SMU uses the cumulative grade point average (GPA) criteria to identify degree candidates with academic excellence. The following awards are given for bachelors’ degrees:
| CUMULATIVE GPA | AWARDS |
|---|---|
| 3.80+ | SUMMA CUM LAUDE |
| 3.60 - 3.79 | MAGNA CUM LAUDE |
| 3.40 - 3.59 | CUM LAUDE |
| 3.20 - 3.39 | HIGH MERIT |
| 3.00 - 3.19 | MERIT |
Summa Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, and Cum Laude are Latin awards adopted from the US system, and can be translated as with Highest Distinction, with High Distinction, and with Distinction respectively.
All cum laude awards are highly selective. They do not equate to the various classes of degree honours conferred by universities that follow the British system of academic honours. SMU bachelors’ degrees are four-year full-time programmes.
The full academic regalia consists of a traditional gown, a hood, and a mortarboard or a cap with tassel. The origin of academic dress dates back to the 12th and 13th centuries, when universities were taking form. The original dress of a scholar was the dress of a cleric. As buildings in those days were unheated, long gowns with hoods were worn for protection against the cold.
Gown
Black is the most common colour for academic gowns. The gown for the bachelor’s degrees has pointed sleeves, while the gown for master’s degrees has oblong sleeves. The doctoral gown is faced down the front with black or coloured velvet, three bars of the same colour across the sleeves, and typically has bell-shaped sleeves. All SMU gowns are designed to be worn closed.
SMU Ceremonial Gowns
For the Patron, Chancellor, Chairman, and Guest of Honour
SMU Official Gowns
For the President, Provost, Vice Provosts, and Deans
Mortarboard
The mortarboard is usually square with a tassel attached to the middle point of the top of the cap. The tassel is usually black but may be gold for the doctoral degree. At commencement, graduates traditionally wear the tassel on the right side, moving it to the left when their degrees are conferred. Faculty participating in academic ceremonies wear the tassel to the left throughout the proceedings.
Hoods
The colours of the hood signify the field of study.
- Bachelor of Science (Economics)
- Master of Science in Financial Economics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Economics
- Bachelor of Social Science
- Master of Sustainability
- Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
- Bachelor of Business Management
- Executive Master of Business Administration
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Applied Finance
- Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
- Master of Science in Management
- Master of Science in Quantitative Finance
- Master of Science in Wealth Management
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Business Administration (Innovation)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Finance)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (General Management)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Marketing)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Organisational Behaviour and Human Resources)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Operations Management)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business (Strategic Management and Organisation)
- Bachelor of Accountancy
- Master of Professional Accounting
- Master of Science in Accounting
- Master of Science in CFO Leadership
- Doctor of Business Administration (Accounting and Finance)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Accounting
- Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
- Bachelor of Science (Computing and Law)
- Bachelor of Science (Information Systems)
- Master of Information Technology in Business
- Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy
- Doctor of Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Systems
- Bachelor of Law
- Juris Doctor
- Master of Laws
Co-curricular Cord
(only applicable to bachelor’s degree graduands)
The co-curricular cord for SMU bachelor’s degree graduands signifies their growth and achievements in co-curricular and out-of-classroom experiences (including community service, internship and in addition, global exposure) which are a hallmark of an SMU undergraduate education. All SMU bachelor’s degree graduands will don the SMU co-curricular cord as part of their graduation academic regalia. The SMU co-curricular cord is draped around the neck with the ends hanging down evenly on either side.
Gonfalons & Mace
Gonfalons
The school gonfalons carry the SMU crest in the centre against a white backdrop. The lower portion of each gonfalon has the school’s name fully spelt out in white against the designated colour of each school.
University Mace
The university mace represents the university’s power to grant degrees. Featuring a “retro-modernist” design, the mace incorporates the traditional metaphors of a mace with modern aesthetics suitable for the 21st century beginnings of a university.
The “SINGAPORE 2000” text at the top of the headset suggests hierarchy, with the country and state at the very pinnacle. The three sectional banners of the headset bear the symbol of the “Tangram Lion”, representing SMU. The three sectional banners also represent the values of SMU in innovative pedagogy, research, and educational excellence. The three jadeite inserts on the sides symbolise the staff and students of SMU, the community at large, and Singapore.
As a memento of your graduation milestone, the SMU Shop is offering a limited-edition Smoo Smoo graduation plushie and graduation mug. Each Smoo Smoo graduation plushie is priced at $38 and the graduation mug at $22.
Part of the sales proceeds will be donated to the SMU Bursary Fund.
Available exclusively at The SMU Shop store and online.
- The SMU Shop: Monday – Friday (except public holidays), 10.00am – 5.00pm
- The SMU Shop Online
For more information, please contact thesmushop@smu.edu.sg.
The origin of the commencement ceremony can be traced to Medieval Europe as the ceremony of initiation for new university teachers. The first academic degree was conferred at the University of Bologna, Italy in 1160 AD.
In those days, students who completed their learning and thesis would be admitted to the Guild of Masters of Arts and granted licence to teach by the Pope and in the name of the Holy Trinity.
The practice of awarding degrees was subsequently adopted by many other European universities. In the US, most universities’ degree award procedures are modelled after the practice developed at the University of Paris in the late 12th or early 13th century.
The commencement ceremony is now a universal practice adopted by colleges and universities worldwide.
SMU YONG PUNG HOW SCHOOL OF LAW
55 Armenian Street
Singapore 179943
Nearest MRT Stations
CC2 Bras Basah MRT, Exit B
EW13NS25 City Hall MRT, Exit A
DT21 Bencoolen MRT, Exit C
Nearest Bus Stops
- SMU School of Accountancy (04121)
- Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (04151)
- After CHIJMES (04159)
- Stamford Court (04143)
Nearest Car Parks
- SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business,
50 Stamford Road, S178899 - Public Car Park (next to Peranakan Museum),
39 Armenian Street, S179941 - CHIJMES,
30 Victoria Street, S187996 - Registry of Marriages,
7 Canning Rise, S179869 - Fort Canning Park,
Car Park A, Canning Walk
Drop-off Point
Please enter via Canning Rise to drop off at the Yong Pung How School of Law building carpark.
Guests with mobility challenges arriving by taxi or car should alight at the roundabout at Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) building, Basement 2 carpark.
Parking at the Yong Pung How School of Law is limited and subject to availability. Please click here for more information on SMU's carparks.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2026!
Please see below the schedule of ceremonies.
Links to the livestream of the ceremonies will be available via the above table.
^LKCSB UG Ceremonies:
- LKCSB UG 1: Names starting from A to I
- LKCSB UG 2: Names starting from J to N
- LKCSB UG 3: Names starting from O to Z
~LKCSB PG Ceremonies:
- LKCSB PG 1: MEI, MiM, MQF, MWM
- LKCSB PG 2: PhD, DBA, DInn, EMBA, MBA, MAF
Names are listed in the order in which they appear on your NRIC or SMU Student Card.
*SCIS UG Ceremonies:
- SCIS UG 1: Information Systems 1 (Names starting from A to I), Computer Science, Computing and Law
- SCIS UG 2: Information Systems 2 (Names starting from J to Z)
^LKCSB UG Ceremonies:
- LKCSB UG 1: Names starting from A to I
- LKCSB UG 2: Names starting from J to N
- LKCSB UG 3: Names starting from O to Z
~LKCSB PG Ceremonies:
- LKCSB PG 1: MEI, MiM, MQF, MWM
- LKCSB PG 2: PhD, DBA, DInn, EMBA, MBA, MAF
Names are listed in the order in which they appear on your NRIC or SMU Student Card.
Eligible graduands who graduated in the following terms will receive an email from the Office of the Registrar.
Undergraduates:
- AY2023-24 Term 3B, AY2024-25 Terms 1 & 2: by late June 2025
- AY2024-25 Term 3A: by mid July 2025
Navigating Your Commencement Day
From arrival at the venue to stepping onto the stage, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth and memorable Commencement experience.
Arrival
- Guests with mobility challenges arriving by taxi or car should alight at the roundabout at Yong Pung How School of Law (YPHSL) building, Basement 2 carpark. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. Please refer to the location map here.
- Only individuals with a valid admission ticket will be allowed to enter YPHSL.
- All individuals must present your admission ticket on-site for scanning. Please note that the QR code indicated on the ticket is unique to the registrant.
- Proceed to Basement 1. Ushers will guide guests to the hall, and graduands to the registration counters to collect your “call card”.
- Graduands must collect this card and put on the graduation gown before entering the hall.
- Children below 6 years old will not be allowed into the ceremonies. Proof of age may be required (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or other official ID).
- Doors will open 45 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony and will close 10 minutes before the ceremony starts.
Seating
- Ushers will direct graduates and guests to your respective seating areas.
- Guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservation of seats is not allowed.
- Guests are to remain in your seats and refrain from leaving the hall during the ceremony.
- Guests must not stand up to take photos during the ceremony. Official photographers have been appointed to take photos of the graduates onstage. The onstage photo for graduates is downloadable after the ceremony.
During the Ceremony
- Ushers will prompt graduands to line up at the side of the hall prior to the presentation of graduates and will cue graduands when it is your turn to go onstage. Please have your “call card” with you, as it is required for stage proceedings.
- Ushers will then prompt graduands to walk to the centre of the stage to receive your degree folder from the Dean or other senior faculty.
After the Ceremony
- Please follow our ushers’ instructions to exit the hall.
- There will be some booths and fringe activities at levels 2 and 3.
- Stage photographs of each graduate will be available for download here 96 hours after the ceremony at $7 per soft copy.
- Recordings of the ceremony will be available on SMU’s YouTube channel.
Graduation Documents & Digital Certification
Your degree certificate and transcript mark the completion of your SMU journey. Find out how to collect them, access digital copies, and view the official graduand listing.
Degree Certificate & Transcript
Check your SMU Email
Once your degree certificate and official transcript are ready for collection, you will be notified through your SMU email on the collection details. Graduands are advised to check your SMU email on a regular basis to not miss out any important announcements pertaining to graduation.
Clear any Outstanding Fees
Settle all outstanding debts, fees, and library loans owed to the University prior to this collection to prevent a finance/administrative “hold” over your degree certificate and official transcript.
Collect Degree Certificate and Transcript
The QR code and collection details will be included in the conferment email from the Registrar’s Office. If you are unable to collect the degree certificate and transcript personally, you will need to complete the online authorisation form provided in the conferment email at least one day before the proxy comes to our office to collect the documents. Please contact IT Help Centre at helpdesk@smu.edu.sg or 6828 0123 if you need to reset your SMU login password. The proxy must present his/her unique QR code and NRIC/FIN/passport/student card as proof of identity when collecting the documents.
SMU reserves the right not to issue the degree certificate and transcript to the proxy if the graduate did not authorise a proxy through the online authorisation form. SMU is committed to safeguard your data and we seek your understanding to follow the procedures if you are unable to collect the documents in person.
If you graduated between mid August 2025 to early June 2026, you may collect your degree certificate and transcript during the gown collection period. The certificate and transcript for students who graduated in end June 2026 (i.e., term 3A) will be ready in August 2026.
Additional copies of your official transcript can be purchased here.
The ceremonial folder is used for ceremonial/stage photo purposes and only given out during the Commencement ceremony. It is not meant as a folder for document storage as it is made of simple acrylic material and may cause discolouration or damage to your certificate in the long run.
OpenCerts Degree Certificate and Official Transcript
Besides getting the physical version of the official transcript and degree certificate, you will also receive the certified digital version of the degree certificate and official transcript. The digital documents are built on a blockchain-based platform known as OpenCerts where each digital document will be assigned a unique cryptographic signature that is permanent and immutable. Any signs of tampering will show up when the document fails to match against the blockchain data. This will make job applications easier for you and your potential employer.
You may find more information on the certified digital documents, when it will be issued and how you may retrieve them in the conferment email.
- Co-curricular Transcript (only applicable to bachelor’s degree graduands from intake 2021 onwards)
Bachelor’s degree graduands from intake 2021 onwards will receive the official co-curricular transcript. This transcript documents your growth and achievements in co-curricular and beyond-the-classroom experiences (including community service and internship) which are a hallmark of an SMU undergraduate education. The co-curricular transcript will be issued in both physical and certified digital formats.
Graduand Listing
In line with SMU’s sustainability drive, the Graduand Listings and Donor Acknowledgement for the Class of 2026 will be available solely in an electronic format for the duration of Commencement.
1. Commencement Registration
Eligible graduands will receive an email from the Registrar’s Office in late June or early July confirming their eligibility. Follow the instructions in the email to register your attendance.
We’re getting ready for Commencement 2026. Full details will be available in April 2026 — do check back then.
2. Academic Gown and Attire
Yes, graduands must wear the official SMU academic gown to participate in the ceremony. For more details, please refer to this link.
Graduands can choose to purchase or rent the gown from the official vendor, NW Services Pte Ltd. Eligible graduands will receive an activation email from the vendor to their SMU email address with further instructions. For more details, please refer to this link.
Graduands should wear a collared long-sleeve shirt with a tie, pants, and dress shoes (for men), or a collared long-sleeve shirt or blouse with a skirt or pants and court shoes (for women). Guests are encouraged to dress in business wear, smart casual attire, or traditional dress. Casual or inappropriate attire such as singlets, shorts, bermudas, slippers, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive words or images should be avoided. For more details, please refer to this link.
3. Guests and Admission
Each graduand is entitled to bring two guests. Additional admission passes can be requested during registration and will be evaluated based on venue capacity. For more details, please refer to this link.
Yes, graduands may apply for up to two additional admission passes during registration. Graduands with double degrees who choose to attend both ceremonies may apply for up to two additional admission passes per ceremony. Requests will be considered based on availability and at the discretion of the school. If your request is successful, you will be notified via email.
Children below 6 years old will not be allowed into the ceremonies. Proof of age may be required (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or other official ID).
4. Ceremony Details
The ceremony takes place at the Yong Pung How School of Law, located at 55 Armenian Street, Singapore 179943. Please refer to the location map at this link.
Doors open 45 minutes before the ceremony starts and close 10 minutes prior. It’s advisable to arrive early to allow time for registration and seating. Please note that seats for guests in the hall are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
5. Degree Certificate and Transcript
Graduates will be notified via their SMU email once the documents are ready for collection. Ensure all outstanding fees are settled prior to collection. For more details, please refer to this link.
Yes, you can authorise a proxy by completing the online authorisation form provided in the conferment email at least one day before collection. For more details, please refer to this link.
6. Photography and Memorabilia
Yes, official photographers will capture each graduand’s moment on stage. Complimentary on-stage photos will be available for download at this link approximately 10 days after the ceremony.
Information on memorabilia can be found at this link.
7. Transportation and Parking
The closest MRT stations are Bras Basah (CC2), City Hall (EW13/NS25), and Bencoolen (DT21). For more details, please refer to this link.
Parking at the Yong Pung How School of Law is limited and subject to availability. Alternative parking options are available nearby, including SMU Lee Kong Chian School of Business and public car parks nearby. For more details, please refer to this link.
What to Wear for Commencement
Your Commencement ceremony is a momentous occasion, and proper attire is required. This guide will help you understand the dress code, how to wear your academic regalia, and how to collect or return your gown.
Important Note: Attendance registration and gown ordering are separate processes. Please ensure that you complete both.
Instructions
Commencement is a solemn and august ceremony. All eligible graduands must don the full SMU Academic Regalia in order to walk the stage. The full academic dress consists of a gown, a hood, and a mortarboard (for Bachelor and Master degrees) or tam (for Doctoral degrees). All SMU gowns are designed to be worn closed.
Gown
Put on the gown and fasten using the zipper
Hood
The colours of the hood signify the field of study. Place the hood over your head, with the “V” end of the hood facing front.
Clip the hook of the hood onto the puller of the zipper. Get someone to help you to take the string on the back of the hood and loop it around the button on the opposite end.
Mortarboard
Look for “Front” on the inside of the mortarboard. The mortarboard should fit snugly on your head, with the tassel worn on the right for Undergraduate students and on the left for Postgraduate students.
Co-curricular Cord
All SMU bachelor’s degree graduands will don the SMU co-curricular cord as part of their graduation academic regalia. The SMU co-curricular cord is draped around the neck with the ends hanging down evenly on either side.
Dress Code
Graduands should wear a collared long-sleeve shirt with a tie, pants, and dress shoes (for men), or a collared long-sleeve shirt or blouse with a skirt or pants and court shoes (for women). They are not allowed to make modifications or alterations to the SMU Academic Regalia, and they are required to uphold the tradition and dignity by following the dress code:
- No display of political, religious*, or personal messages or causes, whether in the form of decorations, badges, scarfs, sashes, pins, or symbols, etc.
*Sikh graduands may wear their turban.
*Female Muslim graduands may wear their hijab/tudung under their gown, hood, and mortarboard/tam. - No accessories that are flashy, distracting, or disrespectful (e.g. sunglasses, headphones, necklaces [over the gown]).
- No adornments that are offensive or not in line with the occasion, such as masks or face paint
- No items that drape over the gown, hood, or mortarboard/tam.
Guests are encouraged to dress in business wear, smart casual attire, or traditional dress. Casual or inappropriate attire such as singlets, shorts, bermudas, slippers, flip-flops, or clothing with offensive words or images should be avoided.
SMU staff on the ground have the right to prevent graduands from participating in the ceremony or walking the stage if they do not comply with the rules or are not suitably attired. SMU staff may exercise due judgment on what dressing is deemed not appropriate. If in doubt, graduands should enquire in advance.
Purchase & Rental
Graduands can choose to purchase or rent the academic gown from our official gown vendor, NW Services Pte Ltd.
Eligible graduands will receive an activation email from NW Services Pte Ltd at their SMU email address. Gown orders can only be placed after activating the account via the email link and setting a password. If you do not receive the activation email, please contact NW Services at admin@nwservices.com.sg to request a resend.
Collection & Return
Gown Collection
Gown collection on campus is by appointment only*. Graduands must register for the ceremony and make an appointment prior to collecting your gowns. You will receive an email with a QR code after you have registered for your collection date and time.
| Date: | 3, 4 & 5 July 2026 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) |
|---|---|
| Time: | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Venue: | School of Social Sciences / College of Integrative Studies Event Lobby |
*If graduands are unable to collect your gowns on campus personally, you may make alternative arrangements:
- Appoint a proxy to collect the gown on your behalf. Please print and fill in this form (Gown Collection Authorisation Form) and present it to the gown vendor during collection.
- Place the order to rent/purchase gown and select delivery. Delivery will be sent between 3 to 9 July 2026. Delivery charge of $6 will apply.
- For graduands who wish to collect the gown in person, you can contact the gown vendor (admin@nwservices.com.sg) for an alternative collection date from 21 to 25 July 2026, between 10.00am to 5.00pm (excluding lunchtime from 12.00pm to 1.00pm), at Yong Pung How School of Law, Seminar Room 3.09. There will be no gown collection on days of the ceremonies.
Gown Return (for Rented Academic Regalia only)
| Date: | 28 & 29 August 2026 (Friday & Saturday) |
|---|---|
| Time: | 9.00am – 5.00pm |
| Venue: | School of Social Sciences / College of Integrative Studies Event Lobby |