The Ceremonies Department is responsible for organising official ceremonies including:

• Graduation ceremonies 
• Inauguration ceremonies
• Official opening ceremonies
• Official closing ceremonies
• Installation and reinstallation of the chancellor/vice-chancellor
• Farewell functions of senior dignitaries
• Appreciation functions for retirees

We are also responsible for the process regarding:

• Graduating in absentia (Please click on the Absentia tab for more information)
• Re-issue of certificates (Please click on the Re-issue tab for more information)

The Ceremonies department cannot assist with:

• Academic records/transcripts (Kindly contact the records department: https://services.nwu.ac.za/sala/academic-records-enquiries)
• Loading of marks or graduates (Kindly contact your faculty directly: https://www.nwu.ac.za/faculties)

Undergoing development: Digital Certificates  

We have established a secure online platform where digital certificates are currently available for students who graduated between 2019 until June 2025, provided they have no outstanding fees or other financial obligations. We hope to make additional digital certificates available on the platform in the near future.

Procedure to follow:

• You need to register on the site before logging in. (do not use your CAS details to login) 
• You are not able to download the digital certificate. You need to add people who may want to see your certificate as a connection. You are able to limit the time they can view the certificate.
• Please use the following link to access your digital certificate. Link: https://graduates.nwu.ac.za/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2F