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Graduation and Convocation

Graduation is just the beginning

Graduation is more than a milestone—it’s your hard work paying off. Apply early, check your requirements, and get ready for an unforgettable Convocation experience.

What's the difference between graduation and Convocation? Apply to graduate Graduation standing Convocation Stay on track to graduate
Two students wearing convocation robes hold large yellow letters spelling DAL.

What's the difference between graduation and Convocation?

Graduation

Graduation is the official process of awarding your academic credential. It means that you’ve satisfied all the requirements of your program, and you are eligible to receive your degree, diploma, or certificate from Dalhousie. After you apply to graduate, the Registrar’s Office reviews your academic record to ensure that you have met the requirements, and then Senate officially confers your credential.

Apply to graduate

Convocation

Convocation is the celebration and formal recognition of your achievements. You must meet the requirements to graduate to participate in Convocation ceremonies.

Explore convocation

Apply to graduate

Graduation at Dalhousie isn’t automatic; you must apply to graduate in the Spring or Fall each year. Apply early to avoid delays and ensure that you can participate in Convocation.

See deadlines and learn how to apply
An overhead view of a student sitting on a carpet, surrounding by books, a laptop computer, and a mobile phone. They are writing in a notebook. Photo by Vlada Karpovich.

Graduation standing

Each program has minimum GPA requirements you must meet to be considered for graduation. If your GPA is high enough, you may graduate with distinction.

Check the GPA requirements for your program
A group of graduating students wearing gowns walking in a group outdoors on a fine day on their way to an event.

Convocation

You’ve met the requirements, now it’s time to celebrate! Get all the details on Convocation, including dates, locations, and what to expect.

Explore convocation
Three students chat as they walk through the lobby of the Rowe Management Building.

Stay on track to graduate

Don’t wait until your final term to think about graduation. Use tools and resources like degree audits and academic advising throughout your studies to plan your program, track progress, and catch any missing requirements early.

Tip: Each time you change or update your registration, run a degree audit. It only takes a few seconds, and you can see immediately if you’ve made a course selection that does not count toward your degree.

Run a degree audit Contact an advisor
Dr. Margaret Oulton (PhD’75), inaugural Golden Eagle Lifetime Achievement Award recipient