When will I get my certificate?
If you attend your graduation ceremony, your degree certificate and diploma supplement will be handed to you on stage.
Those who graduate in absentia will be sent their certificates within 5 working days after the ceremonies have finished to the postal address you indicate on the graduation ceremony application form. Your certificate will only be issued at the graduation ceremony or after. It is not possible under any circumstances to receive your certificate or a photocopy of your certificate prior to the graduation ceremony. Please be aware - if you have not completed the graduation ceremony application form, your certificate will not be sent to you.
What time should I arrive before my ceremony?
We strongly suggest you arrive at the campus at least 1 hour prior to your ceremony.
Registration and other pre-ceremony activities are open to students 1.5 hours before a ceremony. After arrival, please follow directing signs to the Lord Dearing Building to register. You will receive your Student Ticket and your Guest Ticket when you register.
Will a graduation gown be arranged for me?
Yes, the university will prepare a gown for you, according to the degree and gown size information that you indicate in your graduation ceremony application form. You will receive your gown on the graduation days. A full set of gown includes a robe, a cap and a hood. Please remember to return the gown in time.
To ensure proper management of academic dress, a refundable deposit of RMB 300 per set (including a gown, hood, and hat) will be collected. Please take good care of the items. If any piece is missing or damaged, a corresponding fee will be deducted from your deposit according to the schedule below.
| Item |
Compensation fee |
| Gown |
RMB 180 |
| Hood |
RMB 80 |
| Hat |
RMB 40 |
If multiple components are lost or damaged, the total deduction will reflect the sum of applicable fees.
Please watch the guide video to wear your gown properly.
How long is a graduation ceremony?
A ceremony usually lasts for 60 - 90 minutes.
What happens at a ceremony?
A graduation ceremony starts with the entry of an academic procession consisting of university senior officers, Deans, Heads of Schools and academic staff. The procession enters the auditorium through the side door.
When the official conferment of student degrees starts, students move, in order, from their seats to the stairs leading to the platform. Please remove your cap when seated and leave it on your seat when you go to the platform.
A Marshal will check your name first. Then the Head of your School/Department (or a representative) will read out your name – at this moment please make your way to the platform, walk to the central table, pause and bow to the Presiding Officer. Then proceed to the far side of the platform, where the Dean (or a representative) will shake hands with you. After that, you can get off the platform and collect your degree certificate and transcript at the table on the left-hand side, and return to your seat.
Ushers (wearing blue gowns) will be present throughout a ceremony and will be happy to assist you with any difficulties.
Is professional photography service available on the day?
Yes, a professional photographer will record the whole ceremony, and take three group photos after the ceremonies. The video record and group photos will be shared with you in late-July / late-November through university email.
In addition, professional event photo livestreaming is arranged. You may scan the QR code provided on the day to access. Meanwhile, the university will arrange free portrait photo service in DB B04 or DB B05 – each graduate could take one photo during the given time period.
What happens after my ceremony?
Graduation gowns must be returned to the gowning room in the Lord Dearing Building by 18:30, 19 July.
Will refreshments/food be available on the day?
Complimentary refreshments, including instant tea, coffee and cookies will be available in the public areas in the lobby of the D.H. Lawrence Auditorium for students and guests.
What can i do if i want to make changes to my application?
Please cancel your registration and submit a new one before the registration deadline. We will process your latest response received.
Applications or change requests submitted after the registration deadline may not be accepted.
How can I apply for extra guest tickets?
Extra tickets may become available for application on 10:00 am 6 July 2026. If additional tickets are available for your ceremony, applications can be submitted via this website starting from that date.
Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. You will be notified of the outcome of your application via email by 15 July.
If I cannot attend the ceremony in-person, can I borrow the graduation gown to take photos in advance?
You are not be able to borrow the university graduation gown in advance. Only eligible graduates can wear university graduation gowns. If you cannot attend the ceremony in-person, you are more than welcome to come back to our campus in the future and borrow a graduation gown from us. Please send a request to graduation@nottingham.edu.cn at least two weeks in advance to make a reservation.