Brisbane Graduations

You will confirm your arrival at the registration area and be provided with important event information. It can be amended on the spot if anything is incorrect (like your name or qualification). 

It is here that you will be given your seating allocation card (the WHITE card). Do not lose your white card! You should have it with you at all times. Not only does it tell you your seating allocation, but it is an important part of the ceremony running smoothly as it contains information on your stage announcement order. You need it. Like, REALLY need it.

After registration, you’ll be directed to the gowning area (look for a helpful staff member if you're unsure where to go). This is where you get the academic regalia you need, such as your fancy schmancy grad gown and mortarboard. You'll be kitted out in different combinations and coloured sashes depending on your qualification and level. You will now look like a graduand!

The gowning attire is on a hire basis only. You will get to keep your black mortarboard (graduation cap) as a memento, but all other rented items must be returned, or you will be charged a fee. The gown return is located directly outside the auditorium when you are leaving.

We encourage graduates to celebrate cultural heritage by wearing traditional attire. We encourage wearing Korowai Maori cloaks, Islander Ula Loles (candy leis), Burqas, Hijabs, Niqabs, Chadors and Khimars. If any inappropriate attire (i.e. anything without a cultural heritage) is worn (as deemed by TAFE Queensland staff), you will not be able to walk across the stage. E.g. no cowboy hats.

Whilst you are being gowned, your guests will be welcomed to wait for you in the 66 on Ernest Restaurant. Inside, you will find nibbles and drinks, live entertainment and a free photobooth. 

It's now time to spend some time with your guests and, if you like, head upstairs with them for your professional photoshoot.

Belongings

This is important: Once you enter the Auditorium, you most likely won’t see your family again until after the ceremony. So give them all hugs, hand over your purse/coat/handbag/graduation bear and send them off to entertain themselves. There will also be a cloakroom available.

Why? You shouldn't carry bags etc. on stage, and you might not go back to the same seat after you’ve walked across the stage. 

Photography

An early bird pre-order special is available for your entire image set. This includes studio-style shots and images of crossing the stage, all for only $85 pre-purchased (it's $150 on the day). Order this when purchasing your student ticket to guarantee this price. 

The package includes your studio photos with you and your family and your on-stage photos when receiving your award. All your digital images are sent to you in high resolution and are shot by highly trained, experienced photographers. Please note that images are digital copies and are not printed as part of the digital images package. Print upgrades are available on the day.

If you miss out on photography before the ceremony, never fear - the photographers will also be available after the ceremony.

If you did not purchase a photo package, rest assured that you can still get your stage images. Once all photos are processed, we will share the image galleries with all registered graduates via email. From this website, you can purchase your stage images direct through our photography partner. Please note that all images are supplied as digital files; you will not receive printed copies.

Merchandise

If you have pre-purchased TAFE Queensland Graduation merchandise, this will be available to pick up before your ceremony from our merchandise desk. A limited amount will be available on the day. 

Before the ceremony is due to begin, you need to attend a compulsory student briefing. You may notice a stampede of other students heading in a particular direction, and that's usually a good indicator of where to go. If you're not sure, just ask a staff member. 

During the briefing, we’ll explain how the celebration works and what you can expect. Please don’t wander off after the briefing! 

While all this is happening, you'll also need to sit in line according to the white card you received while gowning (see, we told you it was necessary). According to this number, you walk in, sit, and walk across the stage.

You will need to be seated in your assigned seat one (1) hour before the ceremony commences so you can be briefed on the ceremony procedures. It’s essential to sit in your allocated seat as this is the order in which your name is read out.

An average Graduation ceremony takes around 90 minutes and involves the following:

The academic procession enters the Auditorium, and the assembly stands

• Acknowledgement of Country
• Welcome to graduands and guests
• Official conferral of awards
• Student/guest speaker
• Conclusion of the ceremony
• The academic procession retires, and the assembly stands

Walking across the stage

Walking across the stage is your moment to shine during the ceremony. Our friendly ushers will guide you through the process on the day, so there is no need to worry if you forget a step. 

Your row will be escorted to the foot of the stage, where you’ll wait in line and hand the usher your name card. 

Once it’s time, you’ll hear your name called and start walking across the stage. 

As you walk, you doff your cap to your Director of Faculty next to the lectern. 

You then proceed to the other side of the stage, where you will shake hands (or elbow bump) with the General Manager; he will present you with a congratulatory scroll and will face you to take a photo to commemorate the moment. 

This is the part of the ceremony where your family and friends cheer as loud as possible and applaud you on your major accomplishment.

Once you leave the stage, our ushers will guide you back to the seats.

Graduation Etiquette

As a courtesy to our graduates and the esteemed academia, please remain in your seat for the duration of the ceremony.

Share it!

Congratulations once again. You did it! You’re going to have a great day. Share the love on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don't forget to tag us @tafeqld or hashtag #tafequeensland, #makegreathappen and #graduation.

When you graduate from TAFE Queensland, you instantly join a global network of professionals. Having awarded 7 million qualifications in over 140 years of training, TAFE Queensland has one of the largest graduate networks in the country.

Join the network - There are several ways to stay connected with the TAFE Queensland graduate community. Please register your details so we can keep in touch with updates, offers and opportunities to help you make the most of your career at every stage. 

Hot tips for getting a job after Graduation

Getting your first job after graduation can be intimidating, but with a little effort and a nudge in the right direction, you will find yourself in your dream job before you know it.

Keep studying

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.” — Henry Ford

You don’t have to stop learning after you graduate. Continuing education, even informally, allows you to consistently adapt yourself to be proficient in the changing market of demanded skills and knowledge.

Education can improve you if you want to keep excelling in your career.

TAFE Queensland is Queensland's largest, most experienced training provider; let us help you MAKE GREAT HAPPEN!

I already have my transcript; what will I receive at Graduation?

Your official testamur and transcript will be posted to your home address on file. On graduation day, you will receive a commemorative Graduation certificate to mark the occasion.

Why should I attend Graduation?

This is the time to pat yourself on the back and be proud of your achievements. Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate a crucial part of your timeline. You get to share this celebration with your friends and family. You will share this momentous occasion with your classmates as you all salute the segue into the next step of your career.

Do I have to attend Graduation?

Not at all. We would like to see every student enjoy the Graduation celebration; it is a significant life milestone that should be celebrated.

If Graduation is not for you, we respect that. You can nominate opt-out via your invitation, so you will no longer receive further correspondence.

Why have I not received an invitation?

There are many reasons you may not have received your invitation. First, check your spam/junk folder.

Have you blocked our email address, graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au?

Still no invitation? Please get in touch with your faculty administration team for further assistance.

I lost my invitation; how do I get a new one?

You can request a new invitation by emailing graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au or contacting your faculty administration team.

My invitation had the wrong course information listed.

Your information is taken from our student management system. Please ensure your details are constantly updated via the student portal. You have the opportunity to advise of incorrect information during your registration purchase. Please contact your faculty administration team if you would like to speak with someone to confirm your data. 

What if I cannot attend my ceremony?

We would like to see every student enjoy the ceremony that is Graduation. If you cannot attend your ceremony, you can request to a future planned Graduation ceremony. 

I do not have a credit card; how can I pay for my registration?

Our ticketing process is a 100% online cashless system. If you do not have a credit card, you can purchase a prepaid card for one-time use.

Can I buy tickets on the day?

We will NOT be selling any tickets on the day due to venue capacities and seating arrangements.

I have not received confirmation of my registration.

You will receive a registration confirmation with tickets attached within 24hrs of booking direct from us. Please check your spam/junk folder in the first instance if you do not receive one. If you still have not received a confirmation email, contact graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au. If possible, please attach a copy of your payment receipt.

When do I get my tickets?

Your tickets should be attached in your confirmation email. These tickets are only for your guests. Students do not need a physical ticket. If you still have not received a confirmation email, contact graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au. If possible, please attach a copy of your payment receipt.

Can I sit with my friends during the ceremony?

Graduates are seated alphabetically by both qualification and surname. This is done so that you are called across the stage correctly. Please observe the seating number issued on the day. 

Can I buy more guest tickets?

Unfortunately, guest numbers are restricted due to the venue size. Once registration has closed, we will make any remaining guest tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. All registered graduands will be notified when this is available.

I have registered but would now like to add guest tickets.

That is fine. You can add guest tickets and merchandise up until ticketing is closed using the link on your invitation. 

I have already registered but would now like to purchase merchandise.

That is fine. You can add guest tickets and merchandise up until ticketing is closed using the link on your invitation. 

I do not want to come to Graduation. Can I still purchase merchandise?

No problem. You can purchase merchandise up until ticketing is closed using the link on your invitation. This will be available for collection from the South Bank campus after graduation.

When do I get my merchandise?

You can pick this up on the day of Graduation from the merchandise table after registration check-in.

An early bird pre-order special is available for your entire image set. This includes studio-style shots and images of crossing the stage, all for only $85 (usually $150). Order this when purchasing your student ticket to guarantee this price. 

If you purchased a professional photography package, our fantastic photography team will collate your images on stage and in the studio session, emailing you within one (1) week of your ceremony. 

Keep an eye on your spam/junk folder; the email may land there. If you do not have an email after a week, please contact TAFE Queensland events and we will follow up on your behalf: graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au.

If you did not purchase a photo package, rest assured that you can still get your stage images. Once all photos are processed, we will share the image galleries with all registered graduates via email. From this website, you can purchase your stage images directly through the photography supplier. Please note that all images are supplied as digital files; you will not receive printed copies.

What is included in the digital images package?

The package includes your studio photos with you and your family and your on-stage pictures of you receiving your award. All your digital images are sent to you in high resolution. Please note that images are digital copies and are not printed as part of the digital images package. Print upgrades are available on the day.

Are there any other photo opportunities?

On Graduation day, we will have informal photo opportunities to help you capture your day. There will also be a free unlimited print photo booth in the pre-function area.

I have registered but can no longer attend.

We understand that circumstances change. You can cancel your registration with a full refund before ticketing closes. Once ticketing closes, refunds will only be given in extenuating cases. Each claim will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and require supporting documentation such as a medical certificate. Approval is at the discretion of TAFE Queensland; claims are required to be sent to graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au for assessment, and a representative will contact you.

Graduation is next week, but I cannot get off work.

You can cancel your registration with a full refund before ticketing closes. Once ticketing closes, refunds will only be given in extenuating circumstances. Each claim will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and require supporting documentation such as a medical certificate. Approval is at the discretion of TAFE Queensland, claims are to be sent to graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au for assessment, and a representative will contact you.

Something has come up, and the cut-off date has passed.

Once ticketing closes, refunds will only be given in extenuating circumstances. Each claim will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and require supporting documentation such as a medical certificate. Approval is at the discretion of TAFE Queensland, claims are to be sent to graduations.brisbane@tafeqld.edu.au for assessment, and a representative will contact you.

I need wheelchair access.

If you or your guests require wheelchair access, you can identify this during the ticket registration. We will contact you to acknowledge this request before your ceremony.

I need an Auslan interpreter.

Auslan interpreters are available on request. If you or your guests are hearing impaired, please identify your requirements during the ticket registration. We will contact you to acknowledge your needs before your ceremony.

Can we bring children?

Certainly! Children under three years of age do not require a ticket if sitting on a lap and not in their own seat. All children must always be accompanied by an adult who is not a graduating student.

Do we get to keep the gown?

No, the gowning attire is on a hire basis only. You will get to keep your Graduation cap as a memento, but all other rented items must be returned, or you will be charged. The gown return is located directly outside the auditorium when you are leaving.

How do I book a cultural or LGBTQIA+ stole?

When you register, you will have the opportunity to identify yourself. This will book your desired academic sole. Your request is limited to the availability of the stole, as numbers are limited.

You didn't ask what size gown I need.

Graduation gowns are supplied in one size fits all design, at different lengths. We will record your height during registration to ensure the correct length of the Graduation gown is provided for you.

What is the dress code?

Graduation is a celebratory occasion; semi-formal attire is recommended.

What gowning attire will I be wearing?

All students will wear a black gown and a black mortarboard (Graduation cap). Your additional regalia will depend on your qualification level.

Will there be food and beverages available?

Light finger food and drinks will be served before each ceremony commencing at the pre-function. It is recommended to eat something substantial before the ceremony. A cash bar is available for 18+ only at our afternoon and evening ceremonies.

I have a food allergy.

During the registration process, you have the opportunity to identify any special requests and food dietaries. We will confirm that we have received this information within one (1) week of Graduation.

I have a dietary requirement.

We will cater for vegan & gluten-free in the planned catering. If you have a different requirement, you have the opportunity to identify any special requests and food dietaries during the registration process.