Years of work go into earning a degree — and then, for many graduates, the certificate spends the next decade in the cardboard tube it came in. If that sounds familiar, this guide is for you.
Framing a degree or certificate seems simple, but paper documents are surprisingly easy to damage: they cockle in humidity, fade in sunlight, and yellow against the wrong backing. Here’s how to frame a qualification so it looks impressive on the wall and is still in perfect condition if you ever need to take it out.
Most Australian university degrees and certificates are A4 (210 × 297 mm), framed in an A4 document frame or, with a matboard border, a larger frame around A3.
But don’t assume — measure first. Australian institutions aren’t consistent: some universities issue degrees in non-standard “presentation” sizes, older degrees vary, and international qualifications (like US diplomas) follow different sizing entirely. TAFE certificates, registration certificates and professional memberships are usually A4, but awards and older documents can be anything.
If your document is a standard size, a quality ready made certificate frame is a cost-effective option. If it’s non-standard — or you want a matboard, specific colours, or conservation materials — custom framing is the way to go. Our guide to standard frame sizes in Australia covers the full sizing system.
Yes — a matboard both protects the certificate and dramatically lifts how it presents on the wall.
A matboard does two jobs:
Protection. It creates a gap so the paper never touches the glass. Documents pressed directly against glazing can stick to it over time, especially in Queensland humidity — and a certificate fused to glass is very difficult to rescue.
Presentation. A border of matboard turns an A4 document into a substantial wall piece. Classic choices: a single white or ivory mat for a clean look, or a double mat with a slim inner border in a colour drawn from the university crest or company logo. (More on this in Do I really need a matboard?)
For important documents, ask for acid-free (conservation) matboard and backing. Standard boards contain acids that slowly yellow paper — the telltale burn line you see on documents framed cheaply decades ago.
UV-filtering glass is the best choice for degrees and certificates, because printed and handwritten details fade permanently under ordinary glass.
Degrees often combine several inks — printed text, seals, and hand signatures — and each fades at a different rate. UV-filtering glazing blocks most of the damaging light, keeping the document crisp for decades. If the frame is destined for an office with harsh lighting or any sun exposure, consider it essential. Our breakdown of glass options explains the differences, including non-reflective options that keep the document readable under office lights.
One more rule, and it’s the big one: never dry-mount or glue a degree. Reputable framers hinge documents with archival, reversible mounts. If a framer proposes sticking your degree to a board permanently, walk out — replacement certificates cost money, and some documents can’t be reissued at all.
Framing a degree in Australia typically costs $40–$100 for a quality ready made frame, or $150–$350 for custom framing with matboard and UV glass.
Where your job lands depends on the usual factors — size, moulding, matboard and glazing — which we cover in detail in how much does custom framing cost. Multi-document layouts (degree + testamur + medal, or a set of three qualifications in one frame) cost more but often less than framing each piece separately.
If you’ve collected several qualifications, you have three good options:
For businesses, framed qualifications, licences and awards in reception make an immediate impression — our corporate and commercial framing team regularly frames whole sets for practices and offices, with consistent styling across every piece.
You worked years for that piece of paper. It deserves better than a tube in the wardrobe.
Browse our certificate frames online — we ship Australia-wide — or bring your degree into our Ashgrove or Capalaba stores and we’ll design something with you in minutes: matboard colours against the document, frame samples in hand. You can also book our mobile showroom for a consultation at your home or office.
