Graduate and PhD candidates should visit Graduate Division for information.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation from UH Mānoa! Applying for graduation is a necessary step to receive your degree. Check the Academic Calendar for the graduation application deadlines for the current academic year.

1. Meet With Your Advisor
   • Prior to your final semester, schedule a meeting with your College or School’s academic advisor. They will complete a “degree audit check” with you confirming that your major/minor/certificate requirements are on track for completion.
   • Before you apply for graduation, you must first declare all the degrees, minors, or certificates you intend to receive upon graduation.
   • Confirm your expected graduation date.
2. Apply Online
   • During your assigned registration time for your graduating semester, the online Graduation Application for Degree will become available in STAR GPS. Application availability begins on Tuesday, May 6.
   • The graduation application will appear once you have registered for all your final required classes. If it doesn’t show up after registering, reach out to your academic advisor.
   • Double-check your application information, paying close attention to instructions for your diploma name and diploma mailing address.
   • Submit your graduation application by the commencement book deadline in STAR! If you miss this deadline, your name will not be included in the commencement book.
3. Watch STAR for a Confirmation Update
   • Once your graduation application is submitted, you will need to check STAR GPS closely. You will get an update on your application in STAR GPS once it is processed (within 2 weeks).
   • You can click on the Re-Sync link to check on your status.
   • After you receive an update that your petition to graduate is processed, you can register for the Commencement ceremony with the UH Mānoa Commencement Office.
4. Pay Your Diploma Fee
   • Following the STAR update confirming your application has been processed, the diploma fee ($30.00 per degree type) can be paid at a UH Cashier’s Office or online via MyUH.
   • Pay off all outstanding fees on your account in order to be eligible to request transcripts and receive your diploma.

If you have already submitted a Graduation Application for Degree and need to postpone or cancel your graduation, please contact your academic advisor. To apply for graduation for a future semester, you must submit a new Graduation Application for Degree after you have registered for all your final required classes in STAR GPS.

If you are a currently enrolled undergraduate student who has applied to graduate for an eligible semester, you may request a letter confirming your candidacy to be sent to future employers, graduate schools, or other third-party organization. Candidacy letters will only confirm your intention to graduate at the end of the eligible semester with all your current majors and minors.

Graduate Students: Please contact Graduate Division for a letter, gradss@hawaii.edu.

International Students: While the university will not provide a “Letter of Invitation” international students who are graduating may use this form to receive a letter of support. Learn more by visiting the inviting family members from abroad to commencement page.

Commencement can be an exciting part of your graduation experience. If you are plan to attend the ceremony, follow the steps below. To participate, you will need to register on the commencement website. Check the Academic Calendar to find the commencement registration deadlines for this semester.

• As an undergraduate student, you’re eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony at the end of your final semester.
• Commencement ceremonies are held twice a year, in December and May. If you’re graduating in the summer, you can choose to participate in either the Fall or Spring ceremony.
• To see your name included in the commencement book, you must submit a Graduation Application for Degree by the commencement book deadline in STAR.
• Commencement registration is a separate process that you can complete only after your Graduation Application for Degree has been processed by the Office of the Registrar.
• Diplomas are not handed out at the ceremonies. They will be mailed to you after your degree(s) have been officially awarded and appear on your academic record. You can find more info about diplomas on the Diplomas page.
• Please visit the Commencement website for additional important information on registration, the ceremony, and ordering caps and gowns.
• If you are an international student, please visit the inviting family members from abroad to commencement page.
• For any inquiries, contact the UH Mānoa Commencement Office: Telephone: (808) 956-GRAD, Email: uhm.commencement@hawaii.edu.