UNISA Graduation 2026
UNISA Graduation 2026
Graduation is the culmination of your UNISA journey — the moment you officially receive your qualification. UNISA holds graduation ceremonies between March and May 2026 for students who completed their qualifications in 2025. A second ceremony period may be held in September-October for mid-year completions. To graduate, you must first apply for graduation through myUNISA once you have completed all required modules and your results are finalised.
UNISA will verify that you meet all qualification requirements. Once approved, you will receive graduation ceremony details including date, time, and venue. UNISA holds ceremonies at various venues across South Africa including Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, and other cities. You will be allocated to a ceremony based on your college and registered address.
Graduation regalia (gown, hood, and cap) must be ordered through the official supplier. Order early to ensure availability. Each graduate receives a limited number of guest tickets. Dress code is smart formal under your academic regalia.
On the day, arrive early for registration, follow the marshalling instructions, and enjoy the ceremony. Your qualification certificate will be issued separately and can be collected or posted. Graduating in absentia (without attending the ceremony) is also an option if you cannot attend..
Preparing for Your Graduation Day
Graduation day at UNISA is a momentous occasion — the culmination of years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and personal sacrifice. Here is how to make the most of it:
Before the Day
- Apply for graduation early through myUNISA as soon as your results are finalised and you have completed all requirements
- Order regalia through the official supplier well in advance — gowns, hoods, and caps can sell out
- Distribute guest tickets to your chosen family and friends
- Plan your outfit — smart formal attire under your academic gown. Dark colours photograph well under regalia
- Arrange transportation and accommodation if the ceremony is not in your city
On the Day
- Arrive at least 90 minutes early for registration and marshalling
- Bring your student card and ID for verification
- Follow the marshalling instructions — ushers will guide you to your seat and explain the ceremony procedures
- Walk with confidence across the stage when your name is called — you have earned this moment
- Celebrate with family and friends after the ceremony
After Graduation
Your qualification certificate will be issued separately from the ceremony. It can be collected from a UNISA office or posted to your registered address. Update your CV, LinkedIn profile, and professional registrations with your new qualification. Consider ordering extra certified copies of your certificate for safekeeping.
Graduating In Absentia
If you cannot attend the graduation ceremony due to distance, work commitments, health, or other reasons, UNISA offers graduation in absentia. Your qualification is conferred just the same — you simply do not attend the ceremony in person.
- Select the "in absentia" option when applying for graduation
- Your certificate will be posted to your registered address
- You can still order graduation photos separately
- You may attend a future ceremony if you wish to have the in-person experience (subject to availability)
Frequently Asked Questions
UNISA holds graduation ceremonies between March-May and September-October each year. The specific dates and venues are announced on the UNISA website and communicated to qualifying graduates.
Once all your modules are complete and results are finalised, apply for graduation through myUNISA. UNISA will verify that you meet all qualification requirements before confirming your graduation.
Graduation gowns, hoods, and caps are ordered through UNISA's official regalia supplier. Order early to ensure availability. Details are provided in your graduation confirmation communication.
Each graduate receives a limited number of guest tickets (typically 2-4). Additional tickets may be available depending on the venue capacity and demand.
Yes, if you cannot attend the ceremony, you can choose to graduate in absentia. Your qualification certificate will be posted to your registered address.
Related UNISA Guides
- UNISA Status Checker — check your application status
- UNISA Courses List — browse all qualifications
- Fees Calculator — estimate costs
- How to Apply to UNISA — application guide
- Registration Guide — step-by-step registration
Frequently Asked Questions
UNISA holds graduation ceremonies between March-May and September-October each year. The specific dates and venues are announced on the UNISA website and communicated to qualifying graduates.
Once all your modules are complete and results are finalised, apply for graduation through myUNISA. UNISA will verify that you meet all qualification requirements before confirming your graduation.
Graduation gowns, hoods, and caps are ordered through UNISA's official regalia supplier. Order early to ensure availability. Details are provided in your graduation confirmation communication.
Each graduate receives a limited number of guest tickets (typically 2-4). Additional tickets may be available depending on the venue capacity and demand.
Yes, if you cannot attend the ceremony, you can choose to graduate in absentia. Your qualification certificate will be posted to your registered address.