Graduation certificate template: ceremony program, diploma, and display copy
A graduation certificate template covers three different documents most people lump together: the formal diploma (the engraved or printed credential issued by an institution at the end of a degree program), the ceremony program (the printed booklet for the graduation event), and the printable display copy that recipients frame at home. This guide covers what each one needs, where templates exist, and how the modern verifiable digital diploma is changing the picture.
Three documents, three jobs
The diploma. The institutional credential. Typically engraved on heavyweight paper, signed by the institution’s president and registrar, and issued at the end of an associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degree program. Some K-12 schools issue diplomas at the end of high school. Templates are rarely DIY; institutions either contract specialty engravers (Jostens, Herff Jones) or use a registrar-controlled template.
The ceremony program. The printed booklet handed out at the graduation event. Contains the order of the ceremony, the list of graduates by program, faculty marshals, speakers, hymn or anthem lyrics, and acknowledgments. This is the document most people Google for templates.
The display copy. A printable, often more decorative version of the credential information that recipients or families create for framing. Useful when the official diploma is too formal for display, lost, or where the recipient wants a second copy for a parent’s wall.
What goes on a graduation ceremony program
Eight elements. Adapt to your institution’s traditions.
1. Cover with institution name, ceremony date, year, and seal or logo.
2. Order of proceedings: processional, welcome address, faculty speakers, commencement address, conferral of degrees, recessional.
3. List of graduates by program, often with honors designations.
4. Roll of distinguished faculty (faculty marshals, faculty representatives).
5. Recognition of honors and awards (valedictorian, salutatorian, summa cum laude listings).
6. Hymn or anthem lyrics if applicable.
7. Acknowledgments: trustees, donors, key institutional partners.
8. Brief institutional history or mission statement at the back.
Where ceremony program templates exist
Canva: large free selection of graduation ceremony booklet templates, sized for half-letter and bi-fold formats.
Microsoft 365 publisher templates: limited graduation-program templates under “graduation.”
Vertex42 and Template.net: free downloadable Word and Publisher templates for ceremony programs.
Many universities maintain internal program-design templates through their communications or registrar offices. For institutional use, check internal resources before sourcing externally.
What goes on a printable display-copy diploma
Five elements. The display copy is decorative, not legal.
Institution name (or “Awarded by [School]” framing for non-official keepsakes).
Recipient full name in display-typography (script or formal serif).
Degree or completion title (“Bachelor of Science in Computer Science,” “Master of Business Administration”).
Date of conferral.
Decorative elements: institutional seal, honor cords or stoles representation, signatory blocks if formal style is desired.
Wording for the printable display copy
Standard formal wording for a display copy:
“The Faculty of [School/University] is pleased to confer upon [Recipient name] the degree of [Degree title] with all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities pertaining thereto. Awarded on [Date].”
For a less formal, more celebratory display:
“In recognition of [Recipient name]’s successful completion of [Degree or program] at [School/Institution] on [Date].”
The verifiable digital diploma
Most major U.S. universities and a growing number of international institutions are issuing verifiable digital diplomas under Open Badges 3.0 or W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model standards. The digital diploma sits alongside the engraved paper version: the paper is for framing, the digital is for LinkedIn, future employer verification, and graduate-school admission processes.
For institutional issuers planning to ship verifiable digital diplomas, see Open Badges 3.0 explained. For the broader credentialing platform landscape, see our 2026 buyer’s guide.
For individuals: if your institution issued you a verifiable digital diploma, add it to your LinkedIn profile under Licenses and Certifications. Any future employer or admissions committee can verify in one click. See why skills-based hiring is making verifiable credentials matter more.
Where to find graduation certificate templates by type
For ceremony programs: Canva (best selection), Vertex42 (good Word options), or Template.net.
For display-copy diplomas: Canva (largest selection), Microsoft 365 (limited but free), or Etsy ($3-15 for high-design printables).
For institutional diplomas (the actual credential): work with your registrar’s office and a specialty engraver. Or for the digital alternative, see Sertifier pricing if your institution is evaluating verifiable digital diploma issuance.
For broader certificate template needs, see our free certificate templates in Word guide.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find free graduation certificate templates?
For display copies and home-print versions: Canva, Microsoft 365 graduation templates, and Vertex42. For ceremony program booklets: same sources plus Template.net. For official institutional diplomas: through your institution’s registrar.
What information goes on a graduation certificate?
Institution name, recipient full name, degree or completion title, date of conferral, and authorizing signatures or seals. For ceremony programs, add the order of proceedings, list of graduates, and acknowledgments.
What is a verifiable digital diploma?
A signed digital credential issued by an institution under Open Badges 3.0 or W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model standards. The recipient adds it to LinkedIn or a portfolio; any future employer or admissions committee can verify authenticity in one click without contacting the institution.
Next steps
Identify which of the three document types you need (formal diploma, ceremony program, display copy). Pick the template source. For verifiable digital diplomas, see Sertifier pricing or how to issue your first 100 digital credentials.
