View our highlights from the 2023 Graduation in this reel

Dual qualifications

•  If you’re graduating with more than one qualification, you’ll only need to walk across the stage once.
• You will be acknowledged for both achievements at once onstage.

Graduand Regalia

• All graduating students are required to wear academic regalia at the Graduation Ceremony.
• Bendigo TAFE will organise all regalia free of charge and provide it to Graduands on arrival at the venue.
• The regalia is hired by Bendigo TAFE and includes a black gown and black and gold striped stole which must be returned at the conclusion of the evening.
• Graduands must arrive between 5:00 pm and 6:30 pm for registration and gowning.
• Graduands will be asked to advise their height when registering their participation in the Graduation Ceremony. This information will be used to hire a gown in the correct length for you.

Dress code

• Graduand should wear neat formal attire under your gown (thongs, sandals, t-shirts or casual wear are not acceptable).
• Please consider that the gowns are black, and when worn, are open at the front and expose the lower arms. 
• Appropriate footwear is a must as you will need to walk up and down stairs. If you would like to wear traditional dress under your gown you are more than welcome to.
• You may leave your coat with us in the gowning area. No valuables are to be left behind. Bendigo TAFE does not accept responsibility for loss of property.

 Photography

• Bendigo TAFE has employed a roaming professional photographer to take pictures throughout the event.
• They will also endeavour to take pictures of all graduands when on stage however we suggest you also have friends and family take photos just in case.
• These pictures will be available free of charge via a link on our Facebook page in the weeks following the event.
• A professional photographer is also available to take professional portrait pictures, at a cost, both before and after the ceremony.

Will I receive my certificate at the Graduation Ceremony?

No. You will receive your certificate and academic transcript within 30 days of being signed off by your teaching department as having completed your training. This is a requirement of the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Your qualification can be accessed through My eQuals. You are able to access digital copies of your transcripts and certificates.

Do Graduates need to Register?

• Graduands MUST register to participate in the Graduation Ceremony.
• Participation in the Graduation Ceremony has a charge of $50.00 for Graduands, which includes two (2) guest tickets.
• Registration can be completed via the booking link that was sent in your email invite to Graduation.
• When registering, please advise of any accessibility or disability requirements so we can accommodate.

When does Graduation Registration close?

Graduand Registration closes on Friday 08 March 2024.

Do I need to purchase tickets for my guests?

• Yes, guests must have a ticket to attend the Graduation Ceremony.
• Additional guest tickets cost $25.00 each and can be bought via the booking link that was sent in your email invite to Graduation.
• We recommend that Graduands purchase their additional guest tickets early to avoid missing out.
• When purchasing guest tickets, please advise of any accessibility or disability requirements so that we can accommodate.
• Guest tickets can be bought during the Graduation registration or as a separate purchase.
• Guest ticket cannot be reserved without payment.

What does my Graduand ticket include?

• Registration to the Graduation
• Two complimentary guest tickets
• Hiring of the academic regalia – stole and graduation gown
• Light refreshments
• Keepsake program
• Stage photography

When do guest ticket sales close?

Guest tickets will be available to purchase up until the day of the event, unless sold our prior.

Can children attend?

• Children are welcome to attend the Graduation Ceremony.
• Guest tickets must be purchased for children aged 12 and over. Children under 12 years must have a 'children's ticket'.
• Children's tickets can be purchased for children under the age of 12. These are available for $10.00 per child.
• Infants and toddlers (4 years and under) do not require a ticket.
• All tickets can be purchased via the booking link that was sent in your email invite to Graduation.

Special needs

• If you or your guests have any special requirements, i.e. disability assistance, seating with space for a stroller, please let us know when registering and purchasing tickets online.
• You may be asked to arrive earlier so that we can accommodate your request.
• If you would like to discuss with the event organisers, please email: events@bendigotafe.edu.au

What should I do if I am ineligible to graduate?

You need to contact your teaching coordinator and email: events@bendigotafe.edu.au

What should I do if I believe I am eligible to graduate but haven't received an invite?

You should contact your teaching coordinator and email: events@bendigotafe.edu.au

How long is the Graduation Ceremony?

The graduation ceremony will last approximately 1.5 hours, depending on the number of Graduands that have registered to participate.

When do I receive my tickets for the graduation ceremony?

• When registering yourself as a Graduand and purchasing your guest ticket, you will receive an automated email containing your tickets.
• Make sure to bring either a digital or printed copy to the Graduation.

Is parking available at the venue?

There are a number of car parks in close proximity to Ulumbarra Theatre including Park Road (behind the Golden Dragon Museum) and the QEO car park.

Accessible parking

There is a disabled car parking zone adjacent to the venue and a drop off point immediately at the front of the venue for all Ulumbarra Theatre patrons.