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2024 Sunshine Coast Graduation
Celebrate this milestone achievement with your loved ones and peers! Take this opportunity to bask in the glory of your success and share with the people who mean the most to you.
As you join the ranks of qualified professionals and skilled tradespeople, and prepare to make your mark and change the world for the better, be sure to celebrate your outstanding achievements and recognise your commitment to reaching your career goals.
If you would like to come along to our 2024 graduation ceremony and celebrate the culmination of all your hard work and the official beginning of your career, save the date and keep an eye out for more information.
Eligibility and registration
In order to attend a graduation ceremony, you must be eligible to graduate. That means you need to have completed all the requirements of your course including all units, assessments and exams.
Invitations to attend graduation will only be sent to eligible students. If you are expecting to graduate and haven't received a graduation email, please contact events.eastcoast@tafeqld.edu.au.
Certificate graduate ticket $25
Ticket includes the cost of photography and catering before your ceremony.
Diploma graduate ticket $45
Ticket includes the cost of gowning, photography and catering before your ceremony.
Guest ticket $25
Guests are required to purchase tickets to attend the ceremony. Ticket includes the cost of catering before the ceremony.
If course fees are not fully paid, students will be ineligible to attend the graduation ceremony and the formal qualification will be sent to the student after all outstanding fees are paid in full. Individual circumstances will be considered when determining eligibility.
What happens on graduation day?
You will confirm your arrival at the registration area and be provided with important event information. It can be amended on the spot if anything is incorrect (like your name or qualification).
It is here that you will be given your seating allocation card (the WHITE card). Do not lose your white card! You should have it with you at all times. Not only does it tell you your seating allocation, but it is an important part of the ceremony running smoothly as it contains information on your stage announcement order. You need it. Like, REALLY need it.
After registration, diploma graduates will be directed to the gowning area. This is where you get the academic regalia you need, such as your grad gown and mortarboard.
The gowning attire is on a hire basis only. You will get to keep your black mortarboard (graduation cap) as a memento, but all other rented items must be returned to the gowning room post ceremony, or you will be charged a fee.
We encourage graduates to celebrate cultural heritage by wearing traditional attire. We encourage wearing Korowai Maori cloaks, Islander Ula Loles (candy leis), Burqas, Hijabs, Niqabs, Chadors and Khimars.
Before the ceremony is due to begin, you need to attend a compulsory student briefing. You will be called in by a TAFE events team.
During the briefing, we’ll explain how the celebration works and what you can expect. Please don’t wander off after the briefing!
While all this is happening, you'll also need to sit in line according to the seating number you received. According to this number, you walk in, sit, and walk across the stage.
It’s essential to sit in your allocated seat as this is the order in which your name is read out.
An average Graduation ceremony takes around 90 minutes and involves the following:
The academic procession enters the Auditorium, and the assembly stands
- Acknowledgement of Country
- Welcome to graduands and guests
- Student photo montage
- Official conferral of awards
- Student of the year award
- Conclusion of the ceremony
Walking across the stage
Walking across the stage is your moment to shine during the ceremony. Our friendly ushers will guide you through the process on the day, so there is no need to worry if you forget a step.
Once it’s time, you’ll hear your name called and start walking across the stage.
You then proceed to the other side of the stage, where you will shake hands with the General Manager; he will present you with a congratulatory certificate and will face you to take a photo to commemorate the moment.
This is the part of the ceremony where your family and friends cheer as loud as possible and applaud you on your major accomplishment.
Once you leave the stage, our ushers will guide you back to the seats.
Graduation Etiquette
As a courtesy to our graduates please remain in your seat for the duration of the ceremony.
Share it!
Congratulations once again. You did it! You’re going to have a great day. Share the love on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Don't forget to tag us @tafeqld or hashtag #tafequeensland, #makegreathappen and #graduation.
I need wheelchair access.
If you or your guests require wheelchair access, you can identify this during the ticket registration. We will contact you to acknowledge this request before your ceremony.
I need an Auslan interpreter.
Auslan interpreters are available on request. If you or your guests are hearing impaired, please identify your requirements during the ticket registration. We will contact you to acknowledge your needs before your ceremony.
Can we bring children?
Certainly! Children under three years of age do not require a ticket if sitting on a lap and not in their own seat. All children must always be accompanied by an adult who is not a graduating student.