- Download the Reed Events app
- Ensure you have planned your journey to arrive in plenty of time to register and get dressed into your academic dress.
- 4pm: Registration and academic gowning opens
- 5pm Briefing: You must be registered, gowned and in your allocated seat for the Graduand briefing
- Graduands are required to sit in their allocated seats. This ensures you are in the correct order to cross the stage. All guests (including children) are required to sit in the guest seating area.
- The ceremony duration is approximately 1 hour. During this time we would ask all attendees to refrain from exiting/re-entering the ceremony until the proceeding have concluded.
- Ceremony order of events
- Academic Procession
- Ceremony welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
- Guest Speaker
- Conferral of Awards
- Award presentation: each graduate will cross the stage to receive their award individually
- Student Speaker
- Special Awards
- Academic Procession retires
- Celebrate your success! Graduands and guests are invited to enjoy some light food and refreshments in the foyer.
View the mid-year Graduation Ceremonies
Sydney Graduation
Melbourne Graduation
Brisbane Graduation
Graduation FAQs
How much does Graduation cost?
The graduate ticket is $150, which includes your entry to the ceremony and two complimentary guest tickets.
You may purchase up to four additional guest tickets at $50 each.
- Children aged 5 years and under: Free
- Children aged 6 years and over: Count as a guest ticket
Payments are made via the registration link in your graduation invitation email. Only students whose course completion has been approved for conferral and who have no outstanding fees are eligible to attend.
What is Included in My Graduation Ticket?
Your graduation ticket gives you access to the official Ikon graduation ceremony and includes:
- Admission for you and two complimentary guests
- Your printed testamur (certificate), presented at the ceremony. Ikon Graduates receive Testamur, AHEGS, Transcript and Completion Letter.
- Light refreshments (drinks and canapés) for you and your guests
Tickets are booked through the registration link in your graduation invitation email. Please send your guests their tickets.
Only students who have successfully completed their course, cleared all outstanding fees, and been approved for conferral are eligible to attend.
How do I Register for Graduation?
You’ll receive a formal graduation invitation by email once your course completion has been approved for conferral. Registration is completed online through the event partner’s website, using the link provided in your graduation invitation.
To register:
- Click the registration link in your invitation email.
- Complete all required details for you and your guests.
- Follow the payment instructions to finalise your booking.
Please register and make payment before the RSVP deadline to confirm your place.
Do I need to RSVP if I don’t plan to attend the ceremony?
Yes. All students who receive an invitation must RSVP, even if they choose not to attend.
Watch the video below on how to navigate the RSVP platform.
What RSVP options are available to me?
You may choose to:
- Attend the upcoming ceremony
- Attend the upcoming ceremony in an alternative location
- Defer to the next ceremony
- Graduate in absentia (not attend any ceremony)
What happens if I miss the ceremony registration deadline?
If you fail to RSVP by the deadline, you will be assumed to have declined participation in this and future graduation ceremonies and will graduate in absentia.
Can I attend a ceremony in a different location?
Yes, eligible students may select an alternative ceremony location, subject to availability, at the time of RSVP.
I’m unable to attend this graduation – when will the next one be?
If you cannot attend the upcoming graduation, you will need to RSVP using the registration link in your official graduation invitation and select Option 3: Defer to next graduation.
What if I Want to Bring More Than 2 Guests?
You can purchase up to four additional guest tickets at $50 each (subject to availability), beyond the two complimentary guest tickets included in your graduation ticket.
Extra guest tickets are available through the registration website, which you can access via the link in your graduation invitation email.
All guest tickets must be purchased during registration to ensure seating availability.
Children aged 5 years and under may attend free of charge, while those aged 6 years and over count as a guest ticket.
I am a distance student – where should I attend graduation?
Graduates are invited to attend the ceremony based on their home state:
- Canberra, New South Wales & Western Australia: Sydney
- South Australia, Tasmania & Victoria: Melbourne
- Northern Territory & Queensland: Brisbane
If you wish to attend a different location, when registering, select Option 2: Attend the upcoming ceremony in an alternative location.
I am located in Adelaide, how can I attend a graduation ceremony?
Unfortunately, we do not yet offer a graduation ceremony in Adelaide, however, Adelaide graduands may attend any other ceremony of their choosing or graduate in absentia.
If you intent to travel to another state to attend a graduation ceremony, when registering, please select Option 2: Attend the upcoming ceremony in an alternative location.
Can I bring my children to graduation?
Yes!
- Children 5 years and under: Free entry
- Children 6 years and older: Count as one of your guest tickets
Make sure to include any children over 6 when booking your guest tickets. Please note that children cannot sit alongside graduands during the ceremony and will need to be supervised by an alternative adult and seated in the guest area.
If babies/children become noisy or disruptive, out of respect to all graduands, supervising guests will be asked to remove them from the ceremony hall for the duration of the event.
What happens if I am late to the graduation and miss the briefing?
If you arrive late to the ceremony:
- You will not be able to walk across the stage or collect your certificate.
- You can still join the celebrations and enjoy the festivities after the ceremony.
Where will I sit during the graduation ceremony?
You will be allocated a seat with all other graduands on the day.
- Your seat will have a sticker with your name to ensure your name is called in the correct order during the procession.
- Our staff will be available to guide you to your seat.
- All guests, including children, must sit in the designated guest seating area.
Can I make a speech at Graduation?
Graduands are not able to make speeches during the ceremony.
- The program includes a pre-planned schedule of speakers.
- This helps keep the ceremony on schedule and organised.
What if my guests and I arrive at different times?
Please ensure that your guests have received their guest tickets. You will have entered their emails during the registration process. If you entered your own email, make sure you have sent them a copy.
Our staff will verify and check them in so they can join the ceremony.
Will there be a photographer at graduation?
Yes, a professional photographer will capture the event at no extra cost.
- You will receive a download link by email within five weeks after the ceremony.
- If you do not want your photo taken, email us with your student number before the event.
- Your family members are welcome to take photos after the ceremony.
Will there be a live broadcast of the ceremony?
Yes, friends and family can watch a live broadcast of the ceremony. The link will be available one week before the event.
What time should I arrive at the graduation venue?
You should plan to arrive from 4:00 PM, when registration and academic gowning open. Arriving early allows enough time to check in, collect your gown, and be seated before the mandatory.
All graduands must be gowned and seated by 5pm for the graduand briefing.
Is the graduand briefing compulsory?
Yes. The 5:00pm graduand briefing is mandatory. You must be registered, fully gowned, and seated in your allocated seat before the briefing begins.
How long does the graduation ceremony last?
The ceremony runs for approximately 1 – 1.5 hours.
Can guests move around or leave during the ceremony?
To ensure the ceremony runs smoothly, guests and graduands are asked to remain seated and avoid exiting or re-entering until the ceremony has concluded.
What happens when I cross the stage?
Each graduand will be called individually to cross the stage and receive their award as part of the official award presentation. You will be presented with your certificate and have your picture taken before leaving the stage and returning to your original seat.
Can children sit with graduates during the ceremony?
No. For safety and order, all children must sit with guests in the guest seating area and not in the graduand seating area.
Can I sit with my family during graduation?
Unfortunately, graduands must sit together according to the seating arrangement.
- Guests will have a separate section for seating.
- This ensures the ceremony runs smoothly and names are called in order.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the ceremony concludes:
- Graduates and guests are invited to enjoy light food and refreshments in the foyer
- Graduands must return their academic dress to the gowning room
- You are welcome to take photos and celebrate with family and friends
Will professional photos or videos be available?
Photos and videos from previous ceremonies may be available through event partners or shared galleries. Access details will be communicated after the ceremony. Professional photography sessions are available on the day but must be pre-booked through the partner registration page.
Will there be food at graduation?
Yes, after the ceremony there will be canapés and beverages available for both graduates and their guests.
I have a dietary requirement – who should I notify?
If you have dietary requirements or allergies:
- We will aim to provide a range of food suitable for most dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.
- If you have a specific dietary requirement including an allergy, please contact the Student Experience Team by submitting a Request with your student number and details of your requirements.
What should I bring on the day?
We recommend bringing:
- Your photo ID
- Comfortable footwear
- Your phone (for the Reed Events app and event updates)
- Any personal items you may need, noting storage space is limited
Who can I contact on the day if I need help?
Event staff will be available at registration and throughout the ceremony. If you continue to need assistance after the event, you can submit a Request.
What should I wear to graduation?
The dress code is smart casual.
- Men: Wear a button-up shirt to fit comfortably under your graduation gown.
- Women: Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be walking on stage.
Choose an outfit that will look great in your graduation photos!
Is academic dress required to attend graduation?
Yes. All graduands must wear the prescribed academic dress to participate in the ceremony and cross the stage.
Where and when do I collect my academic gown?
Gown collection takes place at the venue during the registration and gowning period, starting from 4pm on the day of the ceremony.
Do I need to return my academic dress?
Yes. All academic dress must be returned to the gowning room immediately after the ceremony and the Trencher (cap) is yours to keep.
What should I wear under my academic gown?
Smart, comfortable attire is recommended. Closed-toe shoes are advised, as you will be walking across the stage.
Can I keep my graduation gown on for photos?
Yes, you may keep your gown on to take photos inside the venue.
Due to time constraints, the gown must be returned at the end of the ceremony.
Can I change my RSVP after registering?
Changes may be possible before the registration deadline. After the deadline, changes are generally not permitted.
What if I register but can no longer attend the ceremony?
If you are unable to attend after registering, you will still graduate, but your award will be issued without ceremony attendance (Graduate in absentia)
If I paid for graduation but can’t attend, can I get a refund or credit?
Graduation fees are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, your payment cannot be refunded or credited.
My guest numbers have changed – what should I do?
You only need to update your registration if the total number of guests increases.
If you’re unsure, contact the Student Experience Team by submitting a Request.
How can I get a tax invoice for my graduation fee?
To request a tax invoice:
- Contact the Student Experience Team by submitting a Request.
- Tax invoices are only issued upon request.
My additional guest can no longer attend – can I get a refund?
No refunds are available for guests who cannot attend.
As catering is arranged for all registered guests, we cannot refund additional tickets.
You may consider inviting another friend or family member to use the ticket.