Convocation
UNF Spring 2026 Convocation
The big day is almost here! University of Niagara Falls Canada will host its inaugural convocation this Spring.
In this Convocation Hub, you will find everything you need to plan for this special day. Check back often for updates and important information. We'll be sharing more details as convocation nears.
Save the date
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Students who successfully finish their coursework and meet their graduate requirements in the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Winter 2026 terms are eligible to attend.
Ceremony times
Morning ceremony: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Afternoon ceremony: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Graduating students will be emailed with the ceremony they must attend.
Until assigned to a ceremony, graduands should be prepared to attend either.
Preparing to graduate
Preparing to graduate
As you prepare to graduate, you’ll need to confirm the following:
Applying to graduate
Applying to graduate
If you are in your final term and expect to graduate, you’ll want to complete the following steps to graduate.
Additional support
Additional support
Guide for graduating international students
Everything you need to know to prepare for graduation as an international student is found in this guide.
Career information for graduating students
Get career-ready ahead of graduation with this helpful guide for students.
Health insurance options for graduates
There are various health insurance options available to students who remain in Canada following graduation.
Request official transcript
After graduation, you may need to request an official, complete transcript for employment, immigration, or further studies. Official transcripts include your final grades and confirmation of graduation. Requests can be submitted through the Student Request form.
Please note: There is a fee for ordering an official, complete transcript.
Unofficial transcripts are available at no cost and can be accessed through the Self-Service Portal.
Confirmation of Graduation Letter
All students who successfully meet graduation requirements will receive a Confirmation of Graduation Letter. This letter serves as official proof that you have completed your program and are eligible to graduate.
It can be used for employment, immigration, or other verification purposes.
Guest information
Guest information
Each graduand will be able to request up to four guest tickets in advance. Tickets are free of charge, and all guests must have a ticket to attend. Children who can sit on a lap during the ceremony do not need a ticket.
Details on how to request tickets will be shared once registration opens.
Inviting guests from outside of Canada?
You will want to share this convocation letter with them to include with their travel documents. It can be used as a supporting document to confirm the ceremony date when they apply for a Temporary Resident visa. Confirmation of Graduation (COG) letters can be requested through the online student request form. Learn more about what to include in your invitation letter to family members and friends who live abroad on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Privacy
Privacy
As part of our convocation celebration, student names, program(s), degree(s), honours earned and year of graduation will be printed in a convocation program. The program will be available online and we consider the information within to be a matter of permanent public record. The convocation ceremony will be streamed live. You consent to your image being so captured, and its use by the university for administrative, historical and promotional purposes in print and online.
If you would prefer not to have your name appear in the program, please contact convocation@unfc.ca at least four weeks before the date of your ceremony.
Venue
The Spring 2026 Convocation ceremony will be held at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, located at 6815 Stanley Ave. in Niagara Falls. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible by car or public transportation.
Accessibility
Niagara Falls Convention Centre is fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The convocation ceremony will take place on the ground-level, thereby providing easy access for those with limited mobility. Guests needing to access the upper levels can do so by both elevators and escalators. Other accessible features at the venue include:
- 19 accessible parking spaces close to the entrance.
- Wheelchair accessible ramp.
- Automatic door openers for all main entrances.
- Wide, unobstructed hallways.
- Eight accessible washrooms with automatic door openers.
Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to participate in the Spring 2026 Convocation?
Students who complete their program requirements in Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Winter 2026 are eligible to attend the ceremony.
What if I complete my program requirements after that?
Students who complete their program requirements in Spring or Summer 2026 will be eligible to attend the Fall Convocation on Oct. 29, 2026.
Do I need to attend the ceremony to graduate?
No. You must confirm your intention to graduate, but attending the convocation ceremony is optional.
When will ceremony times be announced?
Ceremony times and program-specific details will be shared closer to the event date. Students will be notified once schedules are finalized.
How do I confirm my intention to graduate?
Eligible students will receive instructions from the Office of the Registrar, including timelines. A graduation application form can be submitted through the Self-Serve Portal.
Is there a graduation application fee?
Yes, there is a graduation application fee of $125. This fee supports the administrative review and verification of degree completion requirements. For Spring 2026 Convocation, the deadline to submit your application and pay the fee is March 2, 2026. If you submit after the deadline, you will be charged $250. The higher fee reflects the additional effort required to manually review and process late submissions.
What happens after I submit my graduation application?
You’ll receive a confirmation email, and the Office of the Registrar will complete a degree audit to verify that all program requirements have been met.
What if my personal information is incorrect?
Students should update their legal name, address, and personal details through the Self Service Portal. If you need help, refer to the provided guide.
Can I still graduate if I have an outstanding balance?
No. All outstanding fees and conditions must be cleared before your diploma can be issued.
How many guests can I bring?
Each graduand may request up to four guest tickets. All guests must have a ticket to enter the venue.
How do I request guest tickets?
Instructions for requesting tickets will be shared once registration opens.
I would like to have a guest from abroad attend my convocation ceremony. Will UNF provide an invitation letter?
Graduands who would like to invite family members and friends who live outside Canada as a guest to convocation are responsible for preparing their own personal invitation letters. UNF does have an institutional convocation letter here that may be included in the Temporary Resident visa application as a supporting document. This letter confirms the date and location of the ceremony. Visa requirements and timelines vary by country and are outlined on the IRCC website.
I need Confirmation of Graduation letter from the university. How do I get that from UNF?
Confirmation of Graduation (COG) is distributed to all students who successfully meet the graduation requirements. Student accounts must be clear from all outstanding fees and restrictions.
Where is the convocation ceremony being held?
The ceremony will take place at the Niagara Falls Convention Centre, 6815 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls. The venue is accessible by car and public transit.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. The Niagara Falls Convention Centre meets AODA standards and includes accessible parking, ramps, elevators, automatic doors, wide hallways, and accessible washrooms.
How do I request an official transcript after graduation?
Official transcripts can be ordered through the Student Request form. A fee applies. Unofficial transcripts are available for free through the Self Service Portal.
I’m an international student. Is there special information for me?
Yes. Dedicated guides for graduating international students are available that include details on post‑graduation career planning, health insurance, work permit considerations.
Will my name appear in the convocation program?
Yes, unless you request otherwise. If you prefer not to have your name included, email convocation@unfc.ca at least four weeks before the ceremony.
Will the ceremony be livestreamed?
Yes. The convocation ceremony will be streamed live, and by participating you consent to your image being captured and used for university purposes.
Will there be a professional photographer at convocation?
Yes. A professional photographer will be on site during convocation to capture portraits of graduating students. The portraits will be available for download after the ceremony.
Is there a cost for the portraits?
No. These professional portraits are provided free of charge for all graduates as part of the convocation experience.
When and where will photos be taken?
Portraits will be taken backstage in a designated photography area at the convocation venue. Details on the exact location and timing will be shared closer to the ceremony and posted on site.
