Preserve Your Academic Success: How to Frame a Degree

The quick version

• A custom frame can be made to fit the exact dimensions of your certificate.

• Degree sizes vary between WA universities, with certificates not always following standard A4 or A3 dimensions.

• You can include a graduation photo or keepsake alongside your degree.

• Acid-free materials and UV-safe glass help protect your certificate over time.

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After years of study, your university degree deserves better than ending up tucked away in a drawer once graduation is over.

If you're wondering how to frame a degree, professional framing gives you a safe, considered way to display it at home or at work, either on its own or alongside a graduation photo or keepsake.

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we provide custom certificate framing from our Myaree studio, helping graduates across Perth choose a frame that suits their degree and personal style.

Why your degree deserves more than a drawer

Professional framing helps preserve your certificate while giving it a finish that suits the importance of the qualification.

There are a few benefits to consider:

• Personal pride: A framed degree gives you a meaningful way to recognise what you’ve achieved.

• Professional presentation: The right frame gives your qualification a polished, well-presented finish.

• Long-term preservation: The right materials help keep your certificate in good condition over time.

Getting the sizing right for your specific certificate

One of the most common questions we hear is: what size frame fits a university degree?

There isn't one standard answer.

In Western Australia, university degree certificates come in a range of sizes and don't necessarily follow standard A4 or A3 dimensions. Certificates from the University of Western Australia (UWA), Curtin University, Edith Cowan University (ECU), Murdoch University and the University of Notre Dame Australia can all differ.

A custom frame is made around the dimensions of your certificate, including the matting, so you aren't restricted by standard frame sizes.

We'll need those measurements to provide an accurate quote. From there, we can design a layout with balanced proportions.

You can see examples of different layouts and styles in our certificate framing gallery.

Framing your degree with a graduation photo or keepsake

A graduation photo or keepsake can be incorporated into the same frame as your degree, creating a more personal record of the occasion. This could be a graduation portrait, a photograph with family or another meaningful item from the day.

The layout can be designed around each piece so the finished frame feels balanced rather than crowded. Matting can create separation between the certificate and photograph while bringing the different elements together visually.

This can also make a thoughtful graduation gift, particularly from parents or family members.

Similar layouts can be created for other qualifications and career milestones. See our award framing service for more examples of how certificates and awards can be presented.

Choosing matting, glass and finish

When considering how to frame a degree, size is only part of the picture. Matting, glass and frame finish all influence how the finished piece looks and how well the document is preserved.

Matting

Matting creates visual space around your degree and gives the finished piece a clean, balanced appearance. It can also pick up colours within the certificate, such as those used in a university crest or logo.

At Portfolio Picture Framers, we use acid-free framing materials to help prevent deterioration and discolouration over time.

Glass

The glass you choose plays an important role in protecting a university certificate, particularly when it will be displayed in a well-lit room.

We also offer UV-safe glass to help reduce fading and light damage. During your consultation, our team can also talk you through the available glass choices and recommend a suitable option based on where the finished piece will hang.

Frame finish

The frame itself should complement the certificate and suit the room where you plan to display it.

A simple black or timber frame can give a degree a classic, professional appearance, while metallic detailing can complement similar accents in the certificate's crest, seal or lettering.

Because the frame is made specifically for your degree, you can select a combination of frame, matting and glass that suits both the document and your personal style.

Where to display your framed degree

The best place to hang your degree will depend on what the qualification means to you and where you'd most like to see it.

A home office is a natural choice, particularly when the qualification relates to your profession. It can give the room a polished finish while keeping your credentials visible.

A hallway or living area can work well when your degree holds particular personal or family significance, allowing it to become part of the story of your home.

A professional space, such as an office, consulting room or reception area, is another good option. Displaying relevant qualifications in these spaces can communicate your experience and credentials to clients, colleagues and visitors.

Frame your degree with Portfolio Picture Framers

Portfolio Picture Framers is a family-owned custom framing business with more than three decades of experience helping people across Perth frame the pieces that matter to them.

You don't need to know exactly what you want before you visit. Bring your degree into our Myaree studio, and we'll help you choose a frame, matting and glass combination that suits your certificate, style and where you plan to display it.

Ready to get your degree framed? Explore our certificate framing service or visit us in store for a free, no-obligation consultation with any of our team.

FAQs

What size frame fits a university degree?

There isn't one standard size. Degree certificate dimensions vary between universities, including here in WA. Custom framing allows the frame and matting to be made specifically for your certificate.

Can I frame my degree with my graduation photo?

Yes. Your degree and graduation photo can be incorporated into one frame, with the layout and matting designed around both pieces. Depending on the design, other small graduation keepsakes may also be included.

What's the best glass for protecting a certificate?

UV-safe glass helps reduce the risk of fading and light damage to certificates that remain on display. The right glass will also depend on where your degree will hang, so our team can talk you through the available options during your consultation.