AE GRADUATION CEREMONIES

This special event is a chance to honour the hard work, dedication, and commitment each student has shown throughout their academic journey. It’s a time to reflect on their accomplishments, create lasting memories, and recognize the significant milestone they’ve reached.

AE ​UPCOMING CEREMONIES

AE Graduation Mid-Year 2025

AE Graduation End-of-Year 2025

Ready to Graduate:

• If you have received the “Save the Date” email, you can confirm your attendance and provide names, as we will issue Testamurs based on the information available in your student portal.

• See the link here: Save the Date! Graduation

• If you are expected to graduate by a specific date before the ceremony but are unsure, you can check your Student Portal to confirm if you have successfully completed all units and placement requirements. If everything is complete, you will be able to graduate and attend the ceremony.

• If you still need to complete some units and/or placement requirements to graduate, please ensure you have a valid COE. If you need to extend your enrolment, submit your request through the Student Portal.

Graduation Ceremony Invite

• You will receive an invitation to attend the Graduation Ceremony once you meet all course and placement requirements.

• Your status in the student portal will be updated to “Graduate,” and your Academic Transcript and Notification of Course Award was emailed and sent to you already.

• Once the Graduation Ceremony invitation is sent, you will need to book and purchase your tickets through the system. A link will be provided in the email with instructions to follow.

• The cost of your ticket includes two guest tickets, gown hire, and light refreshments. Additional guest tickets can be purchased after the specific date mentioned in the email, subject to venue capacity restrictions.

• Be sure to purchase your tickets before the due date, which is December 1st. It is important to buy them on time, as capacity limits may apply.

Preparing for Ceremony

• We have prepared a short guide to help you get ready and make the most of this special day with your loved ones—family, friends, and your AE community.

• Please make sure to take note of the venue details when purchasing your tickets through the system.

• If you are a HE (Bachelor programs), you will be wearing a gown, hood or stole (Sash) as well as a mortarboard for the ceremony, please consider a hairstyle that will allow the hat to sit squarely on the top of your head.

• If you are a VET (Vocational programs), you will be wearing a gown and hood or stole (Sash).

• Hang your gown for the day before the graduation ceremony, to allow the creases to drop.

BEFORE

Graduate:

• You need to arrive at the venue two hours before the ceremony. Please complete your registration at the venue and follow instructions from the staff. Specific times have been provided in the email you received when purchasing your tickets.

• While we highly recommend collecting your gown a few days before the Graduation ceremony, there may be an option to collect it at the venue. If so, please arrive early and locate the gowning room.

• Allow plenty of time for your commute and to find parking in the area.

• It is advisable to bring your Student ID or another form of photo ID.

Guests:

• Guests can arrive one hour before the ceremony starts.

• Ensure your guests have their own electronic tickets with them.

• Guests should follow the seating instructions provided by the staff.

• Regarding seating arrangements, guests will be seated in the side rows of the venue, with signs to guide them. Graduates will have assigned seats in specific rows, following a particular order.

DURING

1. Graduates complete registration at venue.

2. Graduates take their seats in the venue (seating will begin at least 1 hour before the ceremony).

3. You must sit in your assigned seat to ensure you are called to the stage in the correct order.

4. The ceremony begins with the academic procession.

5. Guest speaker’s speech

6. Graduates are presented on the stage.

7. The ceremony concludes.

What to do before going to the stage

• There will be a staff member next to your row and will provide instructions to follow and walk to the stage.

• Note that once you receive the instruction, all students in your row will stand and walk slowly around the venue and be ready to go up to the stage.

• Please follow the order, as you will be call on stage in the same order of seating arrangements.

What to do once you’re on the stage?

1. Wait until your name is called, then accept your graduation tube.

2. Shake hands with the designated stage member.

3. Have your photograph taken.

4. Exit the stage via the side stairs.

5. Follow staff instructions to return to your allocated seat.

AFTER

• Take more photos as there will specific spaced decorated to capture these special moments with your friend and family.

• You must return the gown after ceremony, otherwise there will be a fee. A fee of $150 for non-returned or damaged gown after the ceremony. Please follow specific instructions on gown returned provided by regalia company and/or campus administration.