Graduation

The Cambridge graduation ceremony is called a 'Congregation' and takes place in the Senate House, in the centre of Cambridge, where degrees are formally awarded to graduating students (who are known as 'graduands').

Once you have met all the academic and residence requirements set out in the University Statutes, you will have your degree conferred (awarded). This is given by the Congregation of the Regent House (the governing body of the University of Cambridge). Graduation takes place in a ceremony at the Senate House. Please do not make any travel arrangements before securing a graduation date with the College.

You do not have to be present for the degree to be conferred. You can apply for it to be awarded in absence. However, if you do choose this, your degree cannot then be conferred in person at another ceremony later on.

General Admission

The largest 'Congregation' is called 'General Admission', which takes place in June. In 2025, General Admission will be held on Friday 4 July. This is when undergraduate degrees (and some postgraduate degrees) are conferred. These are: BTh, BA, VetMB, and BA with MEng or MMath or MSci degrees. Each College presents their students to the Congregation on a specific day, and Emmanuel usually presents our graduands to the Senate House on Fridays.

Before General Admission
On the day
After the General Admission ceremony
More information

MA Graduation

The Cambridge MA is conferred (awarded) by right on holders of the University BA degree, and on certain other senior members. It is not available as a postgraduate qualification.

When am I eligible for taking my MA?
How will I find out about my MA Congregation?
What does a Cambridge MA mean?
Arrangements for MA Congregation
Can I bring guests?

Other Graduation ceremonies

The University holds ten Congregations every year, which usually take place on Fridays or Saturdays. Any degree can be conferred at these, and they are arranged between two and three times a term. It is vital that Congregations are booked significantly in advance, and no later than three weeks before the selected date.

What happens at other Congregations?
Booking for other Congregations
Arrangements for other Congregations
Can I bring guests?
Do you provide accommodation?
Is the Ceremony live–streamed?

Dates of Congregations

Useful Information

Senate House information

Please note the below information regarding your guests' attendance at a ceremony in the Senate House.

Guests at the Senate House

Two guests per graduand are allowed to the Senate House. Up to three guests per graduand are invited to lunch in College on the day of the Congregation. The arrangements are under continuous review.

Bringing bags into Senate House

Any bags larger than 35 x 25cm may not be taken into the Senate House or the surrounding grounds. You may be asked to make alternative arrangements for storage of your belongings.

Assistance at the Senate House

If it is vital you keep your bag(s) with you, you must seek assistance from the Senate House staff (Proctor or Constable). They may check their contents prior to entry.