How do I apply to graduate?

• If you are entering the last semesters of your program, you should submit an application to graduate form to the Graduate Admissions and Records office. You will not be considered for graduation automatically; this form must be submitted well in advance of the ceremony you plan on attending.
• A graduation application fee is assessed at the time of application and is payable by the end of the month in which application is made. This application fee is non-refundable.
• If you do not complete your degree requirements before the associated deadline for convocation, your application can not be forwarded to the next convocation date. You will need to re-apply and pay again.

Am I eligible to graduate?

• Check over your program as shown on your curriculum advising and program planning (CAPP) report (available from your graduate secretary) with your supervisor to confirm that your degree requirements will be met by the deadlines. Your application to graduate will initiate a review of your eligibility within the Graduate Admissions and Records office.

Dates and deadlines

• Dates and deadlines vary depending on whether you are planning to attend fall (November) or spring (June) convocation. Make sure you establish a timeline for completion with your supervisor to make sure you have completed your requirements in time for graduation. The master’s and PhD student’s checklist can help you establish your plan.

Completing your thesis or dissertation

• You’ve been working on this document for a long time and you’ve finally finished; now what? You can check the formatting requirements for your thesis or dissertation before submitting your final copy to avoid last minute editing.

Ready to defend your work?

• You may have completed your writing, but now it’s time to see how your work stands up. Once your committee agrees that your thesis or dissertation is examinable, check to see what the guidelines are regarding your oral examination.
• Thesis and dissertation students should be aware that there are several steps, interim dates and deadlines involved in planning their defence. Review the suggested timeline for the convocation ceremony for your planned completion date (Fall Convocation or Spring Convocation).

Attending your convocation ceremony

• The Ceremonies and Events office will send an information letter to all graduation applicants in mid-April regarding May convocation, or end of September regarding November convocation. The letter contains information about how to register to attend the convocation ceremony, request an automatic mail-out of your degree or request that your degree be held for pick-up.
• Be sure to maintain a current address until after graduation by updating your address on My Page under your personal profile to ensure any correspondence about convocation can reach you.

Getting your degree or diploma

• Your degree is the final chapter of your UVic story. There are many options available for you to get your parchment (or how to replace it if it’s been lost!).
• Find out how to order certified copies or degree completion letters once your degree has been conferred.
• Senate meets to approve degrees twice a year (end of May for Spring Convocation and end of October for Fall Convocation). Your degree notation will not appear on your transcripts until after these meetings.

Whether you need help to start your resume or CV or want to know the best way to ask for a reference letter, there are tools available to help you get on the academic track. Looking to publish? There are some excellent publishing resources available to help get you started.

Got a degree, need a career?

Take advantage of the information and services available to help you with your job or post-doctoral search.

• Career services for students and alumni at UVic
• Career resources for students and alumni
• University Affairs Career Advice (Canadian)