University Commencement Tickets & Registration

The information you find on this page is relevant to University Commencement tickets and registration only.

Details relevant to school ceremonies, including ticket requirements, are at the discretion of each individual school. For information regarding individual school ceremony tickets, please visit your school ceremony page, and/or reach out to your school's listed contact with any questions.

Student Information

Graduating students will receive information from their individual school with further instructions on how to register for University Commencement tickets.

Graduates must register for e-tickets for themselves and their guests. Guest e-tickets are required for everyone over the age of three.

  • Undergraduate students may reserve up to four (4) guest e-tickets, beginning April 9.
  • Graduate students may reserve up to two (2) guest e-tickets, beginning April 16.
  • Deadline to register for all students: May 20, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.

Your e-ticket is non-transferrable and can only be used at designated entrances for graduates. To ensure smooth entry on the day of the ceremony, please screenshot your QR code in advance and encourage your guests to do the same. This will help guarantee that you can access your e-ticket if Wi-Fi or cellular service is limited at the venue.

Please note: All students are required to present a valid Columbia University ID (CUID) for entry to University Commencement and all graduation-related events.

South Lawn seating for guests is limited, so make sure your application to graduate is submitted and you register for your tickets early. Once capacity is reached, alternative locations will be available for registration. Eligible graduates will receive an email with the registration link from their individual school. 

Due to spatial and security constraints, the Commencement Office cannot provide additional tickets in advance or on Commencement Day. Graduates with extenuating circumstances, such as guests requiring special accommodations, may appeal to their school for additional tickets. Please note, additional tickets are not guaranteed. To find the appropriate contact, visit School Ceremonies.

Guest Information

  • Every guest must present a guest e-ticket for entry at their designated location. All children over the age of three require a ticket. 
  • Your ticket shows your assigned viewing location—head straight there. Guest areas are separate from graduate seating on Low Plaza. 
  • Guests of graduating students cannot directly register for tickets—graduates must do so on behalf of their guest(s).
  • Guests must present a valid photo ID for entry to University Commencement and all graduation-related events.

Live Stream

For guests who are not able to attend, a live webcast of the University Commencement ceremony will be available for online viewing on the day of Commencement. School ceremony webcasts will also be available.

By participating in the University Commencement ceremony and/or your school-specific ceremony, all participants are giving consent to being photographed, filmed, and recorded. Please note that these photos and recordings may be shared publicly or on social media at the discretion of the University, and an archived video will be made available online for viewing after the event.