Frequently asked questions on graduation

Two ceremonies take place on each date starting at 10.00 and 14.00. Details of our order of ceremonies (which subject will be on which day/time) will be announced in July.

The duration of each ceremony is expected to be approximately 90 minutes. 

All students can initially purchase up to two guest tickets. In the event additional guest tickets are made available we will notify all students registered via email on how an addition purchase can be made.

Each guest ticket costs £35.00.

Each guest ticket includes entry to a ceremony at Friends House, Euston, London and attendance at the corresponding post-ceremony reception.

Academic dress is compulsory for all graduands registering to attend their graduation ceremony in September. By confirming attendance graduands agree to wear official academic robes provided by our robing company Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd. Links and instructions on how to order your academic robe will be sent as part of the registration process.

Yes. All September graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed. Details to be confirmed. 

Yes, we are delighted to have our international students return to SOAS take part in the graduation ceremony. Please remember to check if you need a visa to visit the UK.

We do not present degree certificates at graduation ceremonies. Your certificate will be posted to you after the event, and it is therefore important for SOAS to have details of your current address.  

Certificates will be posted to your home address as follows: 

• Students awarded a degree in December 2022 – certificates posted in March 2023. 
• Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Masters students awarded a degree in July 2023 – certificates posted in December 2023. 

Enquiries about degree certificates should be sent to assessments@soas.ac.uk.

Yes, Ede and Ravenscroft will provide professional photography. You can purchase photos from the Ede and Ravenscroft website. SOAS photographers will also be documenting the day. Please note you do not need to pre-book a photography appointment, you can just turn up on the day. 

Children over the age of two will require a guest ticket. Children under the age of two years are permitted to attend without a guest ticket.

International graduates and guests may require a Standard Visitor visa for the UK to attend a graduation ceremony. 

SOAS does not provide letters to support a visitor visa application, however, your graduation invitation and confirmation of attendance from Ede and Ravenscroft can be used as evidence in support of the visa application.

We understand students are concerned about the possible impact of Action Short of Strike Action (ASOS) on their graduation at SOAS. Our priority is your learning experience and making sure that final year students can graduate.  Every effort will be made for assessments to be marked and Heads of College are working with Heads of Department to mitigate any impact of the marking boycott on you. 

Please contact ceremony@soas.ac.uk.