How to Apply to Graduate
The University awards diplomas three times in the academic year: December, May and August. Every student must apply online to graduate in order to receive their diploma. The online application generally opens a few weeks after the semester starts and closes by a mid-semester deadline.
Ceremony participation
Commencement ceremonies happen once a year, in May for graduates and candidates of the full academic year (past fall, current spring and future summer). Participation in the graduation ceremony ("walking") is optional. Alumni who earned their undergraduate degrees in a fall semester or future graduation candidates who plan to graduate in the summer semester apply to walk in the spring ceremony.
A student must apply to graduate in the semester they intend to complete their degree requirements. The College of Natural Sciences awards degrees three times in the academic year: December, May and August.
Application Process
The application to graduate for fall 2025 is open September 1 – December 8.
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1
Review your Degree Audit before applying to graduate.
- Apply for any certificates or minors you intend to earn;
- Make sure your certificates or minors are currently showing on your degree audit.
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2
Contact your advisor if you have questions after running your audit and before applying to graduate.
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3
Complete a Graduation Application.
- If you are not enrolled in residence at UT Austin in the semester you apply to graduate, you must complete and return the in absentia registration form, in addition to the online application.
- Check your Registration Information Sheet and clear bars BEFORE you submit your in absentia registration form.
- If you are enrolled in at least six (6), but fewer than twelve (12), hours you may request full-time status for part-time enrollment by noting the request in the Student Remarks box in the online graduation application.
- If you don't see your certificate or minor in the drop down menu, enter the information in the Student Remarks box.
- If you have any questions, contact Student Records at ns.student.records@austin.utexas.edu.
Other Items
We urge you to complete the College of Natural Sciences Graduation Survey (a link will be emailed to you late in the semester).
Also, determine whether you may be eligible for the Tuition Rebate program. You may submit an Application for Tuition Rebate during the semester in which you complete your degree requirements (earn a degree).
Contact CNS Student Records
Student Records has information about support available to degree candidates.
ns.student.records@austin.utexas.edu
Phone: (512) 232-9283