Guest information

Graduation happens in St Andrews in June and November. Graduation ceremonies are held in the Younger Hall and last about 90 minutes. Ceremonies usually start at 10.30am or 2pm.

For the dates of graduation ceremonies, see the upcoming graduation ceremonies page. For getting to St Andrews and parking, see the getting to St Andrews page. 

After the afternoon graduation ceremony, the University hosts a celebratory garden party or reception for new graduates and their guests.

The ceremony

Graduation ceremonies open with an introduction by the Vice-Chancellor. This is followed by laureation addresses for the honorary graduates. Degrees are conferred by either the Chancellor or Vice-Chancellor, ending with a graduation address given by a member of academic staff. 

Once all degrees have been conferred, there is an academic procession. This is led by the key figures in the University and includes all new graduates. The procession goes through Younger Hall, down North Street and ends in St Salvator's Quad.

Guests can meet the new graduates in the Quad at the end of the academic procession.

Seating

Guests should be seated in their allocated seats at least half an hour before the start of the ceremony. Admission is by ticket only. 

Dress code

There is no formal dress code for guests. However, guests are encouraged to dress smartly. 

Safety and security

For everyone's safety, guests cannot bring bulky items, like bags or suitcases, into a ceremony. Nothing should be left in an aisle that could cause an obstruction.

Accessibility

Younger Hall and the garden party or reception are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

The University cannot provide reserved parking spaces. However, you can drop off guests who have limited mobility or are wheelchair users near the entrance of the Younger Hall.

Accommodation

University accommodation is available for guests to book outside term time if they want to stay in St Andrews. For more information, see the holiday accommodation page.