Frequently asked questions

What does 'conferral date' mean?

What happens when I tick the partial match box?

How do I filter the results by award, especially if there are multiple graduates with the same name as the graduate I am searching for?

The graduate only has one name, how do I search for them?

I have changed my name since graduating from Western Sydney University. Can I have my name changed in the Award Verification Service database so a potential employer can find me?

How far back does the service go?

Who can I contact about the Award Verification Service?




I am having trouble finding the graduate using this service?

 This could be occurring for a number of reasons:
  1. If you do not know a graduates middle name (or any of their other given names), make sure to tick the partial match box in the Given name field.
  2. Ensure the name you are searching is the name used by the graduate at the time of graduation. For example for a married female graduate, try searching the maiden name and then the current family name.
  3. Some nationalities prefer to record their family name first and their given name second. For example, if you are looking for Tong Lee try searching also for Lee Tong.
  4. Make sure your year range covers the year the student graduated and not just the years they studied. If the student graduated in 2005 search 2004 to 2006 in the year range field.
  5. A small portion of pre-2003 graduates will not show up in the Award Verification Service. 
If you are still not able to find the graduate please submit an online enquiry form to the Assessment and Graduation unit.


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Is graduation information protected by privacy laws?

Western Sydney University publishes the name, award and conferral date of all graduates in the Graduation Booklet issued at each ceremony. A copy of each booklet remains publicly available in the libraries. Therefore the graduates name, award title and conferral date are public information, while all other information is private and protected by privacy laws.

I have finished my course at Western Sydney University, why am I not appearing in the Award Verification Service database?

If you have completed your course requirements but not yet formally graduated from the University, you will not appear in the Award Verification Service. In order to have formally graduated you need to have received your testamur either at your graduation ceremony or by mail. One week after you graduate, your name will appear in the Award Verification Service.  

What does 'conferral date' mean?

A conferral date is the date on which the University formally acknowledges a student has graduated from their course. This is not the date on which a student completes their course requirements, but rather the date of their graduation ceremony, which is the point at which they formally graduate. 

What happens when I tick the partial match box?

By ticking the partial match box the search will bring up names that contain within them the letter or partial name you are searching. Here are some examples:
  • If you enter Alex in the given name field and tick the partial match box, the results will bring up graduates with the given name Alex, Alexandra, Alexander, Alexis etc. Note the results will not bring up variations of the name such as Alec.
  • If you enter Brown in the family name field and tick the partial match box, the results will bring up Brown, Smith-Brown, Browning etc.
How do I filter the results by award, especially if there are multiple graduates with the same name as the graduate I am searching for? 

You can refine your results through filtering by award name. To do so, select the award from the 'Filter by award name' drop down box at the top of the results and then click the 'Refine search' button. If you are still unable to find the exact graduate you are looking for, submit an online enquiry form to the Assessment and Graduation Unit. 

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The graduate only has one name, how do I search for them?

A graduate with one name could be in the system in one of two ways. Try entering their name in the given name field and entering a full stop (.) in the family name field. If no results are found, try entering their name in the family name field with a full stop (.) in the given name field. If you are still unable to find the graduate please submit an online enquiry form to the Assessment and Graduation unit.

I have changed my name since graduating from Western Sydney University. Can I have my name changed in the Award Verification Service database so a potential employer can find me?
The first thing you need to do is submit a Change of Personal Details form to have your name updated in our student record system. You then need to lodge a Request for a Replacement Testamur form, which incurs a fee of $250. Both forms are available at www.westernsydney.edu.au/forms. 
Once your testamur has been reissued in your new name, your name will be changed in the database. 

Alternatively, when applying for employment, inform your employer of the name that appears on your testamur so they are able to find your graduation details in the system.

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How far back does the service go?
2003 - Today: The service displays a comprehensive list of graduates from this period.
1989 - 2002: The service displays the majority of UWS graduates from this period however some will not be displayed.
Prior to 1989 – The service does not display students who graduated prior to 1989. 

If you are unable to verify the details of a graduate please submit an online enquiry form to the Assessment and Graduation unit.

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Who can I contact about the Award Verification Service?