Graduation ceremonies

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By selecting a degree programme you are able to see the general content as well as the possible degree programme-specific content. You do not have to select a degree programme to see the Open University's instructions.

Getting ready to graduate? Congratulations! Completing a degree is always a huge achievement, the end of an era – and the beginning of something new. The University also wishes to celebrate its graduates: on this page, you will find information on the graduation ceremonies organized by the faculties.

Instructions and timetables
Letter of congratulations
Graduation photographs

Instructions and timetables

Once or twice each academic year, the faculties organise a graduation ceremony with speeches, music and toasts raised in honour of the new degree holders. You can also invite a few friends or family members who have supported you during your journey towards graduation to join you in the ceremony.

In the spring term, the ceremonies are held in June and in the autumn term in November–December. Your home faculty notifies you when registration for the event is open – keep an eye on your email.

Choose your own degree programme from the degree programme menu on this page to see your home faculty's detailed instructions and timetables for the ceremonies.

And if you have any questions about the ceremony or signing up for it, don’t hesitate to contact your faculty's student services. 

Letter of congratulations

The University remembers each graduate attending the ceremony with a letter of congratulations, which will be a tangible reminder of their time at the University and their graduation. The letter has been designed with visual appeal in mind to bring joy also in photographs.

Letters are awarded only at the graduation ceremonies. 

Graduation photographs

If you wish, you can have an official graduation portrait taken on site. We'll send you more information on this once you've registered for the ceremony.

If you share graduation photos on social media, please use the hashtags #WeAreHelsinkiUni and #HelsinkiAlumni. That way, we can find you and send our congratulations.