Frequently Asked Questions

Ceremony Information

How long is the graduation ceremony?

The presentation ceremony in Swinburne takes about 90 minutes but can go slightly longer depending on the length of the commencement speech.

How much does it cost to graduate?

Information regarding costs involved in graduating can be found on the Graduations website.

What happens in a graduation ceremony?

Ceremonies differ depending on where/when they are held and if you are sitting on the stage or in the body of the hall. You will get a full overview of what happens in a graduation ceremony at your pre-ceremony briefing. It is very important that you attend your briefing.

What time do I need to arrive for my graduation ceremony?

You are required to assemble no later than 45 minutes prior to the commencement time. Please ensure that you are wearing the appropriate academic attire before entering the presentation hall.

Further information regarding when to arrive and where to go on the day of your ceremony can be found on the Graduations website.

Regalia Collection Times and Locations

Information relating to the regalia collection time and location can be found at the following link.

Photography and Merchandise

To view a complete range of services we offer at your ceremony please use the following link.

Ticketing Information

Information relating to Graduate and Guest tickets can be found at the following link.

Venue Information

Where are the graduation presentation ceremonies held?

Ceremonies are held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Where can I park on the day of the graduation ceremony?

If you’re driving to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre or Plenary, there are five car parks available for use.

For more parking information, visit the MCEC Website

A number of public transport run regularly. For up to date bus schedules please check the Melbourne Tram website: http://ptv.vic.gov.au/

Contact Us

For any issue and enquiries, please contact our customer support representatives at: info@gfpgraduations.com.au, call our customer support team at Australia: 1300 360 445 - International: +61 8 8154 1388 or fill out the form here to send us feedback. To assist us in processing your enquiry, please provide us with some information about yourself.

If your enquiry relates to our booking system, your questions may already be answered in our helpful FAQs.

Gown Collection Times and Locations

Pick up location: Plenary 1, lower ground level, MCEC.

Academic Dress is available for collection on the day of your Graduation Ceremony.

Pick up times:

• 10:30am Ceremony, pick up from 8:30am - 9:45am on your ceremony day.
• 2:00pm Ceremony, pick up from 12:00pm - 1:15pm on your ceremony day.
• 5:30pm Ceremony, pick up from 3:30pm - 4:45pm on your ceremony day.

Academic Dress FAQs

Do I have to wear Academic Dress to participate in my Graduation Ceremony?

Yes. You will be required to wear the prescribed academic dress for the Degree or Diploma in which you are graduating. This includes a gown, a mortarboard, hood and/or stole in the appropriate colour.

I am receiving a Double Degree, how do I order my Academic Dress?

If you are receiving a Double Degree, you only need order and wear one hood on graduation day.
Faculty colours for both Degrees will be represented in the one hood.

When do I hire my Academic Dress?

Academic Dress will be open for booking 4-6 weeks before your ceremony

How do I work out my Gown Size?

When you place your order online you will have the option to select your size e.g. extra small, small, medium, large etc and we will also ask for your height, this will allow us to ensure you have the correct size.

When do I return my Academic Dress?

Gowns must be returned after you have finalized your photographic and graduation services within 2 hours of the ceremony finishing. Failure to return your Academic Dress within this period will incur a late fee. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions below.

What if I don't have a credit card - can I pay cash?

Bookings are essential! Due to the large numbers of attending graduates, processing orders and payments at the ceremony can cause significant delays, we highly recommend you use our secure online ordering system. Alternatively, you can contact us on 1300 360 445 to make a booking to pay on the day using cash and/or debit transactions.

Do I have to wear anything specific under my gown?

It is important to note the gown is open at the front; therefore what you are wearing underneath is visible. It is for this reason we recommend you wear business attire, and comfortable shoes. If the day is warm, you may want to remove your jacket as the gowns are quite heavy and it may be hot in the auditorium.

How much will my Academic Dress hire cost?

Academic Dress hire prices vary depending on your requirements - as a general rule:

Terms and Conditions

Academic Dress Hire - Academic Dress MUST be booked a minimum of 3 days in advance of your ceremony day to avoid a late booking fee of $35.
Return of Academic Dress - Academic Dress is to be returned within 2 hours of conclusion of your ceremony. Failure to return Academic Dress on time will incur a charge equivalent to the balance of the purchase price of the regalia. 
Cancellation of Order - If you need to cancel your order please contact Customer Service to arrange your refund. Generally refunds are not applicable if your cancellation occurs within 3 days of your ceremony.

How to wear your academic dress

Gown - The gown is worn over the top of your clothing like a jacket, undergraduate's arms go through the sleeve, Post graduate student's arms slide through an opening in the sleeve.

Faculty Hood - For all degrees the hood is then placed over the top of your gown and worn with the colour hanging down the back of the gown and the V at the front of your neck. (For Graduates wearing a button shirt, there is a button hook to allow you to hook the hood on to stop it from moving about)

Mortarboard - The Mortarboard is worn with shallow part to the front of your head and the deep part at the back of the head, with the tassel placed on the left hand side of the head.

It is important to remember that the clothing you wear to your graduation ceremony will be visible as you walk across the stage. Neat, casual attire is most appropriate, with a shirt and tie recommended for male graduates. It is best to avoid jeans and sneakers. Please also note that a mortarboard must be worn as part of academic dress, which should be kept in mind when planning your hair style.

Academic Dress Sizes

Guest Ticket Information

Two guest tickets for your ceremony have been allocated to each graduate, included with the graduation fee.

Additional guest tickets are available for purchase at $44 each, these can be purchased using the Graduation Portal. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out.

Each guest must have a ticket and present the printed ticket to gain access to the ceremony hall. Children will require a ticket if they are going to occupy a seat. Infants or young children do not require a ticket if they will not be occupying a seat.

You don't need to book a ticket for yourself. You will be automatically allocated a graduate seat when you pay the graduation fee. Your seat allocation will be given to you on the day of graduation (at registration).

Guest Ceremony Information

Guests may enter the Hall 45 minutes before the ceremony begins. All guests should be seated 10 minutes prior to commencement of the ceremony and remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.

Children are most welcome to attend graduation ceremonies.

Prams cannot be brought into the ceremony hall however a space has been set aside in the main foyer for prams. On arrival please make you way to the Swinburne Information desk. A staff member will direct you to the designated area.

Studio Photography

Leave your graduation photos to the experts. GFP’s photography team will provide you and your family with a professional studio session that includes a wide range of individual, family and fun images.

Save time on your ceremony day you may and pre-order your Studio Photography package online. For more information and to pre-order please sign in to the Graduation Portal.

Stage Photography

GFP professional photography team will capture your moment on stage. Prints including the university logo, border and year of graduation are available for pickup at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Your stage photo will also be available to view and purchase through our website following your ceremony.

Pre-order your stage photograph package today through our Graduation Portal.

Framing & Plaques

Add the finishing touch to your degree certificate with a ready to hang frame or plaque. 

Our on-the-spot framing service provides a professional option with a choice of mat colours, custom designed for your University award. 

Our plaques, available in Gold or Silver, can be mounted to a variety of bases and are a wonderful way to display your certificate at home or the office.

Pre-order your frame or plaque today through our Graduation Portal.

Bears & Charms

Cute little bears, all dressed and ready to take home. Available in a range of sizes with a graduation gown, mortarboard and a hood the same colour as yours!

Click here to pre-order your bear and have it ready to collect at your ceremony.

For more information about our graduation services please click here.