What if I can't attend my scheduled ceremony – can I defer to a later date?

Graduands who can't attend their scheduled ceremony can request to defer their graduation to a future congregation, by selecting the deferral option on the form by the registration deadline for their congregation.

We cannot guarantee deferral requests that are made after the registration deadline.

Deferral arrangements can only be made when registration opens for your congregation and invitations have been sent out.

Our deferral policy

You can only choose to defer your graduation ceremony once.

Deferral cannot be offered after your graduation ceremony has taken place.

Deferral is not offered to summer congregations.  Students who defer will be invited to register for the winter congregation following their original scheduled ceremony.

When will I receive my certificate if I defer?

If you defer you will receive your certificate at the time of your deferred ceremony, according to the procedures that are in place for that congregation.  You can request a verification of award letter if you need evidence of your degree before your certificate is available.  See our Certificates and transcripts webage for further information.

When will my deferred ceremony take place?

If you have deferred from the February 2024 congregation you will be invited to register for graduation at the next winter congregation, the date of which is to be confirmed.

Please note that you have not been automatically registered for that congregation and will need to register again when your receive your invitation for your deferred ceremony.