Frequently asked questions and answers about the graduation ceremony (FAQ) at KTH
Here you will find frequently asked questions and answers regarding the graduation ceremony at KTH.
Degree certificate
Do I have to participate in the ceremony to get the degree?
No, however you have to get your degree to be able to participate in the ceremony.
Degree certificate – how and where to apply
What if my degree application is not processed in time?
Then you have to wait for the next upcoming ceremony.
General questions about the graduation ceremony
I need a letter of invitation to apply for visa. What do I do?
Send an email to
ceremonier@kth.se
and explain that you need a letter for visa application. Don't forget to include the names of your guests. You will then receive the letter in pdf.
If the letter should be for yourself, send your birthdate and KTH ID.
Who gets the invitation?
All masters and masters of science, bachelors and architects who has received their degree certificate will be invited to the ceremony in City Hall if they have registered interest of the ceremony as stated in the instuctions following your degree certificate.
When do I get my invitation?
When you sign the inquiry you will mark which ceremony you wish to attend. The invitation to the ceremony in May is sent out in April. The invitation to the ceremony in December is sent out in November.
Why do I have to register my attendance?
You have to register your attendance so that there will be a diploma with your name and your name gets listed in the programme. We also need to know the total number of guests, so we do not exceed the limit of 1200.
Can I receive the diploma by post?
No, the diploma is a souvenir from the ceremony and is only given to those attending the ceremony. The degree certificate is the formal proof of your degree.
When does the ceremony start?
The doors open at 16.20 and the ceremony starts at 17.00 sharp.
How is the ceremony performed?
The ceremony starts with a flag parade and all graduands in line sorted in correct order parading downstairs to their chairs in the Blue Hall. When the parade music has finished you sit down. The head usher enters the rostrum and presents the president. The president opens the ceremony with a speach followed by the first director of undergraduate studies to commence the ceremony. During this the graduands starts to line up to get ready to receive the diploma.
This goes on until all graduands are graduates. The length of the ceremony varies depending on the number of graduates but expect approximately 1 h 45 min - 2h. The ceremony end with a flag parade out/upstairs.
During the ceremony there will be a couple of breaks with entertainment from the KTH academic orchestra.
A video showing how the graduation ceremony is performed
What is the dress code?
As a graduate the dress code is dark suit.
Dark suit means two or three piece suit i.e. dark blue, black, dark grey, dark brown. White or light colored shirt, tie in any color except white, or long or knee long dress or skirt.
Or; knee-length dress in any colour, i.e. cocktail dress. The same dress code goes for graduates’ guests. Under graduate hats will not be used.
Traditional garment/folk costume is correct according to the dress code.
You will not use the undergraduate hat.
The dress code for your guests is business casual.
How many guests can I bring?
You will be able to fill in a maximum of 3 guests in the application form. It is not possible to get extra tickets.
Can I sit next to my guests during the ceremony?
No that is not possible. Due to the necessity of a smooth flowing ceremony, all graduands are seated in predetermined order, sorted in correct school and program. Please note that you cannot arrive at the same time as your guests, since the graduands are invited to 3.00 and the guests an hour later.
Can children attend the ceremony?
Yes, children are welcome however they have to be at least five years or older. They also count as a guest due to the fire regulations. They have to keep quiet and cannot run around disturbing the ceremony.
Is it OK to take pictures during the ceremony?
Yes, if you or your guests do it in a discreet manner. KTH has hired a professional photographer that will document the entire ceremony including every singel graduand receiving the diploma from the president. The pictures can be viewed and bought from the photographer's website.
What happens after the ceremony?
After the Graduation ceremony the head usher closes the ceremony. Many go out to dinner to continue the celebration.
How do I find the way to Stockholm City Hall?
You can take any of the subway lines to the central station and then walk for ca 10 minutes to City Hall. The blue line is a bit closer, take it to Rådhuset and then walk for ca five minutes.
Bus line 3 stops across the street from City Hall.
Is there any parking close?
The City Hall has no parking lots for external guests. Nearest parking space is at Norr Mälarstrand.
Rehearsal
Why do we have to rehearse?
The rehearsal is necessary to maintain the solemnity of the ceremony and to avoid mistakes with getting the wrong diploma.
At what time does the rehearsal start?
The doors open at 15.00 and the rehearsal starts at 15.30 in City hall. Gatering in the Golden Hall upstairs. The rehearsal is compulsory if you want to attend the ceremony.
Can I change after the rehearsal?
No, you have to be dressed and ready when the rehearsal starts. There is no time to change after the rehearsal.
I cannot attend the rehearsal, what do I do?
Since the rehearsal is essential for attending the ceremony, unfortunately you have to pass, and sign the inquiry for the next ceremony.