Graduation FAQs

Higher Education and VET (non-apprentice)

Charles Darwin University run reports in March and July to identify potential graduands. Each potential graduands eligibility to graduate is then assessed and the completion/graduation process will begin.

Graduands will receive an Academic Record showing they have completed course requirements, and information regarding graduation. VET graduands receive a Certificate of Completion (National Qualification).

If you believe you have completed the course requirements and have not been contacted by the Graduation Team within two weeks after your final grade has been applied, please complete a Nomination to Graduate eForm.

VET (Apprentices)

Charles Darwin University regularly runs reports to identify potential apprentice graduands. Each potential graduands eligibility to graduate is then assessed and the completion/graduation 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.

You will not be able to graduate, and all completion documents will be withheld, until all details have been provided, your fees and any outstanding debt to the university are paid, for example:

• an unpaid parking fine
• an overdue library book
• any unpaid fees
• an outstanding loan.

Once you have paid the debt, you need to contact us on 1800 061 963 to organise the mail out of your documents and ensure you are included in the next available graduation ceremony. 

Vocational Education and Training Students who complete their award from 2015 must provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to be able to receive their completion documentation and graduate in a graduation ceremony. 

In 2015, the Australian Federal Government introduced the Unique Student Identifier to allow government to target the skills that industry needs, and to enable students to get a complete record of their Australian-wide VET achievements from a single, secure and accurate online source.

If you have not registered for a USI number yet, please go to USI Quick Guide where you will find step by step information on how to apply for it. The process is quick and easy, and free of charge. Once you have obtained the USI number, please forward this to usi@cdu.edu.au or graduation@cdu.edu.au for us to arrange verification. 

You will find more information on the USI and how it can be found here USI Fact Sheet.

If you are unsure what to do, or have any questions, please contact either Graduations or the VET team that takes care of your award. We will be happy to assist.

The only fee payable is for the hire of your academic dress.

Yes, you are required to register and hire your academic dress prior to the ceremony. You must 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. On arrival, please proceed to the registration desk.

You may respond online by logging into My Student Info and then by clicking on Graduation, and 'Graduation Ceremony RSVP' on the left hand menu. This will be open approximately six weeks prior to the Graduation Ceremony.

If you have any problems doing so, please email graduation@cdu.edu.au or call Student Central on 1800 061 963.

You can complete the change of address section on your invitation or, alternatively, complete the Person Details Amendment eForm or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963.

You must complete the Person Details Amendment eForm or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963. Charles Darwin University requires proof of a student's former name for those who are divorced or separated and wish to revert to their former name such as marriage certificate, drivers licence, birth certificate or divorce papers.

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.

Your guest tickets may be used by anyone, but please consider, small children will require alternate supervision and will be required to sit still for a long period of time.

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. Please keep in mind when selecting footwear that you will be required to walk up and down many stairs, therefore it is a requirement that all graduands are wearing safe and appropriate footwear.

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. Academic dress is compulsory for all graduands attending the ceremony.

On the night of your ceremony CDU staff members will be available to assist you. Find out more about the academic dress.

If you or a family member have any special requirements, please email graduation@cdu.edu.au or call Student Central on 1800 061 963.

Your testamur will be posted out to you at the end of the conferring period.

Please remember to advise us if you have changed your address.

If you are not attending the ceremony, it is important to advise us of any changes to your personal details.

Please log into My Student Info to check your details and advise your intention to graduate in absentia.

Those who elect to graduate in absentia will be sent their testamur by mail approximately two weeks after the ceremony. Please allow for postal delivery times from this date.

Overseas students will be sent their testamur via courier. 

All students will be sent their testamurs in a special cardboard folder to protect against damage in transit.

If you experience significant damage in the post, please contact us to arrange a replacement.

Email the graduation@cdu.edu.au or phone the Information Centre on 1800 061 963.