Frequently Asked Questions

Help

For any issues and enquiries, please contact our customer support representatives at: support@gfp.com.au, call our customer support team at Australia: 1300 360 445 - International: +61 8 8166 1896. To assist us in processing your enquiry, please provide us with some information about yourself.

Academic Regalia

Academic regalia can be hired from GFP Graduations.
Students are encouraged to obtain their academic regalia from GFP Graduations who are the Universities preferred supplier.
Click here for more information about your academic regalia.

Other Graduation Services

GFP is also the supplier of bears, frames, plaques, graduation pins and charms, all available for purchase on graduation days. See the GFP website for items available to pre-order and collect on the day.

Venue Info

Darwin Ceremonies
Location: Charles Darwin University, Gulwa | The Austin Asche Hall

Alice Spring Ceremonies

Location: Alice Springs Convention Centre

Katherine Ceremonies

Location: Godinymayin Yijard River Arts & Culture Centre

Gown Collection Times and Locations

Darwin Ceremonies

Pick-up location: Charles Darwin University, Casuarina Campus Red 6 (Room 03/05)

Pick-up time:

• 8:00am until 9:15am collection for 10am ceremony.
• 2:00pm until 3:15pm collection for 4pm ceremony.

Frequently asked questions about our academic dress

Do I have to wear Academic Dress to participate in my Graduation Ceremony?
Yes. You will be required to wear the prescribed academic dress for the Degree or Diploma in which you are graduating.
This includes a gown, a mortar board, hood and/or stole in the appropriate colour.

I am receiving a Double Degree, how do I order my Academic Dress?
If you are receiving both Degrees in one ceremony, then you only need to place one order.
You will only need to wear the hood for the ceremony you are attending or the highest award you are receiving.
If you are receiving your Degrees in separate ceremonies, then you will need to place two orders, one for each ceremony.

When do I hire my Academic Dress?
Academic Dress will be open for booking weeks before your ceremony

How do I work out my Gown Size?
When you place your order online you will have the option to select your size e.g. extra small, small, medium, large etc and we will also ask for your height, this will allow us to ensure you have the correct size. Gown Size Chart

When do I return my Academic Dress?

Gowns must be returned after you have finalized your photographic and graduation services within 2 hours of the ceremony finishing.
Failure to return your Academic Dress within this period will incur a late fee. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions below.

What if I don't have a credit card - can I pay cash?
We highly recommend you use our secure online ordering system to ensure availability. Your receipt will be emailed to you. Please print and present this receipt at the Gowning counter to collect your academic dress. Alternatively, you can contact GFP to make a booking to pay on the day using cash and/or debit transactions.

Do I have to wear anything specific under my gown?
It is important to note the gown is open at the front; therefore what you are wearing underneath is visible. It is for this reason we recommend you wear business attire, and comfortable shoes. If the day is warm, you may want to remove your jacket as the gowns are quite heavy and it may be hot in the auditorium.

How much will my Academic Dress hire cost?

Academic Dress hire prices vary depending on your requirements - as a general rule:

• Certificate I-III: $75

• Cert IV, Undergraduate Certificate/Diploma/Advanced Diploma/Associate Degree: $75

• Bachelor, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma: $80

• Master: $80

Terms and Conditions
Return of Academic Dress - Academic Dress is to be returned within 2 hours of the conclusion of your ceremony.
Failure to return Academic Dress on time will incur a charge equivalent to the balance of the purchase price of the regalia. Purchase price is three times the hire price.
Cancellation of Order - If you need to cancel your order please contact Customer Service to arrange your refund.
Generally, refunds are not applicable if your cancellation occurs within 3 days of your ceremony.

How to wear your academic dress

Gown - The gown is worn over the top of your clothing like a jacket, undergraduate's arms go through the sleeve, Postgraduate students arm's slide through an opening in the sleeve.

Faculty Hood - For all degrees the hood is then placed over the top of your gown and worn with the colour hanging down the back of the gown and the V at the front of your neck. (For Graduates wearing a button shirt, there is a button hook to allow you to hook the hood on to stop it from moving about)

Mortarboard - The Mortarboard is worn with shallow part to the front of your head and the deep part at the back of the head, with the tassel placed on the left-hand side of the head.

It is important to remember that the clothing you wear to your graduation ceremony will be visible as you walk across the stage. Neat, casual attire is most appropriate, with a shirt and tie recommended for male graduates. It is best to avoid jeans and sneakers. Please also note that a mortarboard must be worn as part of academic dress, which should be kept in mind when planning your hairstyle.

 Academic Dress Sizes

Please note - your height is the best indicator when choosing your gown size

 HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR GOWN SIZE

Can I apply for or buy guest tickets for my graduation ceremony?
Note that you can only register if you have been emailed the Graduation Invitation.
Guest tickets are limited to 3 per graduate for Darwin Ceremonies & 4 per graduate for Alice Springs & Katherine ceremonies. 
Guest Ticket Info
Guests may enter the Graduation Hall one hour before the ceremony begins.
All guests should be seated 30 minutes prior to the commencement of the ceremony and remain seated until the conclusion of the ceremony.

All guest must present their UNIQUE ticket to gain entry to the Graduation Hall.

Photography and Merchandise

GFP has been contracted to provide a complete record of each ceremony, as well as a portrait photographic service for graduates.

GFP is the official supplier of graduation memorabilia such as bears, graduation rings, pins and charms, all available for purchase on graduation day. Please visit the GFP website for further details.

Stage presentation photographs will also be available, in Darwin, immediately following your ceremony to purchase and take home on the day

Save time and money by pre-ordering your graduation photograph packages through the Graduation Portal.