Attendance and eligibility
Find out how you get invited to graduation and get advice if you think there will be a problem attending a ceremony.
Attending a graduation ceremony
If you have already passed your course, you’re automatically eligible to join us at a graduation ceremony.
Sometimes you’re invited to attend on the condition that you pass your course.
You will be invited to one of several ceremonies taking place after your course has finished.
Find out how to book your place.
PhD students
If you have completed your degree, you will be invited to the next available ceremony. If you're unable to attend, you can defer to a future ceremony.
Resitting assessments
Some students earn enough credits to graduate but want to take resits that have been offered. You can still attend graduation and resit your assessments. If you are reclassified after your resit, you will be issued with a replacement certificate.
No results are publicised at the ceremony or in the graduation programme.
If you cannot attend
If you're unable to attend your graduation ceremony and would like to come to another one, email graduation@sussex.ac.uk.
If you can’t make it and don’t wish to attend another ceremony, log into Sussex Direct.
Select the Study tab and then the Graduation option and confirm your details.
Your name will not be read out along with other graduand names if you're not attending in person.
Important: If you choose not to attend, you must confirm your details to receive your certificate.
Collecting your certificate
- If you're attending your ceremony, you will collect your certificate on graduation day, unless you have already received it prior to the ceremony.
- If you choose not to attend your ceremony, you can either collect your certificate from the University or have it sent to you. Certificates are normally sent out after your graduation ceremony has taken place either by recorded delivery, or UPS if you have an international address.
See more about getting transcripts and certificates for your degree.
Getting a visa
You might need a new visa to come back and graduate if you left the UK after your course finished.
Find out how to get a visa for graduation. If you’re bringing friends or family from abroad, they might need to apply for a visa as a graduation guest.
If you have not paid your tuition fees
See the Student Debt Recover Policy [PDF 131KB] (under the section titled Academic Debt) if you think you owe money ahead of your ceremony.
Find out more about paying your fees as a student.
If you need financial help
You can apply for a grant to assist with covering the cost of two guest tickets, gown hire and a basic photography package.
You can apply for the fund once you have received your invitation to your graduation ceremony. If you have any questions you can email hardship@sussex.ac.uk.