Gold Coast Graduation
- DATE
- Wednesday 16 December 2026
- TIME
-
Ceremony 1: 1pm-3pm
Ceremony 2: 5pm-7pm
- LOCATION
-
Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy
Broadbeach QLD 4218
- PRESENTER
- TAFE Queensland
The moment you've been waiting for has arrived!
Graduation is your opportunity to celebrate your achievements with classmates, teachers, family and friends.
To be eligible to attend, students must have successfully completed all course requirements, finalised any outstanding payments, and completed an eligible Certificate III or IV (non-apprentice), Diploma or Bachelor qualification between 1 January 2026 and 11 December 2026. Students are encouraged to discuss any eligibility concerns with their teacher.
Please use the menu on this page to navigate through important information about your ceremony, registration, tickets, refunds, guest information and frequently asked questions.
We can't wait to celebrate with you!
Please note: Tickets will be avaialble for purchase mid October
Important invitation information
- Graduand registrations open mid-October. Early bookings are recommended as places are limited for each ceremony.
- Graduand registrations close at 10:00am on Thursday 4 December 2026.
- Guest tickets are purchased separately through Ticketek. A booking link will be emailed to eligible students once ticket sales open.
- All tickets are subject to venue capacity.
- Additional guest tickets may become available after registrations close if capacity permits.
When is my ceremony?
Graduation ceremony 1 | Wednesday 16 December
Community Services, Health and Nursing
10:30am student arrival for a 1pm ceremony | Ageing Support, Allied Health Assistance, Animal Care Services, Child, Youth and Family Intervention, Community Services, Counselling, Disability Support, Health Administration, Health Services Assistance, Individual Support (Ageing), Individual Support (Ageing and Disability), Leisure and Health, Mental Health, Mental Health Peer Work, Nursing, Pathology Collection, Sterilisation Services, Veterinary Nursing, Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care and Youth Work.
Graduation ceremony 2 | Wednesday 16 December
Business, Education, Hospitality and Language | Creative Industries, Built Environment and IT | Industry Trade Skills
2:30pm student arrival for a 5pm ceremony | Accounting and Bookkeeping, Artificial Intelligence, Beauty Services, Beauty Therapy, Business, Business (Administration), Early Childhood Education and Care, Fitness, Hospitality, Justice Studies, Kitchen Management, Leadership and Management, Project Management, School Based Education Support, Applied Blockchain, Aviation (Commercial Pilot Licence), Aviation (Instrument Rating), Building Design, Cyber Security, Design Fundamentals, Graphic Design, Information Technology, Information Technology (Advanced Networking and Cloud Engineering), Information Technology (Advanced Programming), Interior Design, Music, Music (Performance), Music (Sound Production), Residential Drafting, Screen and Media, Screen and Media (Film and TV), Screen and Media (Production Management), Screen and Media (Specialist Makeup Services), Carpentry, Horticulture, Landscape Construction, Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Plumbing and Services (Operations).
Order of proceedings
Ceremony 1
- 10:30am: Registration, robing and photography (Foyer areas)
- 12:15pm: Compulsory graduand briefing
- 12:45pm: Guests to be seated
- 1:00pm: Ceremony commences
- 2:30pm: Approximate conclusion. Return gown hire
Ceremony 2
- 2:30pm: Registration, robing and photography (Foyer areas)
- 4:15pm: Compulsory graduand briefing
- 4:45pm: Guests to be seated
- 5:00pm: Ceremony commences
- 6:30pm: Approximate conclusion. Return gown hire
Preparing for Graduation
To attend a Graduation ceremony, students must have successfully completed all course requirements, including units, assessments and exams. Invitations are issued to eligible students. If you believe you are eligible and have not received an invitation, please contact your faculty administration team.
Completion of your qualification does not automatically register you for Graduation.
Eligible students will receive an email invitation with details on how to register and purchase tickets.
Registration numbers may be limited depending on ceremony capacity.
Graduand Registration: $60 (plus booking fee)
Includes gown and stole hire, plus a mortarboard (cap) to keep as a memento.
Guest Tickets: Adults $25 (plus booking fee). Children aged 4–15 years $15 (plus booking fee). Children under 4 years free if seated on an adult's lap. Guest tickets are purchased separately through Ticketek.
Students with outstanding fees will be ineligible to attend Graduation until all debts have been paid. Individual circumstances may be considered when determining eligibility. Any appeals must be lodged with your faculty administration team before registrations close.
Keep your contact information up to date with TAFE Queensland. Log in to the Student Portal and ensure your contact details are correct. If you are unable to access the portal please call 1300 308 233.
Graduands can apply for a refund through Eventbrite. Refund requests submitted after registrations close will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and may require supporting documentation. Email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au for assessment. Guest ticket refunds are subject to Ticketek’s refund policy.
Professional photography packages are available for purchase during registration on Eventbrite.
Pre-purchase package: $80
Purchased on the day: $100
Purchased after the event: $150
Packages include family and stage photographs, delivered as digital images.
Graduation mementos can be pre-purchased during registration on Eventbrite for $22.50 plus booking fee and collected at Graduation.
Mementos will also be available to purchase on the day for $25, subject to availability.
Parking: The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre offers undercover parking for a flat rate of $15. Entry is via the northern car park from the Gold Coast Highway or T E Peters Drive.
Transport: Broadbeach South is the main connection point for buses and the G:Link tram network, with nearby tram stops within walking distance.
Ceremony details
Registration, gowning and photography open 2 hours and 30 minutes before each ceremony. Arrive early to allow enough time to register, collect your academic regalia and attend the compulsory student briefing.
All graduands must attend a compulsory briefing 45 minutes before the ceremony. You must be seated in the auditorium by 12.15pm for Ceremony 1 and by 4.15pm for Ceremony 2.
Graduating students are seated separately from guests and grouped by qualification, then alphabetically by surname. Please remain in your allocated seat, as this determines the order students are called to the stage.
Graduation is a formal ceremony. Graduands and guests are asked to remain seated, follow event staff instructions and keep mobile devices on silent until the ceremony concludes.
Each graduating student will be presented with a congratulatory scroll on stage. Student of the Year Awards are presented across a range of study areas, along with the TAFE Queensland Excellence Award and TAFE Queensland Outstanding Student of the Year Award.
Guests requiring wheelchair-accessible seating should request this when booking through Ticketek. For venue accessibility enquiries, please contact the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre directly. Children must remain with a ticket-holding guest, and prams and strollers must remain outside the auditorium.
Gowning
Academic regalia
All graduands are required to wear academic regalia during the ceremony.
The graduand registration fee includes:
- Gown and stole hire
- Mortarboard (graduation cap) to keep as a memento
Gowns and stoles must be returned immediately following the ceremony.
Cultural and rainbow stoles
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Dual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Rainbow stoles can be requested during Eventbrite registration at no additional cost, subject to availability.
Financial hardship assistance
Students experiencing genuine financial hardship may be eligible to apply for assistance towards the cost of academic regalia. Applications are limited and must include supporting documentation.
Email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au to request an application form.
When completing your registration, you will be asked to provide your height for gown sizing and your head circumference for mortarboard (cap) sizing. Refer to the sizing guides below.
Gown sizing: Measure your height from the top of your head to the floor while standing straight without shoes.
- Size 44: 151cm to 155cm
- Size 46: 156cm to160cm
- Size 48: 161cm to 165cm
- Size 50: 166cm to 170cm
- Size 52: 171cm to 175cm
- Size 54: 176cm to 180cm
- Size 54: 176cm to 180cm
- Size 56: 181cm to 185cm
- Size 58: 186cm to 190cm
- Size 60: 191cm to 195cm
Cap sizing: Using a soft measuring tape, measure around your head just above your ears and eyebrows.
- Small: 53cm to 55cm
- Medium: 56cm to 58cm
- Large: 59cm to 61cm
- X-Large: 62cm
- XX-Large: 63+cm
Frequently asked questions
What will I receive at Graduation?
Your official qualification and academic transcript are issued separately. At Graduation, you will receive a congratulatory scroll to recognise your achievement.
Why should I attend Graduation?
Graduation is an opportunity to celebrate your achievement with classmates, teachers, family and friends. You will take part in the formal ceremony, cross the stage and receive a congratulatory scroll.
Do I have to attend Graduation?
No. Attendance is optional. If you do not wish to attend, please follow the instructions provided in your invitation.
Why have I not received an invitation?
First, check your junk or spam folder for an email from TAFE Queensland. If you believe you are eligible but have not received an invitation, contact your faculty administration team to confirm your eligibility and contact details.
I lost my invitation. How do I get a new one?
Contact your faculty administration team or email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au to request another invitation.
My invitation had the wrong course information listed.
Contact your faculty administration team to confirm or update your qualification details before completing your graduand registration. You can also check your personal details through the Student Portal.
What if I cannot attend my ceremony?
Graduation attendance is optional. If you cannot attend, please follow the instructions in your invitation to decline or cancel your registration.
How do I register for Graduation?
Eligible students will receive an email invitation with a link to complete their graduand registration through Eventbrite. Registration is not automatic when you complete your qualification.
Guest tickets are purchased separately through Ticketek. A Ticketek booking link will be emailed to eligible students when guest ticket sales open.
Can I register or purchase guest tickets on the day?
Graduand registrations and guest tickets should be arranged before the advertised closing date. Tickets are limited and subject to venue capacity.
I haven’t received my registration confirmation. What should I do?
Check your junk or spam folder for an email from Eventbrite. If you still cannot locate your confirmation, sign in to the Eventbrite account you used for your booking or email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au for assistance.
Can I sit with friends during the ceremony?
Graduands are seated by qualification and then alphabetically by surname. You must remain in your allocated seat because the seating order determines when each graduand is called to the stage. Guests are seated separately.
Can I purchase additional guest tickets?
Additional guest tickets may become available after registrations close if venue capacity permits. Eligible students will be advised by email if further tickets are released.
Can I add guest tickets after completing my graduand registration?
Yes. Graduand registrations and guest tickets are managed separately. Guest tickets are purchased through Ticketek using the booking link emailed to eligible students.
Availability is subject to venue capacity.
Do I need to bring my booking confirmation?
Graduands should have their Eventbrite registration confirmation available when arriving at the venue. Guests must have their Ticketek tickets available to enter the auditorium.
What happens during the ceremony?
The Graduation ceremony runs for approximately 90 minutes and includes the academic procession, Acknowledgement of Country, welcome, presentation of graduands and Student of the Year Awards. Event staff will guide graduands throughout the ceremony.
What happens when I cross the stage?
Event staff will guide graduands to the stage when their name is called. You will receive a congratulatory scroll, pause for an official photograph and then return to your allocated seat.
Can I leave before the ceremony finishes?
Graduands and guests are asked to remain seated for the duration of the ceremony and follow instructions from event staff. This ensures every graduand can be recognised without disruption.
Can I share my Graduation photos on social media?
Absolutely. Share your Graduation celebrations on social media and tag @tafeqld using #tafequeensland, #makegreathappen and #graduation.
What is included in the photography package?
The package includes individual, group and family portraits (family portraits are limited to a maximum number of people), along with photographs taken when the graduand receives their congratulatory scroll on stage. Images are supplied digitally, and the number of photographs may vary depending on the size of the group.
When are professional photographs taken?
Photography sessions begin two hours and 30 minutes before each ceremony. Guests wishing to be included in photographs should arrive with the graduand at the allocated arrival time.
Can I purchase photographs after Graduation?
Yes. Photography packages can be purchased before, during or after Graduation. The pre-purchase, on-the-day and post-event prices are listed in the Photography section of this page.
Can guests take photos during the ceremony?
Yes. Guests may take photographs and videos but must remain seated and be mindful of others. Mobile devices must be set to silent for the duration of the ceremony.
Can graduands take their phones onto the stage?
No. Graduands cannot carry phones, bags, flowers or other personal items onto the stage during the ceremony.
Do I have to wear academic regalia?
Yes. All graduands must wear academic regalia during the ceremony.
Do I keep the academic regalia?
You may keep the mortarboard. The gown and stole are hired and must be returned after the ceremony.
How is gown and mortarboard sizing determined?
Sizing is based on the height and head circumference provided during Eventbrite registration.
How do I request a cultural or rainbow stole?
Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, dual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and rainbow stoles can be requested during your Eventbrite registration at no additional cost, subject to availability.
What is the dress code?
Graduation is a semi-formal occasion. Students are encouraged to dress appropriately for the ceremony. Thongs are not permitted.
What if I cannot afford academic regalia?
Students experiencing genuine financial hardship may be eligible to apply for assistance towards the cost of academic regalia. Email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au for more information.
Can I cancel my graduand registration?
Yes. Graduands can request a cancellation or refund through Eventbrite. Refund requests are subject to the applicable Eventbrite and Graduation refund conditions.
Can I request a refund after registrations close?
Requests submitted after registrations close will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and may require supporting documentation. Email graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au for assessment.
How do I request a refund for guest tickets?
Guest ticket refunds are managed separately and are subject to Ticketek’s refund policy. Refer to your Ticketek booking confirmation for the applicable conditions and refund process.
Can I purchase a memento after registering?
Yes. Graduation mementos can be purchased on the day of Graduation, subject to availability.
Can I purchase a memento if I am not attending Graduation?
Yes, you can purchase mementos on the day of Graduation.
I have accessibility requirements. What should I do?
Graduands requiring assistance to access or cross the stage should provide details when completing their Eventbrite registration. If you have accessibility requirements that may impact your Graduation experience, please contact the Graduation team at graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au.
Guests requiring wheelchair-accessible seating should make this request when booking through Ticketek. For venue accessibility enquiries, please contact the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre directly.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre provides wheelchair access throughout the venue, including accessible entrances, lift access, accessible parking bays and amenities.
Each graduating student will be presented with a congratulatory scroll on stage.
Student of the Year Awards are presented across a range of study areas to recognise outstanding achievement and contribution throughout a student's studies.
Two major awards are also presented:
TAFE Queensland Excellence Award
TAFE Queensland Outstanding Student of the Year Award
Students are assessed on their commitment to training, quality of work, demonstrated leadership and communication skills, initiative, and their ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Teaching teams nominate students for faculty awards. These nominations are considered by faculty leaders when determining award recipients.
The Executive Director of Education & Training and General Manager select the TAFE Queensland Gold Coast recipients of the two major awards.
Will there be food served at Graduation?
No. However, a food and beverage kiosk will be available in the foyer area for guests wishing to purchase refreshments.
Following the ceremony, there are many nearby venues in Broadbeach where you can celebrate with family and friends. As this is a busy time of year, reservations are recommended.
Will there be alcohol at the Graduation?
We ask for graduands and guests refrain from drinking alcohol prior to the event. Please note: If anyone appears to be under the influence of alcohol they will be denied entry to the graduation ceremony and asked to leave by security. Please feel free to celebrate after the event at your preferred location.
What's next?
Whether you're looking for your first job, considering further study or planning your next career move, TAFE Queensland's Careers Hub provides tools, resources and support to help you explore your options.
Visit the TAFE Queensland Careers Hub
Still have questions?
Please contact the Graduation team at graduations.goldcoast@tafeqld.edu.au. For the fastest response, we recommend contacting us via email.