Congratulations on completing your studies! You can be proud, knowing that you’ve given it your all in your final unit. You have achieved a major life milestone, and will soon become part of the Alumni community. But first, it’s time to graduate! Here you will find all the information you need to know to guide you through the completion of your course. 

 

Note: You do not need to attend a graduation ceremony to graduate from your course although it is highly recommended. You can find out more about attending a graduation ceremony here. 

 

Finishing your course

Your studies are complete once you have satisfied all the requirements of your course. Sometimes, the end of your course can bring about new stresses and pressure. If you need help, seek out study support. We’re here to help, and want you to succeed!

It's also important to check your details in MyVU to make sure that you have an up-to-date personal email address listed around this period. VU will send notifications about your course to your email, so it’s a good idea to have your personal email listed in case you forget to check your student email. 

 

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Eligibility to graduate

Higher Education Students

Are eligible to graduate if:

  • you have completed and passed all assessment requirements for the course
  • your results are officially published
  • you have no outstanding fees or fines.

When your College confirms your completion, you'll receive a notification of completion via email.

You'll then receive a graduation invitation approximately six weeks before the next round of ceremonies.

From 1 January 2023 you will also need to have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI) to graduate.

VU Polytechnic/VE Students

Are eligible to graduate if:

  • you have completed and passed all assessment requirements for the course
  • your results are officially published
  • you have no outstanding fees or fines
  • you have a valid Unique Student Identifier (USI).

You'll receive a notification of completion via email.

Notifications are sent on the 15th, and 30th/31st of each month, followed by your Testamur and academic transcript via post within 10 working days.

 

Notice of completion

Once you’ve completed your studies, and you have successfully passed all of your assessments and requirements you will receive a Notice of Completion.

You don’t need to do anything to receive this email.

Our Assessments and Completions team will send you a Notice of Completion via email once you have satisfied all the requirements of your course.

The processing of completions generally takes around 10 business days, but can vary. 

Now that you have received your Notice of Completion, you can breathe easy – your course is complete. Congratulations!

two young Asian students, studying, smiling at camera

What happens next

Hard copy certificates & results

Once your award has been conferred, you will be able to access a digital copy of your testamur (award), and academic transcript (results) from My eQuals.

  1. Conferral is the administrative process of officially bestowing an award upon a student, acknowledging that the student has completed all academic requirements of their course. At Victoria University, students are not present for the conferral of awards, and instead, achievements are recognized at an official graduation ceremony.

Students who attend a graduation ceremony will be able to pick up a hard copy of their testamur (certificate) after the ceremony. If you opt to graduate in-absentia (graduate without attending a ceremony), you can request to have your certificate posted to you.

Useful forms

INVITATION TO GRADUATE

You will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony approximately six weeks prior to the event. Find out more about Attending a Graduation ceremony.

International students leaving Australia

If you're an international student leaving Australia and embarking on your new career, you may need to complete a few important tasks before you leave.

Here we outline some things you need to finalise to help make your transition back home a smooth one.

  • Give your notice of intention to leave your accommodation in writing to your landlord or agent and if relevant, your housemate(s). Follow the step by step guide to ending a tenancy.
  • Clean your accommodation (including garden if applicable) completely and dispose of all unwanted items, furniture and rubbish.
  • Refer to your Condition Report and lease/agreement for any additional cleaning requirements.
  • Return your keys before or on the date you leave your accommodation (a late return will result in more rent being charged).
  • Apply to get your bond back. Follow the  step by step guide to bond recovery.
  • Check that any possessions you are sending back to your home country are not on the Australia Post dangerous/prohibited goods list (PDF).
  • Sell/give away any possessions you no longer want. You could try Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree or your local buy/swap/sell group. Use Recycling Near You to find a way to dispose of anything else.

Want to know more about moving out? Read the  Student Housing fact sheet.

  • Finalise all accounts including those with the University. Make sure that all library fines, student loans and accommodation fees are paid. If you still have debts to the University you won't be able to receive your results or obtain your degree.
  • Pay for Academic Transcripts at a VUHQ service centre if you do not take advantage of the free period.
  • Submit any OSHC claims that are still outstanding.
  • Identify the various companies that can freight things home for you and the costs of these services.
  • Close your bank account in Australia once all refunds are received or organise alternative banking arrangements to keep your account open.
  • Find out how to remove your name from the utility accounts, how to redirect your mail or other hints and tips on the moving services website.
  • Complete and hand in the relevant taxation return forms or superannuation entitlements.

  • Make sure you make time to say farewell to friends and University staff.
  • Tell someone at home and in Australia your arrival details.
  • Make your own arrangements for transport to the airport on the day of your departure.

If you are not leaving the country straight away, ensure that your visa is valid for any extended stay in Australia.

  • Start to make arrangements to book your flight home. If you plan on visiting any other countries on your way home, make sure you have the correct visa for that country if required.
  • Start to sort through your possessions and decide what you want to take home, sell, advertise for sale, give away or donate to charities.
  • If you have children, notify the school or childcare centre when you will be leaving.
  • Give 28 days notice to your landlord or housemates.

  • Request a final bill or a reading from the gas, electricity, phone and water companies.
  • Ensure housemates have your correct home address for returning mail.
  • Redirect your mail (do this at any post office).

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