All graduating students must wear official academic gowns and hoods or culturally traditional regalia. Your academic gown and hood correspond to your degree. Candidates from diploma programs who are not also graduating with a degree are not required to wear hoods. See the sections below for more information on academic, Indigenous, and culturally traditional regalia.
- Academic Regalia:
- Advanced gown and hood rentals are available from February 22 - May 22, 2026. Learn more about renting gowns and hoods.
- Externally purchased regalia is not permitted.
- Indigenous Regalia and Culturally Traditional Regalia:
- Students who wish to wear Indigenous or culturally traditional regalia must complete either the Indigenous regalia or culturally traditional regalia form below.
Graduating students rent their gowns and hoods that are worn during their convocation ceremony.
Advanced gown rentals opened on February 22 and will close on May 22.
In recognition of the original nations of Turtle Island, the University of Waterloo welcomes, honours, and supports the choice of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit graduating students to wear traditional regalia at convocation.
You may choose to wear traditional regalia instead of, or beneath, your convocation gown.
You must indicate your intention to wear traditional Indigenous regalia by completing this form during the registration period.
Our student community is diverse and represents many cultural backgrounds. If your culture includes traditional regalia that you would like to wear, you are welcome to do so at convocation.
To wear culturally traditional regalia, you must indicate your intention by completing this form during the registration period.
General regalia reminders
General Reminders
- Wear attire appropriate for the occasion under your regalia. Clothing that promotes hate or violence will not be permitted.
- Do not bring personal belongings into the ceremony other than photo ID to check in. Leave items with a guest or at home, as secure storage space is not available.
- Only medically necessary or pre-approved items may be taken on stage.