Graduating in absentia

Graduands who are unable to attend the ceremony can arrange for their degree, diploma or certificate to be awarded in absentia by clicking here and completing the form on Absence from graduation ceremony before Friday, 8 March 2024.

The system will prompt graduands to either select the self-collection option or have their graduation documents couriered to them. Unfortunately, no further requests will be possible after the above-mentioned date.

Please note, if you missed the deadline to indicate that you will be graduating in absentia, your graduation documentation will automatically be couriered to you. Unfortunately, self-collection is not an option at this stage.

Courier

Where arrangements have been made for graduation in absentia, the relevant graduation documents will be sent to the physical address captured on the University’s database, after the conclusion of the entire graduation series.

Self-collection

Where arrangements have been made for self-collection, documents will be packaged and available for collection at the Information Desk in Admin A from Tuesday, 2 April between 08:00–16:30 on weekdays.

Click here for more information on the distribution of graduation documentation.

Graduating in absentia: distribution of graduation documentation

Graduands who could not attend their respective ceremony, or who indicated that they would graduate in absentia, will receive their graduation documentation as follows:

Local and International deliveries

Your graduation documents will be issued to you via DHL Couriers who will deliver it to your door, provided that your current physical address and contact numbers are updated on the University’s system.

Distribution of Graduation Documentation:

Please note, that the distribution of graduation documents will be delayed due to the Easter Weekend.

Graduation documentation for all graduands residing in South Africa will be sent via DHL starting from Thursday, 4 April 2024.

1. Local delivery timeframe:

The expected delivery time for local deliveries is 2-4 working days. Please note that deliveries to remote areas may take slightly longer.

2. Tracking your documentation:

You will receive a tracking number via SMS. It is essential to ensure that your cell phone number is up to date on the system to receive the tracking number.

3. International graduands’ delivery date:

For international graduands, graduation documents will be issued via DHL, starting from Thursday, 4 April 2024.

4. International delivery timeframe:

The delivery for international shipments may take 5-7 working days, depending on your location.

5. Updating address and contact details

Please ensure your current physical address and contact numbers are up to date on the system. DHL will use this information for delivery. You can update your information by clicking here.

6. DHL will contact you:

DHL will contact you on the contact number provided on the system to notify you of the delivery and to verify that your physical address and contact details are correct.

7. PO Box addresses:

DHL cannot deliver to PO Box addresses registered on the system. Please ensure you provide the correct physical address for delivery.

*Kindly note that the University will not be held liable for incorrect details (addresses and contact numbers) on the system, which may result in DHL Courier Services delivering to the wrong physical addresses or not contacting graduands to confirm deliveries due to incorrect contact numbers.

Graduands who do not update their information by the deadline, will have to make their own arrangements with DHL Courier Services via https://www.dhl.com/za-en/home/get-a-quote.html.

For further inquiries regarding the delivery or tracking of your graduation documents, please contact DHL on 021 872 4717.

For further assistance, please contact: graduation@sun.ac.za.

Graduands are kindly reminded to update their individual personal details, postal and contact information by Friday 8 March 2024 and can do so by clicking here.

*Kindly note that the University will not be held liable for incorrect details (addresses and contact numbers) on the system that may result in DHL Courier Services delivering to the wrong physical address or not contacting graduands to confirm deliveries due to incorrect contact numbers.

Graduands will encounter an additional fee of R500 for any graduation documents issued incorrectly as a result of incorrect details on the system. It is important and remains your responsibility to update your details before the closing date (Friday 8 March 2024).

Should graduands not update their information by the deadline, graduands will have to make their own arrangements with DHL Courier Services via www.dhl.com.

For further inquiries regarding the delivery or tracking of your graduation documents, please contact DHL on 021 872 4717.