C4.41 Graduation Ceremony Procedure
Graduation Ceremony Process in the UK: How Can Parents from China Attend?
Shishengmiao feels that the graduation ceremony processes of British-style education are roughly similar, though the rituals may vary—this applies to countries and regions like the UK, Australia, and Singapore. UK universities hold 2-3 graduation ceremonies a year, with specific dates varying by institution. For example, Imperial College London hosts two ceremonies annually: one in October for undergraduate graduates and another in May for master’s and doctoral graduates. The University of Cambridge, on the other hand, holds three ceremonies a year.
Most UK universities hold two graduation ceremonies. Typically, undergraduates graduate at the summer ceremony in July, and master’s, doctoral, and other graduates at the ceremony in November. However, some universities have graduation seasons in March-May, July-August, October-December, etc. Nevertheless, most graduation ceremonies take place around November.
For instance, the 2020 graduation ceremony dates of Coventry University are shown in the image below:
So how can one attend a UK graduation ceremony?
Graduate successfully. Only students who have graduated successfully are eligible to attend the graduation ceremony. If you have failed any courses, you can attend the next graduation ceremony after completing your studies and graduating successfully
Online registration. Attending the graduation ceremony requires pre-registration. The university will send you an email 2-3 months before your graduation, which includes details such as ceremony guidelines and schedules, and asks you to indicate whether you wish to attend. Shishengmiao’s note: Attending the ceremony generally means you agree to receive your graduation certificate and academic transcript on-site—you will be called onto the stage to collect them personally. The email will clearly state the time, venue, and the number of guests you can invite. Most UK universities allow 2-3 guests per graduate for the ceremony. Shishengmiao’s reminder: If you register, be sure to attend. If you cannot make it, the process can be cumbersome—you need to make changes in advance, such as opting for the certificate to be mailed to you or authorizing someone to collect it on your behalf.
For example, Coventry University opened registration in advance for its November 2019 graduation ceremonies (held from November 18 to 26, 2019), with a registration deadline of October 16, 2019
As shown in the image below, Coventry University arranges graduation ceremonies by faculty and specific major each day. The ceremony on November 18 is for the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Rent or purchase graduation attire (academic gown). You can rent or buy the gown from the university-designated location, with prices varying—usually around several dozen pounds. Requirements differ by university (for example, the University of Bristol requires no hat during the ceremony unless you are being awarded a higher degree such as a doctorate). Graduation attire needs to be pre-booked. If you only use it once, renting is more cost-effective, which is what most students choose (for those who need to wear it regularly, such as University of Cambridge students, buying is more economical). Measure your bust, height, and other dimensions in advance to select a properly fitting gown; otherwise, the gown may not fit well, or the right size may be fully booked.
The email for ceremony registration will include a direct link for renting graduation attire. Shishengmiao’s note: Each university has a designated location for renting graduation gowns, and the attire for undergraduates, master’s students, and doctoral students is different. When booking, check the instructions carefully to avoid choosing the wrong one. However, generally, after selecting your degree (undergraduate or master’s), the system will automatically direct you to the corresponding gown.
Attend the ceremony. Arrive early on the day to queue up for complimentary guest tickets and put on the gown at the designated location. Take photos and videos as souvenirs, then sit in your assigned seat according to the name order. The ceremony will then begin. Later, line up, walk onto the stage when your name is called, shake hands with the officials, and receive your graduation certificate, academic transcript, and graduation ceremony booklet. Not all universities require standing to shake hands and receive the degree—some require kneeling, such as the University of Cambridge, where students kneel during the handshake.
The venue of the graduation ceremony varies by university. Some are held in the university’s own auditorium, while others take place in city churches, concert halls, or theaters. For example, Coventry University’s ceremonies are held at Coventry Cathedral, and the University of Oxford’s at the Sheldonian Theatre.
Return the academic gown. After taking photos and videos, return the gown to the designated location within the specified time as required. Gowns are usually rented for one day, meaning they must be returned within a few hours
Shishengmiao’s note: Female students can bring small hairpins to secure the academic cap, as some caps are a bit large and may not fit stably. Also, do not be late—guests need to enter in advance to find a convenient spot for taking photos. Latecomers will not be admitted. The graduation ceremony date for each university is confirmed in advance, so you can simply check the official website for details.
How to invite parents from China to attend the graduation ceremony?
Shishengmiao’s answer: Apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa. Applying for a visa specifically for graduation ceremony attendance is very complicated, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Therefore, the Standard Visitor Visa is the most efficient, convenient, and cost-effective option.
Can I skip the graduation ceremony?
Yes. When filling out the graduation registration form via the link sent by the university, select "not attending the ceremony", enter your recipient address and other relevant information. The university will then mail your graduation certificate and related documents to you, or you can collect them in person or authorize someone to collect them on your behalf