Graduation Ceremony
The 2026 graduation ceremony will be held at the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland on Monday 28 September. It is a daytime ceremony.
We encourage all eligible graduates to take the opportunity to formally graduate and participate in this event. To apply to attend the ceremony, click here.
All students who successfully complete a qualification at Level 5 or above between October 2025 and early September 2026 inclusive are eligible to attend the 2026 ceremony. Appropriate academic dress is worn, comprising gown, hood, and trencher for degree graduates, gown and sash for diploma graduates, and a gown for certificate graduates. The wearing of national dress is encouraged.
The programme printed for the graduation ceremony includes the names of all students who completed qualifications within the eligibility period, as well as those who achieved certificates of proficiency in our English Language Centre.
Photographs from the 2025 ceremony can be ordered online at www.shot360.co.nz.
To order photographs from earlier ceremonies, visit www.global-pix.com and enter AIS in the ‘Search for Learning Institute’ field.
Watch the video of the 2025 ceremony here.
2026 Graduation Ceremony Deadline:
Application Submission /
|
By 5.00pm Friday 11 September |
FAQs
What must I do if I wish to formally graduate?
To formally graduate at the ceremony, you must:
- have completed your qualification(s) within the eligibility period;
- paid all outstanding fees and/or fines and completed a Student Clearance Form,
- completed and submitted an “Application to Graduate” form before the specified deadline; and
- returned your certificate to Registry if it has already been issued to you.
I hope to complete my programme in September. Should I wait for my final results before applying to attend the ceremony?
No, don't wait. It is best to complete and submit an “Application to Graduate” form as early as possible to avoid missing out. Applications will not be accepted after the submission deadline. If you fail to complete your qualification in time for the ceremony, your application will be withdrawn and any graduation fees paid will be refunded.
Do I have to wear academic dress, and how much will it cost?
Yes, you must wear academic dress to graduate at the ceremony. The current hireage fees for academic dress are:
|
Bachelors and Masters Degrees: |
Gown, hood and trencher |
$85.00 |
|
Graduate and Postgraduate Diplomas: |
Gown and gold sash |
$64.00 |
|
Level 5 and Level 6 Diplomas: |
Gown and red sash |
$55.00 |
|
Level 5 Certificates: |
Gown |
$43.00 |
The above fees are subject to change.
The hireage fee must be paid by the deadline noted above. Hired academic dress is collected on the day of graduation at the graduation venue, and must be returned before the end of the day. Your academic dress must only be worn by you at the ceremony.
Will my guests be able to take photos/videos of me during the ceremony?
Yes, however your guests must remain at their seats while they take their photos/videos.
We will have an official photographer present to take photos of each graduate as they walk across the stage to receive their award. You will be able to purchase your photos within a few days of the ceremony from the photographer's website. The photographer will also be able to take 'studio' photos of you and your family and friends after the ceremony.
My family overseas want to attend the ceremony to see me graduate. What can I provide to Immigration New Zealand to support their temporary visitor visa applications?
If you are already a graduate, you may use the invitation to attend the ceremony that AIS will email to you. The email will confirm your eligibility to participate in the ceremony and details of the venue and date. You should also include your official academic transcript.
If you have not yet finished your studies, but expect to have fully completed by early September, you should provide an interim academic transcript tracking your course completion.
In both instances, a personal letter from you formally inviting your parents to attend the ceremony, and stating the dates of their planned visit, will be required.
We will be streaming the ceremony for family members and friends who cannot attend in person.
Will my name appear in the official graduation programme if I can’t attend the ceremony, and can I still receive a copy?
Yes, your name will be printed in the programme under the heading “In Absentia” (not in person). Please contact Registry after the ceremony to ask for a copy of the programme to be sent to you.
Please note that there may be limited copies of the programme available after graduation day.
