Information for those attending a winter 2024 graduation ceremony

How many guest tickets will I get?

All graduands may request up to 2 guest tickets for their graduation ceremony. You do not need to request a ticket for yourself.

How can I get extra guest tickets?

In addition to the 2 guaranteed tickets, you may ask during the registration process to enter a lottery to obtain an additional 3 tickets, for a maximum of 5 guest tickets per graduand.

The lottery outcome is generally announced one week before the graduation ceremony after registration has closed and the number of attendees and ticket requests has been finalised. 

If you have been informed that you were successful in the lottery for additional tickets, you will receive all of your tickets at check-in the day of your ceremony.

When will I receive the guest tickets?

Guest tickets will be handed out when you check in for your ceremony. More details on check-in are available in the On the day section below.

Is McEwan Hall wheelchair accessible?

McEwan Hall is accessible for wheelchairs and anyone with reduced mobility. When you register to attend your ceremony, please let us know if you or your guests use a wheelchair or need special arrangements so we can ensure your seats are accessible. 

Further informaiton on accessibility in McEwan Hall is available on the AccessAble web site:

McEwan Hall accessibility guide

How do I make special arrangements ?

The ceremony attendance registration form offers you the opportunity to indicate if you or your guests require special arrangements.

If you have questions, please contact the Student Information Point Team to discuss your requirements.

Will my name appear in the graduation programme and the Scotsman?

The University has been informed that the Scotsman are no longer publishing Higher Education awards.

We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

If you owe any debt to the University we encourage you to make payment before you graduate. A debt to the University could be any unpaid balance for rent, tuition, fines or other charges.

If you have unpaid tuition fees 21 days prior to the date of graduation, you may not be permitted to attend a graduation ceremony. The University must receive payment by bank transfer/debit card/credit card 28 days prior to the graduation ceremony.

You can pay your outstanding balance using the Student Finance Channel in MyEd, online via our Tuition Payments portal or via bank-to-bank transfer.

If you have any questions about your unpaid debt, please contact the Finance office at feepayment@ed.ac.uk.

How do I order my academic robes?

Ede and Ravenscroft are the official robe makers to The University of Edinburgh and you must order a gown and hood from Ede and Ravenscroft if you are attending a ceremony. Gowns can be pre-ordered up to two weeks before your ceremony or hired on the day of your ceremony.

If you pre-order, your academic robe and hood will be available at the McEwan Hall for you to collect on the day of graduation.

If you have not ordered your gown by the deadline for pre-orders, we recommend you bring £45 in cash to McEwan Hall on the day of your ceremony to hire your robe.

You will not be able to attend a ceremony unless you are wearing the appropriate academic gown and hood; If you use a supplier other than Ede & Ravenscroft and if the gown and hood supplied are incorrect, you will be asked to hire and pay for the correct gown and hood from Ede & Ravenscroft on the day.

What colour is my hood?

A full list of University of Edinburgh Academic Robes / Hoods is available.

I'm getting an MA as an undergraduate degree -- which robe option do I choose?

The correct option to choose for an undergraduate MA degree is "Bachelors/First Degrees (MA U/Grad)".

What is the dress code?

Graduation ceremonies are a formal occasion.  The dress code consists of your gown, hood, and formal dress. While there is no formal dress code, we recommend one of the following:

• A dark suit, white shirt, with a white bow tie (normal dark ties are also acceptable)
• A dark dress
• A dark trouser or skirt suit, with a white shirt or blouse
• Highland dress
• Other formal attire related to your cultural tradition or national costume

When your name is called, you are required to walk across the stage via a ramp.  We recommend you wear flat or low-heeled shoes.

What name will appear on my degree certificate?

Your official name as recorded on your student record will appear on your degree certificate.  You can check your names on your student record. Log into your MyEd account to see your official name. The name on your certificate should match the name on your passport, birth certificate and other official documentation.

After your degree certificate has been issued, it is not possible to amend the name, except under the University's trans policy, so you must ensure your name is correct and let us know of any changes required by Monday 11 November.

How can I correct or update the name that will appear on my degree certificate?

For any official name change, such as forenames and surname (family name) please send your request by emailing infopoint@ed.ac.uk from your student email account with a copy of your passport or other official identification

For a change to your surname, enclose a copy of a form of official identification with your former name with your application, for example a driver's licence or a copy of the relevant pages of your passport.  In addition, your application should be accompanied by either a copy of a marriage or divorce certificate, or a Deed Poll certificate with the new name. Scanned copies of supporting documentation are acceptable.

All name change requests and supporting documentation must be received no later than 11 November 2024.

Will all of my names be called out?

At the graduation ceremony, your preferred forename and surname will be read. ​​​​​​If you want to amend your preferred forename, please do so before 11 November. You can amend your preferred forename in MyEd by following instructions for making changes to your student record.

How do I arrange a visa invitation letter?

If you are an international student and have registered to attend your ceremony, you can download a letter confirming you have registered to attend your ceremony from the documents section your student record in MyEd. The letter will confirm your details, the details of your award (or expected award), the date of your ceremony. It is not possible to customise the letter and from previous experience this is not necessary. 

How and when do I check in for the ceremony?

Graduation days are very busy so we recommend that you allow plenty time to check in and collect your robe and hood.  Check-in will close 45 minutes before the start of the ceremony.

For the 11 am ceremony: Check-in at the McEwan Hall between 8.30 am and 10.15 am at the latest.

For the 3 pm ceremony: Check-in at the McEwan Hall between 12.30 and 2.15 pm at the latest.

Important:   Graduands must be in the McEwan Hall, robed and seated, 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Where do I get my ticket?

You will be given your own ticket when you check in before your ceremony.  You should keep your ticket with you at all times because you will need it during the ceremony.

Where do I get my guest tickets?

You will also be given your guest tickets when you check in for your graduation ceremony. If you have more tickets than you need, please return these at check-in.

Where might I ask for extra guest tickets?

If you would like additional tickets on the day of your ceremony, please ask about returns at check-in. These will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot assign any tickets by email or over the telephone. You must come to McEwan Hall when check-in opens and ask if there are returns.

I have more tickets than I need, can I give them to a friend?

Graduation tickets are non-transferable. When you check in, please return any tickets you do not need.

Where and when do I collect my gown and hood?

If you have pre-ordered your robe and hood will be ready for you to collect in the McEwan Hall.  If you have not pre-ordered you can pay for your robe and hood on the day.  The cost of hiring on the day is £45.  Ede & Ravenscroft will be present in McEwan Hall when you check in for graduation.

How do I return my gown and hood?

After the ceremony, you should return your robes to Ede and Ravenscroft who will be in the robing area of the McEwan Hall, unless you have arranged additional hiring time directly with Ede and Ravenscroft.

Where do I go for my graduation photographs?

Graduation photography services will take place in the upstairs bar (Hangar 5) of Potterrow. You can prebook graduation photography packages from our official photography partner Ede & Ravenscroft. Photography can also be booked on the day.

Will the ceremony be livestreamed?

The ceremonies will be livestreamed and will be available to view via the University homepage

You will receive a video clip from your graduation ceremony which is recorded as you cross the stage and receive your award.  The clips will be sent automatically by email in the weeks following the ceremony.

Where can I park?

There is no reserved parking for the graduation ceremonies, and the City of Edinburgh has limited parking. We recommend, where possible, to take public transport or a taxi.

For parking in Edinburgh, including bays for disability parking, please use the Edinburgh council website

Who should I contact if I have a question?

• Graduation Registration/Ceremony Tickets/Other ceremony questions - infopoint@ed.ac.uk
• Academic Robes/Photography - Ede & Ravenscroft, telephone 01223 861 854, operating hours are 9 am-5 pm Monday to Friday

Where can I find links to other useful information?

Graduation Ball

Please note that filming and photography will be taking place at graduation events and in the surrounding environments for promotional purposes. The photographs and recordings made are likely to appear on our website and social media profiles. If you would prefer not to be photographed please let the photographer present know. For further information please see our privacy statement. 

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