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

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

Your academic dress hire is included in your graduation fee. If you are hiring your academic dress, all you need to do is turn up to the Academic Dress Collection point at the designated collection times on graduation day.

If you would like to purchase your academic dress at an additional cost, please contact the Arc Grad Shop directly to organise purchase and collection.

On graduation day

Your academic dress can be collected on graduation day. Depending on your ceremony time, Arc Grad Shop staff can help you with academic dress at the following times:

Ceremony time

Collection and dressing open

Dressing closes
10:00am From 7:45am to 9:15am 9:30am
2:30pm From 12:00pm to 1:45pm 2:00pm
6:30pm From 4:00pm to 5:45pm 6:00pm

All academic hire sets must be returned no later than two hours after your ceremony finishes. 

Academic dress collection and return locations

See the collection and return locations for 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 (02) 9065 0932
  • Email [email protected]

Academic dress FAQs

Academic dress sizing and specialisation

The Grad Shop will have plenty of sizes on the day so you don’t need to worry about being fitted beforehand, just turn up to your ceremony Academic Dress Collection location at the designated times for your custom fitting. 

The Grad Shop is provided with the title of the degree you are graduating with, and will ensure that you are in the correct gown.

Can I purchase my academic dress?

The cost of your academic dress hire is included in the graduation fee. 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. 

What should I wear underneath academic dress?

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.

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. 

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