Apply for Convocation
The University of Alberta holds two convocations each year:
- Spring Convocation in June
- Fall Convocation in November
To convocate, students must complete the following steps before the graduate student convocation deadlines:
1. Apply for Convocation
- To apply for graduation, open Bear Tracks and find the Academics menu.
- Click on the "Graduation” link in the "My Academics" folder, then"Apply for Graduation."
- Select your program and follow the instructions to complete your application.
Remember: Your convocation application is subject to review and approval by the Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (GPS). Applying to convocate on Bear Tracks does not guarantee convocation.
2. Compile Your Supporting Documents
Make sure the department has sent the appropriate program completion form to GPS. You can find all program completion forms in the Forms Cabinet.
- For thesis-based master's and doctoral students: the department must fill out and sign the Thesis Approval/Program Completion form after your final oral exam to confirm you've met all requirements.
- You must also sign and submit a Thesis Non-Exclusive License form before submitting your thesis to the Thesis Deposit. See step 5 of the Thesis Requirements + Preparation page for a complete list of documents that must be submitted to GPS before submitting your thesis.
- For course-based master's students: the department must fill out the Report of Completion of Course-based Master's Degree form once all courses and the capping exercise are completed.
- For diplomas and certificate students: the department must fill out the Report of Completion for Post-graduate Diploma and Post-Baccalaureate Certificate form.
- For embedded graduate certificates: the department must fill out the Report of Completion for Embedded Graduate Certificate form.
3. Submit Your Thesis (Thesis-based Students Only)
If you’re in a thesis-based master’s or doctoral program, submit your thesis for review and approval by GPS.
- See steps 6 and 7 of the Thesis Requirements + Preparation page for details on how to submit your thesis electronically in Thesis Deposit.
4. Fee Payment
Remember to pay any outstanding fees. We cannot release parchments or official documents if there are unpaid balances on your account.
For more information about convocation ceremony dates and tickets and to verify your convocation status, visit the Convocation section of the Registrar's Office website.