Can I graduate if I'm not enrolled?

Yes. Students who have completed all degree requirements for graduation and need to register at the University solely for the purpose of having a degree conferred must register in absentia in the semester they wish to graduate. This is the only circumstance under which a student may register in absentia.

All degree requirements must be completed and posted to a student's University of Texas at Austin academic record before the student can begin the in absentia graduation process. This includes: grade change requests, final correspondence grades, official transcripts, and credit by exam. In addition, all financial and/or non-financial bars must be cleared before a student may apply for in absentia graduation.

The in absentia registration fee is $25. If a student has not been enrolled at the University for a long semester, the student must also submit a readmission application and a readmission fee of $60. These fees may be paid by check, money order, or cashier's check. Cash and credit cards are not accepted. If both a registration fee and a readmission fee are due, payment must be made in two separate checks or money orders. The in absentia registration form and the readmission application along with the fees should be submitted to the College of Liberal Arts Student Division NOT the Office of Admissions. Keep in mind this type of registration does not constitute student status: Identification cards will not be validated, University facilities cannot be used, and students are not eligible for University housing or financial aid.

Students who are completing their degree requirements through University Extension night classes and are not enrolled in any regular University day school classes are not considered to be enrolled at the University and must register in absentia in order to apply for graduation.

Applications are accepted beginning the first class day, either online or in person in GEB 2.200. The graduation deadlines are usually mid-March for Spring, mid-July for Summer, and mid-October for Fall. The exact deadlines are published in the Course Schedule and on the College of Liberal Arts Dates and Deadlines page.

The in absentia application for the current semester is now CLOSED.

In Absentia Process:

  1. Create a degree audit using IDA (Interactive Degree Audit) to determine if your academic record is clear for in absentia graduation.
    • If audit is not clear contact the College of Liberal Arts Student Division at (512) 471-4271
  2. View and clear your financial and/or non-financial bars.
  3. Complete an in absentia application request by the graduation deadline of the current semester. Late applications are not accepted.
  4. An advisor in the College of Liberal Arts Student Division will receive your in absentia application request. If your audit is clear and you do not have any financial and/or non-financial bars, the advisor will send an email with the appropriate forms, required fees, and instructions.
  5. Return completed forms and required fees to the College of Liberal Arts Student Division.