A MILESTONE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND IMPACT
Graduation marks a defining milestone in your academic journey. It reflects years of dedication, resilience and a sustained commitment to excellence.
This moment recognises not only what you have achieved, but who you have become through your time at Sol Plaatje University. It affirms the University’s commitment to student success and the development of graduates equipped to make a meaningful contribution to society.
As you prepare to cross this stage, you do so as part of a community shaped by knowledge, growth and shared purpose. This achievement stands as both a personal milestone and a reflection of the University’s role in enabling brighter futures.
THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS
We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.
CEREMONY SCHEDULE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Graduation will take place over two days at the SPU Great Hall, North Campus, with faculties grouped per session to ensure a structured and seamless experience for all graduates and guests.
Friday, 17 April 2026
Session 1 at 08h00
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences
Session 2 at 13h00
Faculty of Humanities
Saturday, 18 April 2026
Session 3 at 08h00
Faculty of Education
Graduates are required to arrive at least one hour before the start of their allocated ceremony to allow sufficient time for ticket verification, academic preparations and seating.
Graduates are strongly encouraged to plan their day in advance and ensure all pre-ceremony requirements are completed ahead of time.
Graduates and guests who arrive late will not be permitted access to the venue.
WATCH THE CEREMONY LIVE
Due to limited ticket allocation per graduate, the ceremony will be live streamed on the SPU official YouTube channel, allowing family, friends and the broader community to share in this milestone. Session links are provided below.
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
TICKET COLLECTION AND GUIDELINES
Ticket Allocation and Collection Location
Each graduate will receive four tickets
One for the graduate and three for guests
Tickets must be collected at:
Admissions Department Foyer, Luka Jantjie House, SPU North Campus
Only the graduate may collect tickets
Student card or ID required for verification
Ticket Collection Dates and Times
Thursday, 9 April: 09:00 to 16:00
Friday, 10 April: 09:00 to 16:00
Monday, 13 April: 09:00 to 16:00
Tuesday, 14 April: 09:00 to 16:00
Wednesday, 15 April: 09:00 to 18:00
Thursday, 16 April: 09:00 to 18:00
Important Conditions
Tickets may not be sold or transferred
Access will be denied for unauthorised tickets
Collection by a Representative
A representative may collect tickets on behalf of a graduate
The representative must present valid written authorisation
If tickets are lost, replacements will not be issued under any circumstances
Collection Timing Guidance
Graduates are strongly encouraged to collect tickets in advance
This is to prevent congestion and delays on the day of the ceremony
ACADEMIC REGALIA
Collection from 16 to 18 April, 08:00 to 17:00.
Your academic regalia is a formal and essential part of the graduation ceremony. It represents your qualification and your place within the academic community.
All graduates are required to wear the correct academic attire for their respective qualification. This is a compulsory requirement for participation in the ceremony.
Academic regalia may only be hired or purchased through the University’s officially appointed service provider. This ensures that all graduates are correctly presented in accordance with institutional standards.
Graduates are strongly encouraged to arrange their regalia in advance to avoid any delays or inconvenience on the day of the ceremony.
Please ensure that your regalia is correctly fitted and worn as prescribed. University officials will be available to assist where necessary.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The official graduation photography service provider for SPU is Gordon Harris Photographers.
They are the only authorised photographers permitted to take stage photographs.
Graduates may contact the service provider directly to place photography orders.
Download Photography Booking Forms Below:
CERTIFICATES
Certificates will be available for collection on the day of the ceremony for graduates who attend and have no outstanding fees.
Graduates with outstanding fees will be permitted to participate in the ceremony; however, certificates will only be issued once all fees have been settled.
Graduates who do not attend the ceremony must arrange collection by contacting:
graduations@spu.ac.za
SOCIAL MEDIA
Celebrate your achievement and share your graduation moments with us.
Tag Sol Plaatje University on all platforms and use the official hashtags:
#SPUGraduation2026
#ChangingLivesOneGraduateAtATime
#MySPU
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR DAY
Experience the moment before you step onto the stage
Your graduation day is a carefully coordinated experience designed to honour your achievement and ensure that every graduate is recognised with dignity and pride.
From the moment you arrive on campus, you will be guided through a structured process that includes registration, preparation, and seating ahead of the ceremony. University staff and marshals will be present throughout to direct you and ensure that proceedings run smoothly.
As the ceremony begins, you will join your fellow graduates in a formal academic procession, followed by the conferral of qualifications. This is the moment where years of effort, sacrifice and commitment are formally acknowledged.
Please take note that the ceremony is conducted in accordance with formal academic protocol. Graduates are expected to remain seated as directed, follow instructions from officials, and uphold the decorum of the occasion at all times.
This is more than a ceremony. It is a defining moment in your journey, shared with your peers, your family, and the wider University community.
Hear from our 2024 graduates
LOOK BACK ON THE JOURNEY
Revisit previous graduation ceremonies and moments that reflect the shared experience of achievement at Sol Plaatje University.
