Aberdeen University charging for graduation guests

The University says the increasing size of ceremonies has made it more challenging to deliver an event suitable for the achievements of its students.

Free tickets will still be available for children under the age of two and carers attending with those they provide care for. 

The University also says the majority of costs for the event - held at the P&J Live - will still be met by them. 

'Education should be open'

Vanessa Mabonso Nzolo, the President of the University's Students Association, said: "Graduating is expensive as it is, and this make it difficult for some students and their families to enjoy the event

"These changes can affect students from low income backgrounds very negatively and we want to make sure that the university will be providing hardship support to make sure all students can celebrate their successes in the same way. 

"The cost-of-living crisis is very much a reality for students across the UK and graduation has a lot of hidden costs - you have to rent a gown, sort out an outfit and organise travel to Aberdeen from other parts of the country or world.

"This is definitely just one of those expense that will be piling up on graduations and affecting a lot of families."

'Unprecedented context'

A University spokesperson said: "From Winter 2023 a ticket cost in line with the sector average will be applied to guest tickets.

"This will include refreshments, appropriate to the occasion and canapes, providing increased value to guests and graduates.

"The majority of the cost of the event will still be met by the University and the ceremonies will be live-streamed free of charge for anyone unable to attend in person.

“We understand the financial constraints facing people in the current climate and are continuing our 2019 commitment that students are not charged graduation fees.

"The initial move to P&J Live, driven by the lack of capacity on campus, came at a time of substantial change and disruption for our students.

"Graduates in those years had the end of their student experience severely disrupted by Covid.

"The University has absorbed all of the graduation venue costs to this point, in recognition of this unprecedented context and will continue to make a substantial investment in the ceremonies.

"Unfortunately, like many others in the sector, we are unable to absorb all of the costs of graduation celebrations on an ongoing basis.”