Student Administration

Planning your graduation day

Planning your day at March 2023 graduation ceremonies

How do I order my academic robes?

Ede and Ravenscroft are the official robe makers to The University of Edinburgh and you must order a gown and hood from Ede and Ravenscroft if you are attending a ceremony. Pre-order is open on the Ede and Ravenscroft website until Monday 13 March 2023.  Gowns can be pre-ordered up to two weeks before your ceremony or hired on the day of your ceremony. 

If you pre-order, your academic robe and hood will be available at the McEwan Hall for you to collect on the day of graduation.

If you have not ordered your gown by the deadline for pre-orders, we recommend you bring £45 in cash or card to McEwan Hall on the day of your ceremony to hire your robe.

You will not be able to attend a ceremony unless you are wearing the appropriate academic gown and hood.

What colour is my hood?

A full list of University of Edinburgh Academic Robes / Hoods is available.

I'm getting an MA as an undergraduate degree -- which robe option do I choose?

The correct option to choose for an undergraduate MA degree is "Bachelors/First Degrees (MA U/Grad)".

How do I return my gown and hood?

After the ceremony, you should return your robes to Ede and Ravenscroft who will be in the robing area of the McEwan Hall, unless you have arranged additional hiring time directly with Ede and Ravenscroft.

What is the dress code?

Graduation ceremonies are a formal occasion.  The dress code consists of your gown, hood, and formal dress. While there is no formal dress code, we recommend one of the following:

  • A dark suit, white shirt, with a white bow tie (normal dark ties are also acceptable)
  • A dark dress
  • A dark trouser or skirt suit, with a white shirt or blouse
  • Highland dress
  • Other formal attire related to your cultural tradition or national costume

When your name is called, you are required to walk across the stage via a ramp.  We recommend you wear flat or low-heeled shoes.

Will my name appear in the graduation programme and the Scotsman?

The University provides graduates’ names and degrees awarded to the Scotsman for publication on the day of graduation.

The email form you received on 11 October will ask you if you would like to be have your name published in the graduation programme.

If you do not wish for your name to appear in the Scotsman, you will be able to indicate this.

The only information that will appear in the Scotsman is your name and your degree award.

How and when do I check in for the ceremony?

Graduation days are very busy so we recommend that you allow plenty time to check in and collect your robe and hood.  Check-in will close 45 minuntes before the start of the ceremony.

For the 11 am ceremony: Check-in at the McEwan Hall between 8.30 am and 10.15 am at the latest.

For the 3 pm ceremony: Check-in at the McEwan Hall between 12.30 and 2.15 pm at the latest.

Important:   Graduands must be in the McEwan Hall, robed and seated, 30 minutes before the ceremony begins.

Where do I get my ticket?

You will be given your own ticket when you check in before your ceremony.  You should keep your ticket with you at all times because you will need it during the ceremony.

Where do I get my guest tickets?

You will also be given your guest tickets when you check in for your graduation ceremony. If you have more tickets than you need, please return these at check-in.

Can I ask for extra guest tickets on the day?

If you would like additional tickets on the day of your ceremony, please ask about returns at check-in. These will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. We cannot assign any tickets by email or over the telephone. You must come to McEwan Hall when check-in opens and ask if there are returns.

I have more tickets than I need, can I give them to a friend?

Graduation tickets are non-transferable. When you check in, please return any tickets you do not need.

Is McEwan Hall wheelchair accessible?

McEwan Hall is accessible for wheelchairs and anyone with reduced mobility.

Where can I park?

There is no reserved parking for the graduation ceremonies, and the City of Edinburgh has limited parking. We recommend, where possible, to take public transport or a taxi.

For parking in Edinburgh, including bays for disability parking, please use the Edinburgh council website