Wednesday, 16 December 2026 at 5:30pm – Degrees and diplomas in Science: Subjects within the biological sciences and ‘human’ sciences
The following information is intended as a guide for those who have applied to be part of the above-mentioned ceremony.
You will find information about the deadlines you need to meet, guest tickets, academic dress, the graduation ceremony, and associated events.
We look forward to seeing you at the graduation ceremony and wish you a happy and successful future.
Important dates
| Friday, 27 November | If you requested more than the two guaranteed guest tickets, an email will be sent to you advising you of the outcome of this request |
| Monday, 14 December | Tickets are available for collection |
| Tuesday, 15 December |
Academic dress is available for collection Tickets are available for collection |
| Wednesday, 16 December (the day of the ceremony) |
Academic dress is available for collection Tickets are available for collection Academic dress may be returned after the ceremony |
| Thursday, 17 December | Any outstanding academic dress must be returned |
Collecting guest tickets
Guest tickets are available for collection from the AskOtago Central Hub, Information Services Building (Central Library), on the following dates and times:
| Monday, 14 December | 8:30am–6:00pm |
| Tuesday, 15 December | 8:30am–6:00pm |
| Wednesday, 16 December | 8:00am–10:30am |
You need to collect your guest tickets yourself and provide photographic identification. If it is necessary to have someone else collect your tickets on your behalf, please fill out the online form (using the link below) and provide the name of the person who will be collecting your tickets.
Graduation tickets collection form – AskOtago service portal
Please note that anyone collecting tickets must provide photographic identification.
Along with your tickets you will receive a Graduation Booklet – we recommend that either yourself or family member take the booklet along to the graduation ceremony, additional booklets will not be available at the ceremony.
For your convenience, a QR code will be included inside the cover of the booklet and on your guest tickets, should further copies be required.
View the campus map for the location of the Information Services Building
Collecting academic dress (regalia)
It is important that you collect the academic dress yourself, as you will need to try it on to ensure you have the correct size. Please bring photo ID with you to collect your academic dress, which is available for collection from the Academic Dress rooms, located in the basement of the Clocktower Building (enter via the twin steps in the quadrangle between the Clocktower and Geology Buildings). Collection dates and times are as follows:
| Tuesday, 15 December |
8:30am–2:30pm AND 4:30pm–7:00pm |
| Wednesday, 16 December | 8:30am–12:00pm |
View the campus map for the location of the Clocktower Building
Returning academic dress (regalia)
Please ensure that you return your academic dress on time, as it will be required by another graduand for subsequent ceremonies.
A further charge may apply for academic dress returned late.
Academic dress must be returned in the same condition as it was issued. The full cost of replacement, which exceeds $600, will be charged for any lost or damaged academic dress.
Academic dress must be returned at one of the following times and venues:
| Wednesday, 16 December | Town Hall | 1:30pm–7:30pm |
| Wednesday, 16 December | Basement of the Clocktower Building | 2:00pm–7:30pm |
| Thursday, 17 December | Basement of the Clocktower Building | 8:30am–3:30pm |
Academic dress conveners
TBC
Academic dress rooms
Tel +64 3 479 8765
Email academic.dress@otago.ac.nz
The graduation morning tea and afternoon tea
The University of Otago will be hosting a morning and afternoon tea – open to all graduands and their families – prior to the procession and at 3:00pm. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with your family, friends, and the University.
Date: Wednesday, 16 December
Morning tea
Time: 8:30am–10:00am
Afternoon tea
Time: 3:00pm–4:30pm
Place: The Link, Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Streets
View the campus map for the location of the Information Services Building
Thanksgiving service
The University Chaplaincy team are pleased to invite you, your whānau and friends to a short informal service of thanksgiving on the day of graduation, just before the graduation parade. Nau mai, haere mai! Everyone is welcome.
Date: Wednesday, 16 December
Time: 9:45am–10:15am
Place: Hunter Centre Atrium, Corner of Great King and Frederick Streets
The graduation procession
Please assemble at 10:15am sharp outside the School of Dentistry on Great King Street, dressed in your academic dress, on the day of the Ceremony. The procession will leave the School of Dentistry promptly at 10:30am accompanied by bagpipers and drummers.
View a map of the procession route (PDF)
If you are taking part in the graduation procession please ensure that you protect your regalia and do not wear your trencher in wet weather.
Ceremony day – programme of main events
Wednesday, 16 December
| 8:30am | Graduation morning tea The Link, Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Streets |
| 9:45am | Thanksgiving service Hunter Centre Atrium, Corner of Great King and Frederick Streets |
| 10:30am | Graduation procession Assemble at the School of Dentistry by 10:15am |
| 3:00pm | Graduation afternoon tea The Link, Information Services Building, corner of Cumberland and Albany Streets |
| 4:30pm | Marshalling of graduands Dunedin Centre, Harrop Street. Marshalling begins promptly at 4:30pm in the Glenroy Auditorium. Please ensure you arrive by 4:30pm. You must be wearing the correct academic dress and have your graduation order number sticker affixed to the left side of your gown. If you arrive late, or are improperly dressed, there is no guarantee you will be able to take part in the ceremony. Once all graduands are in graduation order you will proceed to reserved seating in the main body of the Dunedin Town Hall. What to bring to the marshalling area What is a Graduation order number sticker? |
| 4:45pm | Doors to the Dunedin Town Hall (Moray Place) open for guests Guests should be seated by 5.20pm |
| 5:30pm | Graduation ceremony begins The Chancellor, Council and staff of the University enter the Town Hall promptly at 5:30pm. (The audience is requested to rise as the procession enters). The ceremony will begin with welcomes by the Chancellor and Mana Whenua, followed by the National Anthem sung in Māori and English. |
| Conferring of degrees and awarding of diplomas The Vice-Chancellor and official reader will announce graduands for each degree or diploma (e.g. “for graduation in the degree of Bachelor of Arts”). How degrees are conferred and diplomas are awarded | |
| Remainder of the ceremony The ceremony continues with the graduation address and concludes with the singing of Gaudeamus. Staff will then leave the Town Hall in procession, after which you and your guests are free to depart. | |
| 7:00pm | Ceremony concludes (time is approximate) |