Graduation Information
IMPORTANT UPDATE: The next set of graduation ceremonies will take place from 14-21 April 2023. The provisional graduation list will be published online from 16h00, 01 March 2023.
CLICK HERE for the PROVISIONAL GRADUATION LIST. This list contains students who completed their studies in 2022. This list is provisional and will be finalised after the AoD deadlines (AoDs are available from 13 March 2023 - 23 March 2023). Students who have outstanding fees and have not followed the AoD process for a symbolic graduation will then be removed from the graduation list (see tabs below for further details).CLICK HERE if your details do not appear on the provisional graduation list and your have completed your studies in 2022.
Students who have completed their studies must consult this website for regular updates. Please view the tabs below for graduating with fees outstanding (symbolically), graduation attire, photographs and tickets.
Contact graduation@uwc.ac.za or lpoonah@uwc.ac.za
In order to be included in the upcoming graduation ceremonies, you must ensure that fees owed by you to the University has been settled in full by you (or your bursar/financial sponsor), OR you have signed a GRADUATION ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DEBT form with Student Credit Management (see the tab below titled GRADUATING WITH FEES OUTSTANDING for full details). An arrangement must be made even if a funder or NSFAS will be settling all fees later in the year.
Masters and Doctoral students must submit their final corrected theses to the Library by 23 February 2023 (date to be confirmed), to be part of the graduation ceremony.
Graduates (with no fees outstanding) will have an electronic copy of their certificate emailed to them on the day of the graduation and will be able to collect or request for their certificates to be couriered to them (see tab below for more information).
Graduates (with no fees outstanding) will have an electronic copy of their academic transcript emailed to them on the day of the graduation.
All graduates will receive an official completion letter (electronically) that will be signed and stamped and indicate the:
- qualification obtained,
- medium of instruction,
- conduct of the graduate, and
- date degree conferred
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.
Ceremony 1 – 14 April 2023, 09h30 – EDUCATION
Ceremony 2 – 14 April 2023, 14h30 – EDUCATION and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 3 – 17 April 2023, 09h30 – COMMUNITY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Ceremony 4 – 17 April 2023, 14h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Ceremony 5 – 18 April 2023, 09h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 6 – 18 April 2023, 14h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES, DENTISTRY and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 7 – 19 April 2023, 09h30 – LAW
Ceremony 8 – 19 April 2023, 14h30 – NATURAL SCIENCES
Ceremony 9 – 20 April 2023, 09h30 – NATURAL SCIENCES
Ceremony 10 – 20 April 2023, 14h30 – ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 11 – 21 April 2023, 09h30 – ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
TICKETS: Graduands will receive 2 guest tickets (Doctoral graduands will receive 4 guest tickets). Tickets will be emailed to graduands via their student email 2 days before the graduation ceremony.
Masters and Doctoral students must submit their final corrected theses to the Library by 23 February 2023 (date to be confirmed), to be part of the graduation ceremony.
Graduates (with no fees outstanding) will have an electronic copy of their certificate emailed to them on the day of the graduation and will be able to collect or request for their certificates to be couriered to them (see tab below for more information).
Graduates (with no fees outstanding) will have an electronic copy of their academic transcript emailed to them on the day of the graduation.
All graduates will receive an official completion letter (electronically) that will be signed and stamped and indicate the:
- qualification obtained,
- medium of instruction,
- conduct of the graduate, and
- date degree conferred
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.
Ceremony 1 – 14 April 2023, 09h30 – EDUCATION
Ceremony 2 – 14 April 2023, 14h30 – EDUCATION and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 3 – 17 April 2023, 09h30 – COMMUNITY AND HEALTH SCIENCES
Ceremony 4 – 17 April 2023, 14h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES
Ceremony 5 – 18 April 2023, 09h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 6 – 18 April 2023, 14h30 – ARTS AND HUMANITIES, DENTISTRY and ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 7 – 19 April 2023, 09h30 – LAW
Ceremony 8 – 19 April 2023, 14h30 – NATURAL SCIENCES
Ceremony 9 – 20 April 2023, 09h30 – NATURAL SCIENCES
Ceremony 10 – 20 April 2023, 14h30 – ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Ceremony 11 – 21 April 2023, 09h30 – ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
TICKETS: Graduands will receive 2 guest tickets (Doctoral graduands will receive 4 guest tickets). Tickets will be emailed to graduands via their student email 2 days before the graduation ceremony.
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 by no later than 23 March 2023 in order to remain part of the graduation.
LOCAL STUDENTS (SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS ONLY)
In order to make the necessary financial arrangements for your graduation and take part in a SYMBOLIC GRADUATION, regardless of having a current payment arrangement in place, including persal arrangements, or awaiting other funding settlements (from your bursar/funder, including NSFAS), you, as the graduate, must contact Student Credit Management via the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ to sign an “Acknowledgement of Debt” (AOD) from 13-23 March 2023.
A symbolic graduation implies that you will be permitted to participate in the ceremony and your name will appear in the graduation booklet and during the ceremony, however, you will not receive a graduation certificate nor a transcript until your outstanding debt has been settled. You will however receive a formal letter of completion with your graduation date. The AOD must be completed, signed and uploaded to the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ no later than 23 March 2023. Failure to sign by the deadline date will result in your name being removed from the graduation list and you will not be able to receive your certificate until you have been part of a graduation ceremony.
If however, your intention is to settle your account, payment MUST reflect on your student account no later than 23 March 2023.
If you fall within the categories below you must sign a Graduation AoD:
- awaiting any funding settlements
- awaiting NSFAS settlements
- have a persal arrangement in place
- have an existing arrangement previously made with Student Credit Management
The graduate must contact Student Credit Management via the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ to sign and finalise an “Acknowledgement of Debt” (AOD) from 13 March 2023 to 23 March 2023.
Signing an AoD means you will receive an official letter of completion with a graduation date and have the degree conferred upon you. It allows you to be part of the graduation and receive your certificate once your fees have been settled in full.
Should you not sign an AoD you will not be part of this graduation and even if your fees are settled in full later, you will need to wait for the next graduation to be a part of that one and receive a certificate then only.
If however, your intention is to settle your account, payment MUST reflect on your student account no later than 23 March 2023.
ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students who are not South African citizens are required to pay the full tuition and residence fees upfront, every year prior to registration and are not eligible to complete a Graduation Acknowledgement of Debt form. If you intend to settle your account, payment must reflect on your student account by no later than 23 March 2023.
LOCAL STUDENTS (SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS ONLY)
In order to make the necessary financial arrangements for your graduation and take part in a SYMBOLIC GRADUATION, regardless of having a current payment arrangement in place, including persal arrangements, or awaiting other funding settlements (from your bursar/funder, including NSFAS), you, as the graduate, must contact Student Credit Management via the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ to sign an “Acknowledgement of Debt” (AOD) from 13-23 March 2023.
A symbolic graduation implies that you will be permitted to participate in the ceremony and your name will appear in the graduation booklet and during the ceremony, however, you will not receive a graduation certificate nor a transcript until your outstanding debt has been settled. You will however receive a formal letter of completion with your graduation date. The AOD must be completed, signed and uploaded to the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ no later than 23 March 2023. Failure to sign by the deadline date will result in your name being removed from the graduation list and you will not be able to receive your certificate until you have been part of a graduation ceremony.
If however, your intention is to settle your account, payment MUST reflect on your student account no later than 23 March 2023.
If you fall within the categories below you must sign a Graduation AoD:
- awaiting any funding settlements
- awaiting NSFAS settlements
- have a persal arrangement in place
- have an existing arrangement previously made with Student Credit Management
The graduate must contact Student Credit Management via the Graduation Clearance Portal https://studentdebt.uwc.ac.za/ to sign and finalise an “Acknowledgement of Debt” (AOD) from 13 March 2023 to 23 March 2023.
Signing an AoD means you will receive an official letter of completion with a graduation date and have the degree conferred upon you. It allows you to be part of the graduation and receive your certificate once your fees have been settled in full.
Should you not sign an AoD you will not be part of this graduation and even if your fees are settled in full later, you will need to wait for the next graduation to be a part of that one and receive a certificate then only.
If however, your intention is to settle your account, payment MUST reflect on your student account no later than 23 March 2023.
ALL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Students who are not South African citizens are required to pay the full tuition and residence fees upfront, every year prior to registration and are not eligible to complete a Graduation Acknowledgement of Debt form. If you intend to settle your account, payment must reflect on your student account by no later than 23 March 2023.
The University's preferred supplier of academic attire is House of Graduates and you can contact them via http://houseofgraduates.co.za/. CLICK HERE for an updated price list.
IMPORTANT: The University's preferred vendor for the April 2023 Graduation Ceremonies is GORDON HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHIC. CLICK HERE to download the information flyer and to place orders online.
IMPORTANT: The University's preferred vendor for the April 2023 Graduation Ceremonies is GORDON HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHIC. CLICK HERE to download the information flyer and to place orders online.
Certificates will be available for collection on the day of your graduation ceremony for those that are permitted and able to attend the in-person ceremony.
If a graduate cannot attend the ceremony or collect their certificate they may request it to be couriered to them by clicking here.
Please note 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 not receive a certificate but a letter of completion instead (emailed to the graduate). Once all fees have been settled you may contact the Graduations Office to obtain your certificate. Letters of completion will be emailed to all students there is no need to collect these from campus.
IMPORTANT: Graduates who have not signed a Graduation AoD and are not part of a ceremony, you cannot receive a certificate (even if all fees are settled at a later stage) until you have been part of an official graduation. This means that if you are removed from this graduation, you will need to wait until the next one and only then can you receive a certificate. You can however, still obtain a letter of completion by contacting helpdesk@uwc.ac.za.
If a graduate cannot attend the ceremony or collect their certificate they may request it to be couriered to them by clicking here.
Please note 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 not receive a certificate but a letter of completion instead (emailed to the graduate). Once all fees have been settled you may contact the Graduations Office to obtain your certificate. Letters of completion will be emailed to all students there is no need to collect these from campus.
IMPORTANT: Graduates who have not signed a Graduation AoD and are not part of a ceremony, you cannot receive a certificate (even if all fees are settled at a later stage) until you have been part of an official graduation. This means that if you are removed from this graduation, you will need to wait until the next one and only then can you receive a certificate. You can however, still obtain a letter of completion by contacting helpdesk@uwc.ac.za.
On the day of your graduation you will receive:
- An electronic copy of your certificate (if you have no fees outstanding. A payment arrangement or AoD does not qualify one for a certificate)
- A letter of completion (all graduates)
- An academic transcript (if you have no fees outstanding. A payment arrangement or AoD does not qualify one for a transcript)
- An electronic copy of your certificate (if you have no fees outstanding. A payment arrangement or AoD does not qualify one for a certificate)
- A letter of completion (all graduates)
- An 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 if it has been destroyed, please complete the online form below:
Click here to obtain a replacement degree.
Click here to obtain a replacement degree.
Please use the following links to view ceremonies for 15 December 2022
Ceremony 1 - 09h30 https://youtu.be/-hBgGCSNOks
Ceremony 2 - 14h00 https://youtu.be/j3xIhjCMHeU
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 1 - 09h30, 15 December 2022
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 2 - 14h00, 15 December 2022
Please use the following links to view ceremonies for 09 September 2022
Ceremony 1 - 09h30 https://bit.ly/SpringGrad2022-Session1
Ceremony 2 - 14h30 https://bit.ly/SpringGrad2022-Session2
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 1 - 09h30, 09 September 2022
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 2 - 14h30, 09 September 2022
UWC Virtual Graduation 2022 - 15 December 2021
Click here for the GRADUATION BOOKLET (15 December 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - 17 September 2021
Click here for the GRADUATION BOOKLET (17 September 2021).
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - EMS (6 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - Education and Natural Sciences (5 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - CHS, Dentistry and Law (4 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - Arts and Humanities (3 May 2021)
Ceremony 1 - 09h30 https://youtu.be/-hBgGCSNOks
Ceremony 2 - 14h00 https://youtu.be/j3xIhjCMHeU
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 1 - 09h30, 15 December 2022
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 2 - 14h00, 15 December 2022
Please use the following links to view ceremonies for 09 September 2022
Ceremony 1 - 09h30 https://bit.ly/SpringGrad2022-Session1
Ceremony 2 - 14h30 https://bit.ly/SpringGrad2022-Session2
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 1 - 09h30, 09 September 2022
Click here for the booklet for Ceremony 2 - 14h30, 09 September 2022
UWC Virtual Graduation 2022 - 15 December 2021
Click here for the GRADUATION BOOKLET (15 December 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - 17 September 2021
Click here for the GRADUATION BOOKLET (17 September 2021).
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - EMS (6 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - Education and Natural Sciences (5 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - CHS, Dentistry and Law (4 May 2021)
UWC Virtual Graduation 2021 - Arts and Humanities (3 May 2021)
HONORARY DOCTORATES AND GOLD MEDALS
The awarding of honorary doctorates and gold medals is a significant part of the university calendar at UWC. In 1990, then UWC Chancellor Archbishop Desmond Tutu awarded honorary doctorates to Nelson Mandela and OR Tambo respectively. The prestigious honour roll of honorary doctorate recipients includes, amongst others, Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Govan Mbeki, Fr Michael Lapsley, Breyten Breytenbach, Graça Machel, Pieter-Dirk Uys, Rhoda Kadalie, Trevor Manuel, Shaykh Mohamed Salie Dien, and Zackie Achmat.Click here to view the inaugural Honorary Doctorate and Gold Medal gala event that took place on 30 November 2022
Click here for the UWC GREATS booklet
Click here to view the tribute to the ARCHBISHOP EMERITUS DESMOND MPILO TUTU.
Click here to view message from the Chancellor.
According to the UWC Statute (2018), the University may without examination, by resolution of the Council passed on the recommendation of the Senate, confer an honorary degree of doctor in any faculty upon any person who has rendered distinguished services in the advancement of any branch of learning, or who the Council may deem worthy of such degree, provided that such a person exemplifies the values and purposes of the University. The focus for awarding an honorary doctorate is to ensure alignment with the core values of the University, as well as teaching and learning scholarship. Recognition of intellectual contribution is paramount, reflecting the core value of eminence in a field of scholarship in the course of a career.
To be considered for the conferral of an honorary degree, the nominee should reflect the following criteria:
- outstanding intellectual contributions in the course of a career, in some field of scholarship;
- a substantial contribution, with national or international impact;
- rendered service of excellence or distinction in wider society;
- application of the values espoused by the University, and in so doing having contributed towards the transformation of society; and
- 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.
HONORARY DOCTORATES 2021 AND 2022:
2021 - DR ALLAN AUBREY BOESAK (click here)
2021 - PROFESSOR ZOË CHARLOTTE WICOMB (click here)
2021 - WILLIAM KENTRIDGE (click here)
2022 - PROFESSOR KWESI KWAA PRAH (click here)
2022 - DR IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN (click here)
To be considered for the conferral of an honorary degree, the nominee should reflect the following criteria:
- outstanding intellectual contributions in the course of a career, in some field of scholarship;
- a substantial contribution, with national or international impact;
- rendered service of excellence or distinction in wider society;
- application of the values espoused by the University, and in so doing having contributed towards the transformation of society; and
- 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.
HONORARY DOCTORATES 2021 AND 2022:
2021 - DR ALLAN AUBREY BOESAK (click here)
2021 - PROFESSOR ZOË CHARLOTTE WICOMB (click here)
2021 - WILLIAM KENTRIDGE (click here)
2022 - PROFESSOR KWESI KWAA PRAH (click here)
2022 - DR IMTIAZ SOOLIMAN (click here)
According to the UWC Statute (2018), the University may, by resolution of the Council passed on the recommendation of the Senate, award a UWC Gold Medal to any person who has rendered distinguished services in the advancement of any branch of learning or who the Council may deem worthy of such a medal, provided that such a person exemplifies the values and purposes of the University. The focus in awarding a UWC Gold Medal is to ensure alignment with the core values of the University and demonstrated service to the community.
The Gold Medal is awarded to individuals in the community who have made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the upliftment of the community through exceptional leadership, community involvement and related activities. In considering a nomination for the award of a Gold Medal, nominees are required to reflect:
• Meritorious or outstanding contributions to public life or of significant benefit to society;
• Contributions that are innovative, exceptional, self-initiated and/or self-directed.
GOLD MEDALLISTS 2021 AND 2022:
2021 - ADVOCATE AB MAHOMED (click here)
2021 - DEREK JOUBERT (click here)
2021 - PETER TAKELO (click here)
2022 - SEAN PATRICK LANCE (click here)
2022 - PETER WILSON (click here)
2022 - DR PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA (click here)
The Gold Medal is awarded to individuals in the community who have made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the upliftment of the community through exceptional leadership, community involvement and related activities. In considering a nomination for the award of a Gold Medal, nominees are required to reflect:
• Meritorious or outstanding contributions to public life or of significant benefit to society;
• Contributions that are innovative, exceptional, self-initiated and/or self-directed.
GOLD MEDALLISTS 2021 AND 2022:
2021 - ADVOCATE AB MAHOMED (click here)
2021 - DEREK JOUBERT (click here)
2021 - PETER TAKELO (click here)
2022 - SEAN PATRICK LANCE (click here)
2022 - PETER WILSON (click here)
2022 - DR PHUMZILE MLAMBO-NGCUKA (click here)
