It's time to graduate!

students in convocation regalia

Congratulations! You are about to join a prestigious network of more than 150,000 Waterloo alumni around the world.

Receiving your degree is one of the most exciting moments in your undergraduate career. Follow the convocation ceremony checklist from the Registrar's Office for a carefree walk across the stage.

  1. Verify your degree requirements with your academic advisor.

  2. File your Application to Graduate form:

    Deadlines for undergraduate students
    Spring Convocation (June) Nov. 1 - Dec. 1

    Nov. 1 - Mar. 1    		 If requirements are completed during the fall term

    If requirements are completed during the winter term
    Fall Convocation (October) Jun. 20 - Aug. 15 If requirements are completed during the spring term

    All students must apply to graduate or their degree will not be awarded.

  3. Confirm your mailing, home address and email addresses on Quest by April 1 for spring convocation and August 1 for fall convocation. This will ensure you receive your convocation invitation and information regarding tax receipts. Note: Alumni have access to Quest indefinitely to generate statements of account and access tax receipts.
  4. Check your unofficial transcript on Quest after you've completed your final term to ensure you have been recommended to graduate in the “Degrees Awarded” section.​​​​​​
    • ensure you have been recommended to graduate in the “Degrees Awarded” section; and
    •  ensure your transcript is accurate: “By accepting the degree, diploma, or certificate conferred, a student is ratifying the undergraduate academic record upon which it was based. Therefore, student initiated changes to that record will not be made.” (http://ugradcalendar.uwaterloo.ca/page/Acad-Regs-Student-Responsibility
  5. Clear any outstanding fees on your student account, including parking and library fines by June 1 for spring convocation and October 1 for fall convocation. Your diploma and transcript may be withheld if you have any outstanding fees.

Other information to consider:

Having your graduation photo taken

Appointments are booked online through Prestige Photography by Lifetouch and grad photos are taken in the Student Life Centre (SLC) year-round. Please see Lifetouch's website for your class composite deadline and to book your appointment. 

Repaying Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

  • If you have received OSAP during your studies, you are responsible for beginning to repay your loan six months after you have stopped being a full-time post-secondary student. You are also responsible for contacting the National Student Loans Service Centre (NSLSC) and/or financial institution for repayment arrangements.
  • For more information, visit the OSAP website.

Your next steps...