How to Frame Your University Degree: A Complete Guide

Why Framing Your Degree Matters

Your university degree — or testamur, as it's formally known — represents years of hard work, late nights, and personal growth. It deserves more than a drawer or a cardboard tube. A professionally framed testamur transforms your qualification into a lasting display piece — whether it hangs in your home office, study, or living room.

At Framing Doctor, we've framed thousands of degrees across Australia, from ANU and UNSW to UTS and Monash. Here's everything you need to know to get it right.

Step 1: Know Your Degree Size

What size is my university degree?

Australian university testamurs vary in size, but most fall into one of these standard formats:

  • A4 (210 × 297mm) — Common for certificates and some older testamurs
  • A3 (297 × 420mm) — Increasingly common for modern degrees
  • Custom sizes — Some universities (like ANU) issue testamurs in non-standard dimensions

Before ordering a frame, measure your testamur carefully — including any decorative borders. A frame that's even a few millimetres too small won't work.

Step 2: Choose the Right Frame Style

The frame you choose sets the tone for how your testamur is displayed. Here are the most popular options:

  • Classic Black or Timber — Timeless and professional, suits most home offices and studies
  • Gold or Silver Metal — Adds a formal, prestigious feel — great for law, medicine, or architecture degrees
  • Dark Walnut or Mahogany — Warm and sophisticated, pairs beautifully with traditional interiors
  • White or Light Timber — Clean and modern, ideal for contemporary spaces

At Framing Doctor, our custom framing service lets you choose from a wide range of moulding profiles and finishes to match your space perfectly.

Step 3: Add a Mat Board (Highly Recommended)

A mat board (also called a mount) creates a border between your testamur and the frame. It serves two purposes:

  1. Aesthetic — It adds depth and draws the eye to your degree
  2. Preservation — It prevents the paper from touching the glass, reducing the risk of moisture damage over time

We recommend a double mat for testamurs — a subtle inner colour that complements your university's colours, with a neutral outer mat. Our Double Mat & Frame option is our most popular choice for degree framing.

Step 4: Choose Conservation or Standard Glass

If your testamur will be displayed in a room with natural light, we strongly recommend UV-protective conservation glass. It filters out up to 99% of UV rays, preventing fading and yellowing over time. For rooms with minimal sunlight, standard clear glass is a cost-effective option.

Step 5: How to Get Your Degree Framed

Our team at Framing Doctor offers three convenient options:

  • In-store framing — Drop in with your testamur and we'll handle everything from start to finish
  • Mobile framing consultations — We come to you in Canberra and Sydney
  • Online ordering (DIY kit) — A cost-effective option that doesn't mean settling for flimsy, mass-produced frames from big-box stores. We handle all the measurements and pre-cut your mat board to the exact size — your kit arrives ready to assemble. Simply mount your testamur against the mat board, place it back in the frame, and you're done. Easy, satisfying, and built to last.
    Browse our graduation framing collection

🎓 Don't see your university listed on our website? No worries — we can accommodate almost any Australian university testamur. Just send us a message and we'll be happy to help!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I frame my testamur myself?

Yes — and with our online DIY kit, it's easier than you'd think. We take care of all the precision cutting and sizing, so you don't have to. No tools, no fuss, no cheap off-the-shelf frames that don't quite fit.

How long does degree framing take?

At Framing Doctor, most testamur frames are completed within 5–7 business days. Rush orders may be available — contact us to discuss your timeline.

What if my testamur is an unusual size?

No problem. We offer fully custom sizing for all frame orders. Simply measure your testamur and get in touch — we'll create a frame that fits perfectly.

Is degree framing a good graduation gift?

Absolutely. A framed testamur is one of the most meaningful and lasting graduation gifts you can give. It's personal, practical, and something the graduate will display for decades. Browse our graduation framing collection for gift-ready options.

Ready to Frame Your Degree?

Whether you're framing your own testamur or looking for the perfect graduation gift, Framing Doctor has you covered. We serve customers across Canberra, Sydney, and all of Australia with premium framing solutions.

Get a custom frame quote or contact our team — we'd love to help.

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Custom Framing FAQs

How much does it cost to frame a photo in Australia?

Picture Framing in Australia is dependent on the type of frame, matting, glazing and overall size of your item.

It starts your subject size, is your print available already? If so, just order a custom empty frame and you can fit it yourself.

A print on demand option is also ready, we can print any picture uploaded to our online custom framing tool.

How long does it take to frame a picture in Australia?

Local customers will enjoy a one week turnaround for custom picture framing. Express options are available for customers who need it super fast, just specify it to the team in your enquiry and we'll make it work!

How do I get it framed?

If you're local to Canberra, you can bring your memorabilia piece South.Point Tuggeranong or our Queanbeyan Workshop. If you can't make it in-store, simply book an online mobile framing consultation and we'll handle the pick-up and drop-off for you!