This content is for Graduating Students
Graduation Application

Diploma & Commencement Program Deadlines:

May 2026 Graduates

Sunday, March 1, 2026

  • Last day for August 2025, December 2025, and May 2026 graduates to update their diploma name for the University's Commencement program. Note: Students who opt-out of FERPA Directory Information will not have their names printed in the Commencement program.

Friday, April 10, 2026:

  • Last day for Vet, Dental, and PSOM (MD) students to update their diploma name using the Legal Name Change or Correction and Diploma Name Change forms located on the Update Your Student Data page is April 10th. Please note that the first and last name on your diploma must exactly match your legal name.

Friday, June 12, 2026:

  • Last day to order early electronic diplomas (CeDiploma). Please note there is a cost for this service. Note: this service will not be available until after Commencement. 
  • Last day to purchase secure express shipping of your paper diploma. Note: We will provide an update when this service becomes available.
  • Last day to change diploma mailing address via Path@Penn. When adding a Diploma Mailing Address in Path@Penn, ensure the "From Date" matches the date you submit the update. Using a past or future date may prevent the address from being saved correctly.
  • Last day for students not in Vet, Dental, or PSOM (MD) programs to update diploma name using the Diploma Name Change form located on the Update Your Student Data page. Note: The first name(s) and last name(s) on your diploma(s) must match the legal first name(s) and legal last name(s) of your student records. Your diploma(s) will not be printed until the first name(s) and last name(s) match. Names will appear exactly as entered. If you would like a period (.) after your Middle Initial(s), please make sure to include it in your submission.
  • Last day to provide an alternative email address via the Penn Directory. An alternative email is required to contact graduates once access to their Penn email addresses has been deactivated.

Overview

The University of Pennsylvania confers degrees three times a year in May, August, and December. Students are required to submit a graduation application to initiate degree processing. The graduation application allows students to share with the University important information such as preferred presentation for name on diploma and in the commencement program, diploma shipping address, and formally initiates the final review of academic progress toward degree completion.

This is also an opportunity for students to review their academic record, specifically their field of study, to confirm their records accurately reflect the degree information anticipated, such as major(s), minor(s), joint degrees, etc. Although all students are expected to regularly meet with their academic advisor throughout their enrollment, it is common and appropriate for this process to prompt a conversation between the student and their academic advisor around items such as outstanding degree requirements, incomplete grades, or the decision to drop a minor, extra major, or area of study. These conversations and changes should take place prior to applying to graduate. All students are encouraged to review their academic record ahead of the application deadline and meet with their advisor about any outstanding or new questions relating to degree completion.

Graduation applications are only valid for the term indicated in the application at the time it is submitted. If the degree is not granted for that term, for any reason, the student must submit a new graduation application for the term in which they anticipate graduation.

School Graduation Information

Graduation applications open at different times throughout the year for specific student populations and academic terms. This page is updated regularly to reflect the most current application availability, deadlines, and school or division requirements. 

Please locate your school below and expand the corresponding section to view important dates and deadlines and to submit your application. 

Note the Following:
PhD and Research Master's
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Liberal & Professional Studies
Dental Medicine
Graduate School of Education
Penn Carey Law
Perelman School of Medicine
School of Engineering and Applied Science
School of Nursing
School of Social Policy and Practice
School of Veterinary Medicine
Weitzman School of Design
Wharton School
Diploma and Ceremony Information

Diploma Information: https://srfs.upenn.edu/student-records/degrees-diplomas-and-graduation/diplomas

Commencement Ceremony Information: https://secretary.upenn.edu/ceremonies/commencement

While the university has an official degree conferral date for each term, actual processing and awarding of degrees can take up to 30 days. The university makes every effort to award degrees as quickly as possible. 

Please contact your school registrar for details about the processing times for degrees in your school.

Note that diplomas are not issued for certificate programs.