Frequently asked questions

Do I have to apply to graduate?

Higher Education and VET (non apprentice)

Charles Darwin University run reports in March and July to identify potential graduands. These are forwarded to the relevant faculties to confirm course requirements have been met. Once confirmed, the completion/graduation process will begin. Graduands will receive an Academic Record showing they have completed course requirements, and information regarding graduation. VET graduands also receive a Certificate of Completion (National Qualification). In order to expedite receipt of your final Academic Record and graduation details, please complete a Nomination to Graduate form (.pdf, 134KB) as soon as you believe you have completed your course.

VET (Apprentices)

Charles Darwin University regularly runs reports to identify potential apprentice graduands. These are then forwarded to the relevant faculties to confirm course requirements have been met. Once confirmed, the graduation/completion process for apprentices will commence. Graduands will receive a Completion Certificate (National Qualification) and an Academic Record showing they have completed course requirements as well as information regarding graduation. Australian Apprenticeships NT will also be informed that the apprenticeships requirements have been met. In order to expedite your graduation/completion, please complete a Nomination to Graduate form (.pdf, 134KB) as soon as you believe you have completed your course.

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Is there anything that may prevent me from graduating?

If you have an outstanding debt to the university, for example:

you will still graduate, however you will graduate inabsentia and all completion documents will be withheld until your fees are paid. Once you have paid the debt, you need to contact us on 1800 061 963 to organise the mail out of your documents.

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Is there a fee to graduate?

The only fee payable is for the hire of your academic dress. All graduands are required to wear the correct academic dress and the charge is $11.00 per item. On graduation day you will also need an additional $50.00 deposit which will be refunded upon return of gown.

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Do I have to send back my graduation invitation?

Yes, you must respond to your invitation even if you do not plan to attend the ceremony. This will tell us what to do with your testamur. If you do not respond your testamur will be mailed to you approximately two weeks after the ceremony.

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I've changed my address. What do I need to do?

You can complete the change of address section on your invitation or, alternatively, fill in the Amendment to Personal Details form (.pdf, 49KB) or contact the Information Centre on 1800 061 963.

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I've changed my name. What do I need to do?

You must supply us with documentary evidence to support this. Only certified copies will be accepted. Bring these documents into the Information Centre or mail certified copies to:

Student Services
Charles Darwin University
Darwin NT 0909

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How can I get additional tickets for the ceremony?

Tickets are allocated to graduates based on the number of seats available at the venue and are restricted to three guest tickets. Additional tickets may become available in the week prior to your ceremony. To be placed on the waiting list for additional tickets please contact 1800 061 963.

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How long does the ceremony go for?

The duration of the ceremony is expected to be one and a half to two hours. Please arrive at least one and a half hours prior the start of the ceremony to ensure that you have enough time to register and hire your academic dress.

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Can my children attend the ceremony?

Your guest tickets may be used by anyone but please consider, small children will be required to sit still for around two hours, which may cause some frustration. We recommend that children under the age of five do not attend the ceremony.

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What do I wear?

Academic dress is worn over normal clothing and for the ceremony this should be smart casual. For men this entails long trousers and a shirt; for women, day or afternoon wear appropriate for the occasion. Obviously, clothing made of light fabric would be more comfortable.

Proper footwear is compulsory.

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What academic dress do I wear?

This is outlined in Academic Dress within the Graduation website. When you collect your regalia you will be told exactly what you require and what colour hood or sash you should have. You will also be shown how to wear the regalia. On the night of your ceremony people will be available to assist you. Academic dress is compulsory for all graduands attending the ceremony.

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Is there disabled access at the location of the ceremony?

If you or a family member have any special requirements regarding access, a signing interpreter, or any other disability-related requirement, please contact 1800 061 963 and ask to be connected to the Team Leader, Graduation.

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I chose to have my testamur posted to me. When will I receive the testamur?

Your testamur will be posted out to you by registered mail at the end of the conferring period. Please remember to advise us if you have changed your address.

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My testamur has been lost or destroyed. Can I get a replacement?

Yes. The replacement fee is $100.00. A request for a testamur reprint must be accompanied either by the original or by a Statutory Declaration form stating what happened to the original testamur. In the case of a change of name, you must supply the original testamur and documentation supporting the name change, i.e. marriage certificate, drivers licence, name change certificate.

Please complete a Request for Memorandum of Grade/Academic Record/Testamur form (.pdf, 124KB) to arrange for a replacement and fax to the number on the bottom of the form.

Alternatively this can be requested via telephone or email to the Cashiers at Charles Darwin University using Master Card or Visa Card. Please quote details of your credit card (credit card number, name of credit card holder and expiry date). Cashiers can be contacted by telephone on 61 8 8946 7191 or 61 8 8946 7192, fax 61 8 8946 6642 or email cashiers@cdu.edu.au.

Please allow up to three weeks for processing.

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My Academic Record has been lost or destroyed. Can I get a replacement?

Yes. Copies of academic records can be obtained at a cost of $15.00. Please complete a Request for Memorandum of Grade/Academic Record/Testamur form (.pdf, 124KB) to arrange for a replacement and fax to the number on the bottom of the form.

Alternatively this can be requested via telephone or email to the Cashiers at Charles Darwin University using Master Card or Visa Card. Please quote details of your credit card (credit card number, name of credit card holder and expiry date). Cashiers can be contacted by telephone on 61 8 8946 7191 or 61 8 8946 7192, fax 61 8 8946 6642 or email cashiers@cdu.edu.au, within 24 hours.

Please allow up to two days for processing.

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