To be included in the upcoming 08-09 October 2026 graduation ceremonies, you must ensure that fees owed to the University have been settled in full by you (or your bursar/financial sponsor) by 11 September 2026, OR that you have finalised a Graduation Acknowledgement of Debt review with Student Credit Management by no later than 11 September 2026 (see "Graduating with Fees Outstanding" below).

On the day of your graduation, you will receive:

• An electronic copy of your certificate (no fees outstanding)
• An academic transcript (no fees outstanding)
• An official completion letter (all graduates) — signed and stamped, indicating qualification obtained, medium of instruction, conduct of the graduate, and date of conferral

Graduates with fees outstanding (even with payment arrangements in place or Acknowledgements of Debt signed) will only receive an electronic copy of their completion letter. They will not be issued with a certificate (electronic or hard copy) or academic transcript until the required fees have been settled.

If you have fees outstanding regardless of the type of bursar/funder (even if on NSFAS) or even if you already have a payment arrangement in place, you must contact Student Credit Management and finalise a Graduation AoD by no later than 11 September 2026 to remain part of the graduation.

Local Students (South African Citizens Only)

To make the necessary financial arrangements and participate in a symbolic graduation — regardless of current arrangements, persal arrangements, or awaiting funding settlements (including NSFAS) — must contact Student Credit Management via the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ and request for  a “ Graduation Acknowledgement of Debt” (AOD) review from 31 August to 11 September 2026.

You must request an AoD review if you:

• Are awaiting any funding settlements
• Are awaiting NSFAS settlements
• Have a persal arrangement in place
• Have an existing arrangement with Student Credit Management

A symbolic graduation means you participate in the ceremony and your name appears in the booklet, but you will not receive a certificate or transcript until your debt is settled. You will receive a formal letter of completion with your graduation date.

For queries, email gradscm@uwc.ac.za without delay.

International Students

Students who are not South African citizens must pay tuition and residence fees upfront, every year prior to registration, and are not eligible to complete a Graduation AoD form. If you intend to settle your account, payment must reflect on your student account no later than 11 September 2026.

Academic Attire: The University's preferred supplier of academic attire is House of Graduates. Contact them via houseofgraduates.co.za. Click here for the 2026 price list (PDF).

The University's preferred vendor for the September and December 2024, and April 2025 Graduation ceremonies, was Gordon Harris Photographic.

Certificates will be available for collection on the day of your graduation ceremony for those who are permitted and able to attend in person.

Certificates are only issued to graduates who have settled all their University fees. Graduates who have signed an Acknowledgement of Debt and are graduating with fees outstanding will receive a letter of completion instead (emailed). Once fees are settled, contact the Graduations Office to obtain your certificate. Letters of completion are emailed — there is no need to collect from campus.

On the day of your graduation you will receive:

• Electronic copy of your certificate — if you have no fees outstanding. A payment arrangement or AoD does not qualify one for a certificate.
• Letter of completion — all graduates receive this.
• Academic transcript — if you have no fees outstanding. A payment arrangement or AoD does not qualify one for a transcript.

If you have lost your certificate or it has been destroyed, complete the online form to request a replacement.

Request Replacement Certificate

By resolution of the Council, on the recommendation of Senate, the University may confer an honorary doctorate upon any person who has rendered distinguished services in the advancement of any branch of learning. The focus is on alignment with the core values of the University, teaching and learning scholarship, and recognition of intellectual contribution.

Criteria for nomination:

• Outstanding intellectual contributions in some field of scholarship
• A substantial contribution with national or international impact
• Service of excellence or distinction in wider society
• Application of the values espoused by the University
• Outstanding contribution as a public intellectual

The award of an honorary degree does not entitle a person to practise any profession nor use the title of Doctor.

2025 / 2026 Recipients

2023 / 2024 Recipients

2021 / 2022 Recipients

By resolution of the Council, on the recommendation of Senate, the University may award a UWC Gold Medal to any person who has rendered distinguished services in the advancement of any branch of learning, or whom the Council deems worthy. The Gold Medal recognises individuals who have made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the upliftment of the community through exceptional leadership and community involvement.

Criteria for nomination:

• Meritorious or outstanding contributions to public life or of significant benefit to society
• Contributions that are innovative, exceptional, self-initiated, and/or self-directed

Recipients