University of Wisconsin–Madison
Group of graduates wearing academic attire smiling and cheering.

Spring 2026 Commencement

UW–Madison Commencement is a celebration of our graduates’ achievements, bringing together university leadership, student voices, a keynote speaker, and the official conferral of degrees by school and college. Our Spring Commencement ceremonies will take place Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Doctoral, MFA, and Medical Professional Degree Candidate Ceremony

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:30 p.m.
The Kohl Center
601 W. Dayton Street

Bachelor’s, Law, and Master’s Degree Candidate Ceremony

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 12 p.m.
Camp Randall Stadium
1440 Monroe Street

Getting started

Spring Commencement may still be months away, but it’s time to start preparing for graduation.

Flag bearers walk down the aisle through a stadium of graduates on a clear day.

Our planning guide is your one-stop resource for preparing for graduation between now through the ceremony.

Graduation mortarboard and cap tassel tossed in sky in front of Bascom Hall.

There are several important steps to complete to ensure a smooth path to Commencement.

In a crowd of soon-to-be graduates, the top of a student's cap stands out with "U Rah Rah" spelled out in sequins

Students must apply for graduation by March 20 to attend the ceremony and receive their diploma.

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