Graduation & convocation for graduate students
Graduation vs convocation
Graduation is the awarding of your credential (degree, diploma or certificate) by the University of Victoria Senate. You must apply to graduate in order to be awarded your credential and receive your parchment.
Convocation is a ceremony where your graduation is celebrated. Visit UVic Ceremonies for information about convocation, grad photos, guest tickets and more.
Graduation timeline
The graduation timeline for graduate students is based on the term when you take your last course or defend your thesis.
If you're an undergraduate student, your application deadlines are different. Refer to the graduation timeline for undergraduate students.
Deadlines and approvals for graduate students
If your last course or thesis defense is in Fall 2022 (September - December):
- Application deadline: November 15, 2022
- Late application deadline*: December 31, 2022
- Graduation approved by Senate: May 25, 2023
If your last course or thesis defense is in Spring 2023 (January - April):
- Application deadline: February 15, 2023
- Late application deadline*: April 30, 2023
- Graduation approved by Senate: May 25, 2023
If your last course or thesis defense is in Summer 2023 (May - August):
- Application deadline: July 15, 2023
- Late application deadline*: Aug 31, 2023
- Graduation approved by Senate: mid October 2023
*Late applications are subject to additional fees. If you miss the deadline, you can apply for a future graduation period.
Application fees
You must pay your application fee online when you submit your application (Visa, MasterCard and American Express accepted). The application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Application fee: $44
- Archival fee (Thesis/Dissertation students only): $15
- Late application fee: $10
Review your eligibility to graduate
Your Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning (CAPP) report will show you the graduation requirements for your program. With your supervisor, review the requirements and establish a timeline for completion to make sure you will complete your requirements in time for graduation.
The graduate secretary in your department will create a Letter of Recommendation and other forms, which will be sent to the Graduate Admissions and Records office for review. Contact your graduate secretary if you have questions about your department's process.
Apply to graduate
Before you submit your application, make sure your preferred email address, phone number, and mailing address are up to date in Online tools. We'll use your preferred email to contact you about your application to graduate.
Review the graduation timeline and application fees, then submit your application by the deadline.
- The application will display your current declared program(s).
- If part of your declared program is missing or incorrect, you must indicate it on your application.
- You must submit a separate application for each credential you plan to graduate from.
After you apply
Check your preferred email
We'll notify you when your graduation has been officially awarded or if there are any issues with your eligibility to graduate. If you fail to respond, your application for graduation might be cancelled.
Order a degree completion letter (optional)
If you need to show that your program requirements have been met and that you will be recommended for graduation, you can order a degree completion letter. International students may need this document in support of a post-graduation work permit. The letters are issued after all of your final grades appear on your transcript.
You can order a degree completion letter after your application to graduate has been received.
International convocation guests
If your guests need a visa to travel to Canada to attend your convocation ceremony, they might need an invitation letter. Complete the Invitation letter for international guest to attend convocation form.
Your parchment and other documents
A parchment is an official document that shows you have successfully completed an academic program. You'll receive your parchment after your graduation has been approved by the UVic Senate.
Need help?
If you need to change information on your application or if you have any questions, contact garo@uvic.ca or 250-472-4657.