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Students and their families at Graduation

Graduation

Balliol's graduation ceremonies take place on several days throughout the year, usually in the Sheldonian Theatre. Degrees must be conferred on you at a ceremony in order to collect your degree certificate, and this can be done in person or in absentia.

Graduation dates 

Confirmed dates for the 2024-2025 cycle are as follows:

  • Saturday 11 May 2024 – postgraduate masters whose results were released by December and doctoral degrees 
  • Saturday 13 July 2024 – clinical medics and doctoral degrees 
  • Saturday 3 August 2024 – all undergraduates and some postgraduate masters whose results are released by July
  • Saturday 9 November 2024 – postgraduate masters whose results are released by July
  • Friday 16 May 2025 – postgraduate masters whose results will be released by December and doctoral degrees

Current students: undergraduate/postgraduate taught courses

You will receive an invitation from the University to book online for a place on a ceremony. Look out for this email during Michaelmas Term in your final year.

The University allocates graduation day spots based on the number of students it expects to complete their degrees in an academic year, so rest assured that a spot will be available for you to book on a ceremony within the cycle of degree ceremonies in which you complete your course. 

If you choose to decline a place on a ceremony within the cycle of ceremonies offered to you, but you would like to attend a future ceremony, please contact us to be added to a waiting list. 

Once you have booked through the University, you will be contacted by Balliol to arrange drinks reception tickets, gown hire, and photography. Read the Graduation FAQs for more information. 

If you are due to attend a ceremony and would like to change to a different ceremony date, please email degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that if you wish to change your ceremony date, you must do so at least 60 days prior to the date of the ceremony itself, otherwise you may have to graduate in absentia. 

Current students: postgraduate research courses

You may book a place on a ceremony after receiving your leave to supplicate. Look out for an email invitation from the University to your University email address. If you can't access this email, please email degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk in order to book to attend a ceremony or to graduate in absentia.

Please apply to graduate promptly after receiving your leave to supplicate, otherwise you may have to go on a waiting list. 

Once you have booked, you will be contacted by Balliol to arrange drinks reception tickets, gown hire, and photography. Read the Graduation FAQs for more information.

If you are due to attend a ceremony and would like to change to a different ceremony, please email degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk. Please bear in mind that if you wish to change your ceremony date, you must do so at least 60 days prior to the date of the ceremony itself, otherwise you may have to graduate in absentia. 

Old Members and MA degrees

Current students are given priority to attend degree ceremonies, while Old Members and those collecting MA degrees are given places where available. If you wish to graduate or to obtain your Oxford MA, either in person or in absentia, please email degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk to be added to a waiting list.

If you are due to attend a ceremony, and would like to change to a different ceremony, please email degrees@balliol.ox.ac.uk.

Degree Certificates

You will be able to collect your degree certificate at Balliol after your ceremony. If you are graduating in absentia, your certificate will be sent to the address which you supplied when making your graduation booking.

Students who have passed their examinations but have not yet had their degrees conferred at a degree ceremony can request a degree confirmation letter free of charge. The letter will confirm successful completion of the course at the University of Oxford, the dates of attendance and the classification.

Anyone who commenced their studies during or after Michaelmas term 2007 can request a confirmation letter from the University..

If you commenced your studies at Balliol prior to Michaelmas Term 2007 and require a degree confirmation letter, please complete this student document request form.  

Transcripts

If you commenced your studies during or after Michaelmas term 2007, Additional copies of your transcript may be ordered from the University - please see this page for details.

If you commenced your studies at Balliol prior to Michaelmas Term 2007 and you require a transcript letter, please complete this student document request form.  

Graduation FAQs