Dates and times for graduation

This is your moment – don’t sprint through it. AUT graduation ceremonies usually run for about 1½ to 2 hours, but give yourself up to 3 hours total from arrival to the end so you can actually enjoy it, not rush it. Find out when ceremonies are happening, when you can request a name change and when applications open.

Thursday 30 July

  • Faculty of Health & Environmental Sciences
  • Faculty of Design & Creative Technologies

Friday 31 July

  • Faculty of Business, Economics & Law
  • Faculty of Culture & Society and Te Ara Poutama

*The dates published are indicative only and are intended as a general guide for planning. Your individual graduation letter will be sent closer to the time.

Future graduation dates

  • Summer Graduation – 15 December-18 December 2026, Aotea Centre

Applications for Summer Graduation haven’t opened yet. If you’re eligible to graduate in December 2026, we’ll email you around September or October 2026 with everything you need to know about how to apply. Make sure you wait for this information before locking in your travel arrangements.

Is your name correct for graduation?

The name printed on your graduation parchment will match your verified name in our system. Changed your legal name? You’ll need to upload a certified copy of your ID (like a birth certificate, passport or name change certificate) through My AUT > My Documents.

Your graduation day, step by step

Graduation day is equal parts celebration, nerves and ‘is this really happening?’. Knowing how it all works makes it easier to relax and enjoy the moment. Find out when to arrive and register, how long ceremonies usually run, and what happens in the auditorium.

What to expect

Dressing for graduation

This is your moment – make sure you’re dressed for it. Check what to wear and where to get it before the day. No guesswork. No last‑minute stress.

See what to wear

Contact us

Got a question about finishing your qualification? Need support on graduation day? Or just want to double‑check something? Get in touch – we’re here to help.

Email graduation@aut.ac.nz