Staff + Student LoginAcademic Dress
The Tradition
In common with English universities, universities in New Zealand have a system of academic dress, which is worn by its graduates to indicate their degree, ie. Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate. This dress has evolved through the centuries from everyday attire. The academic dress worn by today's graduates can be traced back to medieval lay costume which comprised a hood and a loose heavy tunic and was worn simply to provide some protection against the weather.
If you are attending a graduation ceremony, you will be required to wear the academic dress appropriate to your qualification as follows:
- Bachelors: Black gown; black hood with gold lining; black mortarboard
- Bachelors with Honours: Black gown; black hood with gold lining and gold border 5cm in width; black mortarboard
- Masters: Black gown; gold hood with gold lining, black mortarboard
- MPhil: Black gown; crimson hood with crimson lining; black mortarboard
- PhD, EdD, SJD: Maroon gown; crimson hood with crimson lining; black Tudor bonnet with gold cord and tassel
- DLit, DSc: Crimson gown; crimson hood with crimson lining; black Tudor bonnet with gold cord and tassel
If you are receiving a Diploma or Certificate and you already have a degree, you should wear appropriate regalia for that degree. If you are not a graduate already, you should wear an undergraduate gown without a hood or mortarboard.
Academic Dress Hire
Academic dress is available for hire from the Waikato Graduate Women Charitable Trust by completing an Academic Dress Hire Order Form. For any queries regarding academic dress contact:
Academic Dress Hire
Waikato Graduate Women Charitable Trust
Private Bag 3105
Hamilton, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 858-5228 (9.00am to 12.00pm)
Fax: +64 7 858-5215
