who are eligible to graduate and have applied to attend the graduation ceremony and have paid their graduation fee. Subject to availability additional guest tickets (in addition to the two included in the graduation charge) may be purchased by following the instructions in the ceremony information. Additional guest tickets will then be emailed to your nominated email address, you will need to print these to bring to the ceremony.
Please note: Guest tickets are non-refundable.
Can I get a refund of my graduation fee?
Please advise the Graduations Office via email if you are no longer able to attend your graduation ceremony.
A Full refund of the graduation fee is given if at least 4 weeks notice of your inability to attend is given from date of graduation ceremony.
$25.00 retention fee is payable if notice is given between 2 - 4 weeks from date of graduation ceremony.
No refund is available if less than 2 weeks notice from date of graduation ceremony is given.
How can I change my name?
If you need to change your graduation name you should send a certified copy of your name change documentation to the Graduations Office, Deakin University, Locked Bag 20000, GEELONG VIC 3220 Australia together with your student number and date of birth.
Important: Name change documents must be submitted 5 weeks prior to your ceremony date to ensure the correct name is printed on your important documents.
How long will the ceremony last?
This will depend on the number of graduands attending. Generally ceremonies are of approximately 1.5 hours in duration. Graduates are expected to remain for the duration of the ceremony as a courtesy to other graduates and guests.
Where are the graduation ceremonies held?
Please refer to graduation dates and venues.
How do I get to the venue?
Please refer to the getting to the venue and parking page for information.
Can I bring children to the ceremony?
Yes, however the ceremony for small children could be considered a little long and formal. If children are coming to a ceremony, parents are encouraged to bring along quiet activities to keep them entertained. Children who occupy a seat will require a ticket.
What time should I arrive for the graduation ceremony?
Graduands need to arrive around 2 hours prior to the start time for registration, gowning and the graduate briefing for on protocols for the ceremony. Graduands arriving late will not be admitted to the ceremony. Information detailing arrival time will be sent approximately 4-6 weeks prior to the ceremony.
Is the ceremony streamed live online?
Yes, your family and friends from all around the globe can also share one of your most memorable days with you in real time by accessing our live streaming of the ceremony.
What should I do if I am late?
Where possible please phone 03 9244 6333 to inform us if you believe you may not be at the venue 30 minutes before your ceremony start time.
If you arrive after this time you will not be permitted to take part in the ceremony, however you will be permitted to be robed for photography purposes only.
What should I do if I require special assistance?
You can indicate your requirements through StudentConnect when you submit your online application to graduate. Alternatively you could email enquire@deakin.edu.au or call 03 9244 6333.
What does in absentia mean?
To graduate "in absentia" means your qualification is officially "conferred" by the University Chancellery in your absence and your qualification goes on public record. If the in absentia option is chosen, you do not attend the ceremony and your testamur is sent to your current postal address following the graduation. Graduation in absentia is a no cost option.
If you apply to graduate in absentia please ensure your postal address and contact phone number are up to date on StudentConnect to avoid delays in the delivery of your testamur.
Will I still get a copy of my results if I don't graduate?
Yes, students deemed eligible to graduate by their Faculty, who do not graduate will still receive an Academic Transcript posted to their current StudentConnect postal address. Upon receipt of your Academic Transcript please check the details to ensure accuracy including any majors.
What happens if I am advised that I am not eligible to graduate?
You will be notified by mail if you have applied to graduate but have been deemed not yet eligible by the Faculty. Please contact the Faculty staff member nominated in the advice letter to resolve any questions about your graduation status.
If I choose not to graduate, are my qualifications still valid?
Yes, provided you have completed all units for your qualification and subject to confirmation by your Faculty. Your status however will be deemed as "Eligible to Graduate" and as such the University will be limited in what information it can release under the Privacy Act to potential employers.
What official documents will I receive?
Please refer to the Transcripts, testamurs and AHEGS page for information.
Will my specialisation/major be printed on my testamur and academic transcript?
All majors and specialisations will be printed on your academic transcript. Please check this document carefully when it arrives to ensure it is correct. Majors are not printed on testamurs however specialisations are not.
Will my honours level be printed on my testamur and academic transcript?
Your specific honours level (EG: First Class, Second Class, Third Class) will be printed on your academic transcript. The specific level will not be printed on your testamur, it will however state that you have completed your award with honours.
How can I correct an error on my academic transcript?
Please notify the Graduations Office if you believe there is an error on your academic transcript. We will liaise with your faculty to amend this for you. If a change is to be made a new academic transcript will be posted to you.
More information?
If you are still unclear on policy or process for graduations please contact the Graduations Office with your enquiry and provide your student number via emailing enquire@deakin.edu.au or by calling +61 3 9244 6333.
