This page details what you and your guests need to do on graduation day, before the ceremony.

Please plan ahead and allow enough time to get to UNSW for your ceremony.

Getting to UNSW

Venue

UNSW Sydney Graduation Ceremonies are held at the Sir John Clancy Auditorium on the Kensington campus. 

UNSW Canberra ceremonies are held at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).

Please be sure to check where your ceremony will take place. The location of your ceremony can be confirmed on your myUNSW Graduations Details page.

Public Transport

Parking is limited at UNSW Kensington campus. We therefore encourage graduates and guests to take public transport.

If travelling to UNSW via the Sydney light rail network, please use the L2 Randwick light rail line and disembark at the UNSW High Street stop.

There are also multiple express bus services available.

For service and timetable information:

Please be aware of changed traffic conditions near the UNSW Kensington Campus, particularly on High Street at Gate 9 where there is high pedestrian activity. We encourage all graduates and guests to use public transport to get to Kensington campus for graduation ceremonies.

Car parking

All day and short-term is parking available at UNSW close to the Sir John Clancy Auditorium ceremony venue. See Kensington Campus Parking Map (PDF).

  • For morning graduation ceremonies during term, we recommend that graduates and their guests use public transport, as parking is limited on campus and in surrounding side streets.
  • For afternoon and evening ceremonies there is some parking in surrounding streets, although some restrictions apply.
  • Parking is free from 7.30 pm to 7.30 am the following day on weekdays, all day on weekends and public holidays.

All day meter parking

All day meter parking is available on campus at the top level of Botany St carpark. Enter through Gate 11 Botany Street and park on level 6. Payment is required on arrival and can be made through Pay-by-Plate meter or by downloading the CellOPark App.

Short-term meter parking

Limited short-term meter parking is also available at:

  • Gate 11 entry (4P max 4 hours)
  • Gate 8 entry (2P max 2 hours)
  • Western Campus Carpark (near NIDA)
  • and on ground-level outdoor parking areas.

Payment is required on arrival and can be made through Pay-by-Plate meter or by downloading the CellOPark App.

Disabled parking

For disabled parking options close to the Sir John Clancy Auditorium ceremony venue, there are a small number of disabled parking bays available if you enter through Gate 9 on High Street and immediately turn left. More mobility bays are available in the open carpark at Gate 11 on Botany Street.

Other disabled parking is marked on the Accessibility and Parking Map.

Go here for further information on parking at UNSW Kensington campus.

Arrival time

Graduates:

  • 2.5 hours before ceremony: Academic dress collection opens (please see this page for specific ceremony collection times)
  • 45 minutes before ceremony: Graduates must arrive and register at their ceremony venue
  • 30 minutes before ceremony: All graduates should be in correct academic dress, registered and seated for their ceremony

Guests:

  • We advise guests to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the graduation ceremony start time, to find their seats.

Collect academic dress

If Graduates are hiring academic dress, they can collect these from The Pavilions at the allocated collection times on graduation day.

Please follow the ‘Gown Collection’ signs.

Graduates are advised to please arrive at least 1 hour and 30 minutes before their ceremony to allow time to be fitted in their academic gown. See more information on Academic Dress.

Leave belongings with guests

Please leave all your personal belongings with guests prior to registration.

Graduate registration and briefing

Graduates must arrive and register at their Ceremony venue at least 45 minutes prior to their ceremony.

The registration desk is located inside the Sir John Clancy Auditorium, via the side entrance.

Graduates must be gowned, registered and in their allocated seats 30 minutes before the ceremony starts.

Graduation staff will explain graduates' participation in the ceremony. Graduates must follow the instructions of staff during the ceremony.

Accessibility

Go here for accessibility information.

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