Dlamini BlessingGraduation is a landmark occasion, and the academic regalia—the gown, hood, and cap—is its most symbolic attire. In Johannesburg for this year, graduates have multiple options for sourcing this ceremonial dress, with prices varying significantly based on the provider, the level of degree (and corresponding hood complexity), the fabric quality, and whether the items are purchased or rented.
Understanding the different avenues and their associated costs is key for students and families to budget appropriately for this important day. This guide provides a clear breakdown of the current price ranges across different procurement methods and outlines the factors that influence the final cost of graduation attire in the city.
Graduation Gowns Prices in Johannesburg: A Guide for This Year
1. University-Contracted Official Hire Services
This is the most common and often mandatory route, where the university partners with an official supplier (like Graduation Services, House of Gowns, or Italtile) to provide regalia for the ceremony.
* Rental Price Range:
* Undergraduate (Bachelor’s Degree): R 450 – R 750 for the full set (gown, hood, cap).
* Honours/Postgraduate Diploma: R 550 – R 850.
* Master’s Degree: R 650 – R 950.
* Doctoral Degree (PhD): R 850 – R 1,400+ (due to the distinct, elaborate gown and hood).
* Process & Inclusions: Graduates order and pay online via the university’s graduation portal during the application-to-graduate period. The fee covers professional laundering, packaging, and collection on-campus before the ceremony. It is a streamlined, guaranteed system.
* Considerations: This is rarely the cheapest option, but it ensures 100% correct colours, fabrics, and styling as per the university’s strict specifications. Missing the ordering deadline results in high late fees or being unable to graduate in person.
2. Independent Academic Regalia Hire Companies
Several Johannesburg-based companies specialise in graduation attire hire for all major universities, often offering competitive rates and personal service.
* Rental Price Range:
* Bachelor’s to Master’s Degrees: R 400 – R 700 for the full set. These companies may undercut official university partners slightly.
* Doctoral Degrees: R 750 – R 1,200.
* Process & Value: Graduates contact the company directly, specify their university and qualification. They may offer delivery or collection from a central shop. Some provide package deals with professional photography.
* Considerations: It is critical to double and triple-check that the hood colours (lining and edging) and gown style match your university’s exact requirements. A mistake here can be embarrassing on the day. Always get written confirmation.
3. Purchase of Academic Regalia (Owning Your Gown)
For those who wish to keep their regalia as a keepsake, for future academic occasions, or for professionals (like faculty or speakers) who need it regularly, purchasing is an option.
* Purchase Price Range:
* Bachelor’s Gown Set: R 1,500 – R 2,800.
* Master’s Gown Set: R 2,200 – R 3,500.
* Doctoral Gown Set (with velvet panels and sleeves): R 4,000 – R 8,000+.
* Materials & Craftsmanship: Price depends on fabric quality (polyester vs. premium wool/cotton blends), the accuracy of the hood detailing, and whether it is locally made or imported. Doctoral regalia is a specialised, hand-finished product.
* Considerations: This is a significant one-time investment. It is most practical for PhD graduates and academics. Ensure the supplier is reputable and can provide authentic, certified regalia that will be recognised at any formal institution.
4. Second-Hand or Peer-to-Peer Sales
An economical and sustainable option, particularly popular among students from the same faculty or university.
* Price Range: R 200 – R 500 for a full hired set purchased from a previous graduate.
* Process: Transactions happen via student Facebook groups, noticeboards, or word-of-mouth. A graduate who has just completed their ceremony sells their hired package (gown, hood, cap in the bag) to someone graduating soon after.
* Considerations: This carries risk. The set may be damaged, stained, or missing pieces. The hood must be for the exact same degree and faculty to be correct. There is also no guarantee of fit. It requires trust and careful inspection.
5. Custom-Made or Tailored Regalia
For a perfect fit or for highly specific requirements not met by standard hire, using a tailor who specialises in academic dress is an option.
* Price Range: R 2,000 – R 5,000+ for a bachelor’s/master’s set. Doctoral customisation is even more expensive.
* Process & Value: The tailor will create the gown and hood from scratch based on university patterns and your measurements. This ensures superior fit, comfort, and longevity.
* Considerations: This is a premium, costly service requiring significant lead time. It is typically chosen by university staff, frequent graduation speakers, or graduates for whom standard hire fits poorly.
Factors Influencing the Price of Graduation Gowns
* Degree Level: As outlined, a PhD gown is intrinsically more expensive due to its complex design (velvet, bell sleeves, unique hood).
* University Specifications: Some universities have unique gown styles (e.g., UCT’s distinctive design) or specific hood colours that may cost more to produce accurately.
* Rental Duration: Standard hire is for the ceremony day only. Some suppliers offer “weekend hire” for photos at an extra cost (R 100 – R 300 more).
* Accessories: Additional items like honour cords (for cum laude, etc.), stoles, or customised caps add to the cost.
* Delivery Fees: If you cannot collect, courier services add R 100 – R 250.
Essential Planning Tips for This Year
1. Order Early: Whether hiring or buying, place your order as soon as the university opens the graduation registration portal. Sizes and stock run out, especially for taller or shorter individuals.
2. Understand the Full Cost: The gown hire fee is often separate from the graduation ceremony attendance fee charged by the university. Budget for both.
3. Check What’s Included: Confirm the rental includes the cap (mortarboard), hood, and gown. Some packages may list them separately.
4. Focus on the Hood: The hood is the most important identifier of your faculty and degree. An error here is more noticeable than a slightly ill-fitting gown.
5. Try it On Early: If you collect your gown before the ceremony day, try on the full set immediately. Check for damages, ensure the hood is correct, and report any issues at once to have them resolved.
In summary, for a Johannesburg graduate this year, the standard and most straightforward cost for hiring regalia through the official university channel will range from R 450 to R 950 for most bachelor’s and master’s degrees. More affordable options exist through independent hire or second-hand sales (from R 200 to R 700), but they require diligent verification. For those wishing to own their regalia, investment begins at around R 1,500. The key to a stress-free graduation day is to **secure your attire through a reliable, verified channel well in advance**, ensuring it accurately represents your hard-earned achievement.