Correct academic dress is compulsory for all graduates if they are to register and participate in the ceremony. 

The cost of your academic dress hire is included in the graduation fee. Academic dress at UNSW Sydney is provided by the Arc Grad Shop, and the Graduations team provide them with the title of the degree you are graduating with, and they will ensure that you are in the correct gown.

What is the "correct" academic dress?

Academic dress consists of a black gown, a hood and a trencher-cap (mortar-board) or bonnet. For a description of your gown, see UNSW Academic Dress Regulations and Colours (pdf, 14 pages, 1.3 mb).

If you cannot wear academic dress for religious reasons, please contact UNSW Graduations

On graduation day

Your academic dress can be collected from the Mathews Pavilion on graduation day - signs will point you in the right direction. Arc Grad Shop staff can help you with academic dress from 7.30am for 10am ceremonies, and for 1.5 hours before afternoon and evening ceremonies.

Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions, so please wear appropriate clothing underneath your academic dress. When choosing your outfit for graduation day, remember that academic gowns are worn open at the front.

 If you would like to own your academic dress, you may purchase at an additional cost to the graduation fee. Please contact the Arc Grad Shop directly to organise the purchase and additional payment for your academic dress.

Academic dress services

Academic dress is provided by Arc@UNSW through the Grad Shop.

  • Location: Lower Ground Floor, Morven Brown Building (near Central Lecture Block, at the foot of the spiral staircase)
  • Phone +61 2 9385 7757
  • Email [email protected]
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