What to wear

• Postgraduate ceremonies in April 2026 - Friday 20 March
• Undergraduate ceremonies in July 2026 - Friday 19 June

Before you start, make sure you know your head circumference (measure the circumference of your head 2.5cm above your eyebrows), chest and height measurements and have your credit/debit card details to hand.

You will place an order at the same time as booking your graduation tickets.

Once you have completed your order, print out your order confirmation and take it with you when you collect your outfit on the day of the ceremony.

The University recommends that gowns should only be hired from Ede and Ravenscroft as they are our approved graduation partner and will provide you with the appropriate academic dress.

The fee for robe hire if hired online is approximately:

• £45 for an undergraduate outfit
• £51 for a masters degree outfit
• £58 for a research degree outfit.

Some spare robes will be available to hire on the day if you forget to book them, but this supply is limited in number. Please be aware that the size of hat you order will be the size of hat you have to use on the day, you will be unable to swap it on the day, so please make sure you measure your head carefully before ordering.

Your robes will be available to collect on the day from campus.

If you have any questions about your order please contact Ede & Ravenscroft directly.

Please note: whilst it is not compulsory to wear a gown, the University reserves the right to refuse to allow a student to graduate in person if you are deemed to be unsuitably dressed. Your name may not be called out and you may not be permitted to take part in the ceremony.

Gowns for University of Surrey degrees are black with the exception of Doctorate awards, which are cardinal red. All hoods incorporate a rich, royal blue damask lining with a ribbon trim according to the type of degree.

Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate hoods have a rich, royal blue damask lining with a white trim.

Foundation Degree and Graduate Certificate hoods have a 25mm band of blue brocade rebated 25mm from the edge.

Diploma of Higher Education hoods have a 25mm band of blue brocade trimmed with a 15mm white ribbon.

Graduation is a formal occasion, and we recommend that you wear a suit or similar formal outfit for your ceremony. Graduands are very welcome to wear national dress. Members of the armed forces may wear the appropriate uniform, and members of religious orders their normal mode of dress.

Please be aware that jeans, hoodies, tracksuits, trainers, flip flops and short skirts are not appropriate for the occasion.

You will have to walk to the front of the Cathedral and back during the ceremony and there are some steps you will need to climb to get on and off the platform. We therefore recommend that you wear suitable footwear.