Students must initiate the research examination process online via PeopleSoft.

The deadline for submission of theses/dissertations without having to re-register, is 12h00 by the start of the term date. If you submit by this time, you will not need to register at the beginning of the year. Submissions after the start of term may qualify for a submission fee rebate, refer to the Fees Handbook for details. 

PhD Students

Please refer to the Doctoral Degrees Board for more information on the examination procedure and forms to be completed.

Master's Students
Roadmap Timeline Process Infographic Graph
Roadmap of the dissertation examination process

The University of Cape Town hosts 2 graduation ceremonies per year. Take note of the relevant deadlines per ceremony below.

September Graduation

March Graduation

At least 6–8 weeks before the submission of their dissertation for examination.

At least 6–8 weeks before the submission of their dissertation for examination.

Master’s students must upload their notice of intention before submitting their dissertation for examination on PeopleSoft.

Relevant forms:

Additional required documentation, see Student Help Document: Abstract

Closed

September Graduation

March Graduation

February

This date is a guide – 5 months before the SLQ closing date for the graduation ceremony.

July

This date is a guide – 5 months before the SLQ closing date for the graduation ceremony.

 Master’s students to upload their dissertation for examination on PeopleSoft by the recommended submission guideline dates.

Depending on the outcome of the examination process and the date that the examination process is concluded, a Master's student may be eligible to graduate at the next available graduation ceremony. But there is no guarantee that the examination process will be concluded by the graduation ceremony deadline.

Relevant forms: 

Additional required documentation, see Student Help Document

  • Abstract
  • Dissertation
  • Turnitin originality report
  • Ethics clearance (where applicable per the Declaration and Word Count form)
Closed

Graduation ceremony deadline dates

September Graduation

March Graduation

Early July with corrections and library copy upload due 14 June

Contingent on whether the examination process is concluded by this date.

December with corrections and library copy upload due 15 December

Contingent on whether the examination process is concluded by this date.

Graduation list closes at certain dates. Final date for qualifier status to be on system.

For library copy upload instructions, see Student Help Document

Relevant forms: 

For more information, refer to the Graduation Overview page

Closed

Updated 25 Apr 2024