The Hat and the Sword

The doctoral hat is a symbol of academic freedom and, at the same time, a sign that its wearer has attained full membership in the republic of scholarship. Its circular shape symbolizes the expectation that its wearer should provide clear and natural answers to questions and avoid unnecessary sophistry.

Each promovendi is responsible for ordering their own doctoral hat. To ensure availability, we recommend placing the order well in advance, preferably 4-6 months before the conferment ceremony.

Hatmakers are primarily located in Helsinki. Measurements can be taken in advance, even before deciding whether to participate in the conferment ceremony. Once the decision to participate has been made, the hat order can then be confirmed with the hatmaker.

For further information on obtaining a doctoral hat, please contact conferment.ceremony@oulu.fi. After registration for the conferment ceremony has opened, additional guidance will also be available from your faculty's Promovendi Representative.

The exact appearance of the doctor's hat and emblem may vary according to university and discipline. When ordering your hat and emblem please give the hat maker exact details about your degree and your university.

Here follows a table of the hats and emblems used at the University of Oulu.

Hat Stores in Finland

E.R. Wahlmann Oy
Hattuateljee Memmu Lankila
Melanders Hattfabrik
Tohtorinhatut Harvest EB

Hattuliike Kristiina, only via e-email kristiinakivela.hat@gmail.com.

Most of the hat stores are able to take measurements for the hat on request also in Oulu.

During 2027, we will publish on this page a consolidated overview of doctoral hat and sword prices from different suppliers.

A Borrowed Hat

You can also borrow a doctor’s hat from a colleague for the ceremonies. Please ensure that the color of the hat and the emblem match the regulations for your field of science at the University of Oulu and that it is in excellent condition and the right size.

The Doctor's Sword is a symbol for the scientist's fight for what he or she, in rigorous research, has found to be good, right and true.

In Finland, the only sort of sword allowed in Conferment Ceremonies is the officially certified civilian sword of the independent republic of Finland. It comes with a black or golden clip and a scabbard with a golden University Emblem.

Doctors who are conferred are required to carry a sword in the Conferment Ceremony of the University of Oulu. The sword is worn on the left side; with a tailcoat the sword is worn in a clip, for which a sturdy loop needs to be sown in the trousers. The sword is held firmly in place by a clasp in the scabbard. With skirts and dresses the sword has to be carried in a manner suitable for the outfit because the material of the evening gowns cannot support the scabbard. If a doctor wearing skirt or dress does not want to carry the sword attached to one's outfit, it can be carried in hand. A Young Doctor needs to order his/her sword by him/herself

Previously conferred doctors do not carry their swords in this ceremony. Swords are only carried by Young Doctors, Honorary Doctors, Conferrers of Degrees, Master of Ceremonies and Chief Herald.

Swords are also sold by these jeweler's shops:

Oulun Koru Oy

Au-Holmberg Oy

A Borrowed Sword

It is also possible to borrow a sword; military swords are not allowed.

Swords and other sharp-edged weapons are transported in the cargo hold as registered luggage. The sword should be packed properly, preferably in their own transport box or package. The sword has to be reported in the check-in and it will go on record. These procedures belong to normal airport routines, and there is no surcharge on Finnair flights for the transportation of a sword or other special luggage unless the weight limit is exceeded. More information is available at the check-in of the Helsinki-Vantaa airport.

For further information about doctoral hats and swords, please contact conferment.ceremony@oulu.fi. Once registration for the conferment ceremony has opened, additional guidance will also be available from your faculty's Promovendi Representative.