Graduation tickets

Our wonderful campus is the perfect backdrop for celebrating your graduation, offering you the opportunity to join two exclusive events to mark this momentous occasion.

How to pre-book tickets

To attend any part of the graduation experience you will need to pre-book your tickets - this is the ONLY way to guarantee that your special guests can be part of the full Surrey Graduation experience!

Bookings must be made by a graduand, but you can book up to two guaranteed guest tickets as part of your booking.

Ticket dates for ceremonies in 2026

Postgraduate ceremonies April 2026

  • Invites to ceremonies will be sent via email in December 2025.
  • Tickets to attend the postgraduate ceremonies in April 2026 will be available to book between Monday 12 January Friday 6 March.
  • If extra tickets are available and you have requested them, you will be contacted via email week commencing Monday 9 March and will have until Friday 20 March to book them.

Undergraduate ceremonies July 2026

  • Invites to ceremonies will be sent via email in March 2026.
  • Tickets to attend the undergraduate ceremonies in July 2026 will be available to book between Monday 27 April Friday 5 June.
  • If extra tickets are available and you have requested them, you will be contacted via email week commencing Monday 8 June and will have until Friday 19 June to book them.
Your Graduation reception

Watch: a preview of your graduation reception

Types of tickets available

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating with those who matter most, so we are proud to be able to offer free access to both your ceremony and the celebratory reception, including unlimited visits to the buffet tables, sweet treat stands and free-flowing drinks during the exclusive themed reception!

In addition, you are also guaranteed up to two free guest tickets so your loved ones can be there for the whole experience, including both the ceremony and the celebratory reception. Additional guest tickets can also be requested, and will be allocated if available.

Wristbands with your seat number on are issued to all graduands and to those guests who have reserved seats (seating is guaranteed at the ceremony only). All other guests are issued with a plain wristband.

Please return here on Monday 12 January 2026 to book your tickets.

Wristbands (for graduands)

Your graduand wristband gives you:

  • Your own seat at the degree conferment ceremony in Guildford Cathedral
  • Access to our exclusive themed reception
  • Delicious afternoon tea with sparkling wine and unlimited refreshments.
  • Brilliant photo opportunities, entertainment and a fantastic atmosphere alongside your friends, family, and course mates
  • Two guaranteed tickets for your friends and family, with the option to request more tickets if you need them. 

You can find out more about the graduation experience on our on-the-day page.

Be sure to book your ticket before the deadline – we are unable to take late bookings, and we don't want you to miss the occasion!

We want to ensure that your name is pronounced correctly when being presented with your degree. If you find that people often have difficulty pronouncing your name you can fill out our Graduation ceremony name pronunciation form here.

Please note:

  • You can't book your place at graduation if you have any outstanding tuition fees. Please check our eligibility guidance for more information.
  • The reception is not a seated event. There will be tables and seating available, but this will be on a first-come, first served basis.
Ceremony and reception (for guests)

This is the best way to make the most of the full experience. Your guests will be present in the iconic Cathedral for your big moment on the stage and will also get access to the themed reception with all food and drink included free of charge!

Should the Cathedral become full, live stream tickets will be offered as an alternative.

Please note: the reception is not a seated event. There will be tables and seating available, but this will be on a first-come, first served basis.

Requesting additional guest tickets

You can request additional tickets when booking if you would like to bring more guests. Once bookings have closed, confirmation of additional tickets will be sent via email to confirm how many of your additional tickets can be booked.

Under 12 guests

We recommend that under 12s don't attend the Ceremony (their own special day will come in a few years!) but if they do attend and become restless or start crying we kindly ask that you take them out of the Cathedral to reduce disruption.

Live stream and reception (for guests)

A more informal setting to watch the ceremony, your guests can watch a professional live stream in one of our comfortable lecture theatres. Ideal for those who prefer a quieter environment, or do not want to walk up to the Cathedral but still want to be part of your memorable day and enjoy all the food, drink and snacks at the themed reception. These tickets are also free of charge and include all food and drink.

Please note: 

  • The live stream is an in-person event. Your guests will come to campus with you to watch the live stream and enjoy the reception. This is not a ticket for the online live stream (all ceremonies are streamed for free on our YouTube channel and no ticket is required for this).
  • The reception is not a seated event. There will be tables and seating available, but this will be on a first-come, first served basis.

Requesting additional guest tickets

You can request additional tickets when booking if you would like to bring more guests. Once bookings have closed, confirmation of additional tickets will be sent via email to confirm how many of your additional tickets can be booked.

  • Graduands sitting in their seats at a ceremony
    You will join hundreds of other graduands in the iconic Guildford Cathedral
  • A photo of the graduation reception afternoon tea buffet
    All graduands and guests get access to our delicious afternoon tea
  • A graduate and their guest standing in front of a Forever Surrey sign and behind a 2024 sign at their graduation reception
    Your guests will join you for photo opps in our celebratory reception
  • A graduand having a photo taken with their guest by the stag statue
    You can explore our beautiful campus for stunning photos with your guests
  • A photo from a graduation ceremony, showing the procession guests sitting in the Cathedral
    Your academics will watch on as you take the famous walk across the stage
  • A group of graduates at their reception
    Join your closest coursemates to celebrate your achievements

Frequently asked ticket questions 

For information about changing your booking, refunds, lost tickets and more, visit MySurrey Help.

Ticket FAQs on MySurrey Help

Dietary requirements

When making your booking, please select your dietary requirements from the drop down menu. If your dietary requirements are not listed then please select the ‘other’ option and email ceremonies@surrey.ac.uk with your dietary requirements.

Accessibility requirements

It's important to us that all our guests can enjoy the full graduation experience, so we are committed to ensuring we provide the best advice and guidance for guests with accessibility or mobility needs.

You can read about this on our venue, travel and parking page.

Photography and videography notice

Ceremony audiences should note that ceremonies will be live streamed and photographs of each graduate crossing the stage will be taken.

University staff and official photographers may be roaming around during your graduation day taking photographs which may be used for the University's social media channels, website and printed materials.