The graduation ceremony is a formal event and graduates are expected to dress appropriately. Academic attire is compulsory, and only those wearing the correct, prescribed attire will be permitted to cross the stage.

Requirements

Graduates must present their finalist letter in order to obtain the appropriate academic attire (gown, hood, cap and tassel) at their own expense from the University’s official suppliers. These suppliers will be available on-site at the graduation venue.

The academic attire worn must correspond to the qualification being conferred/awarded at the ceremony. For example, if a graduate already holds a doctoral degree but is graduating with a lower qualification such as a (master’s degree or diploma), they are required to wear the academic attire applicable to the qualification being conferred/awarded.

The wearing of academic attire for previously obtained qualifications is not permitted during the formal proceedings.

Graduates in Uniform (SANDF and SAPS)

Graduates serving in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) or the South African Police Service (SAPS) may attend the ceremony in full uniform with a beret, under the following conditions:

• An academic gown must be worn over the uniform;
• Graduates in uniform are expected to salute the officiating functionary (Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, or Vice-Principal) during the ceremony.

Official Suppliers of Academic Attire

Dippenaar & Reinecke and House of Graduates  are the only official service providers for academic attire as they have the prescribed wear in the correct style and colours available. The University sternly cautions against the acquisition of incorrect academic attire from unauthorised providers

• Dippenaar & Reinecke (752 Park Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, phone: 012 343 2945)​https://www.d-r.co.za/Uploads/Dippenaar_Reinecke%20%20-%20University%20of%20Pretoria%20form%202025.pdf

• House of Graduates (1166 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, phone: 0861111455) www.houseofgraduates.co.za/up2025