What to Wear at Graduation

Dress Code at Certificate Graduation Ceremonies

No academic regalia is required for certificate graduation ceremonies. However, graduation is a formal ceremony so please attend dressed in tidy attire.

You may choose to wear clothing or garments of honour from your culture or home country such as a sari, korowai or ta'ovala as well. This is a welcome enrichment to the colour of the graduation ceremonies.

Dress Code at Diploma and above Graduation Ceremonies

All students graduating with a diploma and above (levels 5-9) are required to wear the appropriate academic regalia for their qualification.

Items and regalia are listed by qualification type below.

Diploma: Gown & stole 
Bachelor’s Degree: Gown, hood & trencher 
Graduate Certificate or Diploma: Gown & stole 
Postgraduate Certificate or Diploma: Gown, hood & trencher
Masters: Masters gown, hood & trencher 

If you have a prior qualification you may also wear the relevant regalia (if applicable).

Hood and stole colours are specific to the subject you’re getting your qualification in.

Regalia Hire Fee

The Graduation Team will hire your regalia items on your behalf. Once you’ve submitted your regalia size information when registering for graduation, you'll need to make a non-refundable payment of $70. 

Regalia Collection and Drop-Off

Regalia collection will be available from the venue the day prior and the day of your graduation. Specified regalia collection dates, times and locations will be released closer to the date.

You may choose to wear clothing or garments of honour from your culture or home country such as a sari, korowai or ta'ovala as well. This is a welcome enrichment to the colour of the graduation ceremonies.

Dress Code on the Marae

As with all other graduation ceremonies, the one at the marae is a formal occasion and therefore a respectful dress code applies. Graduands are encouraged to wear black – long pants for men, a skirt for women and tops that cover your upper arms. We would be delighted if you would like to wear a cloak, korowai, or other cultural attire.

Additional Advice

• The venue temperature is reasonably warm, especially when wearing regalia.
• Graduation day involves a considerable amount of walking and standing, and a lot of stairs, so high heels may not be practical.
• You’ll be videoed and photographed throughout the day, so look your best!
• For degree and above graduands (levels 7-9)
  • Men may find it helpful to wear a shirt and tie, as placing the neckband of your hood under your tie helps to hold your hood in place.
  • Choose a hairstyle that allows you to wear your trencher comfortably.