Inclusivity at graduation

Graduation support, accessibility and inclusivity.

We are committed to ensuring that graduation ceremonies are inclusive, accessible, and celebratory for all students. We recognise that each graduand’s journey is unique, and our ceremonies should reflect the diversity of our community with dignity, respect, and joy.

We offer a range of additional resources and support for your graduation day, including financial assistance and dedicated quiet spaces.

• What happens on the day

  To take the uncertainty out of the day, you can find a full walkthrough of your graduation ceremony and a step-by-step guide on what happens on the day within the graduation webpages. 

  To find out exactly what happens inside the auditorium, you can watch our previous ceremonies. 

• Disability Support

  Graduands and guests are encouraged to share any access needs with the Graduation Events Team when booking their place for the ceremony. A member of the team will review all submissions and contact you if further information is required. 

  Support available includes (but is not limited to):

  • Wheelchair-accessible seating
  • Hearing loop
  • Seating for those with registered assistance dogs
  • British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter
  • Step-free access to and from the stage
  • Pre-ceremony auditorium visits to view the route
  • Aisle seating for neurodiverse needs or medical conditions
  • Complimentary ticket for carers available upon request 

  To speak with a member of the team, please email graduation@sussex.ac.uk or call 01273 877015. 

• Accessible venue

  The Brighton Centre is fully accessible. You can download their Access Statement by visiting their 

• Multi-faith rooms 

  During your visit to the Brighton Centre, you may wish to take a moment for personal prayer. A dedicated multifaith room is available upon request. To access this space, please speak to a member of staff at the Information Desk, who will be happy to assist you or your guests and escort you to the room.

• Quiet space

  Located within the Brighton Centre, a quiet room is available, should you and your guests need to take a short break from the busy graduation day. To access this room, please speak to a member of staff at the Information Desk, who will be happy to assist and escort you. 

  We kindly ask that you enter and exit calmly and respectfully, keeping noise to a minimum to ensure a peaceful environment for all. 

• Nursing Room 

  A nursing room is available within the Brighton Centre upon request. To access this space, please speak to a member of staff at the Information Desk, who will be happy to assist you.

• Name pronunciation 

  We understand how important it is to have your name pronounced correctly at graduation. Graduands can indicate their preferred pronunciation within the booking form. If further clarification is needed, a member of the Graduation Events Team will contact you directly.

• Sign Language Interpreter

  A British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter is available at all graduation ceremonies. If you or your guests require this service, please indicate your preference when booking your place and seating will be allocated accordingly. 

• Sensory & Neurodiversity 

  Graduation is a joyful but busy occasion, with crowds, bright lights, and amplified sound that can feel overwhelming, especially for graduands with sensory or neurodiversity-related needs. While we’re unable to tailor the ceremony itself, we’re committed to making the experience as inclusive and comfortable as possible. Support options include priority seating, alternative gowning, quiet spaces, and pre-booked venue run-throughs. 

  If you’d benefit from additional support, please contact us in advance at graduation@sussex.ac.uk or call 01273 877015. 

• Cultural Diversity 

  We proudly celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our student community and encourage graduands to express their national identities as part of their graduation celebration. You are welcome to wear traditional or cultural attire alongside academic dress, carry your own flag, or wear sashes that represent your country or heritage.

• Visa Support for graduation

  If you’ve left the UK after completing your course, you may need a new visa to return for your graduation ceremony. You can usually re-enter on your current student visa during the four-month post-study period, but it’s recommended to carry a graduation invitation letter and proof of return travel. 

  If your visa has expired or was curtailed due to early course completion, you must apply for a Standard Visitor visa. 

  Guests travelling from abroad may also need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) depending on their nationality. Check UK visa requirements and apply in advance to avoid delays. 

  You can request a confirmation letter from Sussex to support your and/or your guests' visa application or to present at the border. 

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• Student financial support 

  You can apply for a grant to assist with covering the cost of two guest tickets, gown hire and a basic photography package. 

  You can  once you have received your invitation to your graduation ceremony. If you have any questions, you can email hardship@sussex.ac.uk. Please note we have limited packages available.