24 September 2025: The University of Canberra’s September graduation round has officially concluded, with 1,800 graduates from across the faculties of Arts and Design; Education; Science and Technology; Business, Government and Law; and Health, closing out this chapter of their university journey.
In all, the number of postgraduate students awarded a degree exceeded undergraduates, with over 1,100 and 650 in each cohort respectively – underscoring the appeal of UC degrees for mature-aged students as well as school leavers.
The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, The Honourable Bill Shorten, congratulated the graduating class on this milestone. Addressing each ceremony, he spoke of the ties that bind present to the past, and the enduring curiosity that leads to future endeavours.
“For some, the cap and gown you’re wearing may seem archaic, but they symbolise the unbroken lines between us and a history of which we should be proud to be a part. They remind us that human curiosity about our world has been an enduring feature of life for many centuries,” Mr Shorten said.
“Your University of Canberra education is the foundation upon which you will build your careers, your lives, and I urge you to make it the foundation of lifelong learning.”
During the ceremonies, Mr Shorten also congratulated the University’s network of teaching and support staff, whose contributions to student success provide the grounding for countless careers.
“A special thank you to the wonderful UC staff – the people who so generously shared their expertise and guided today’s graduands through their studies.”
It was a common theme throughout the graduation round – from bachelor’s to postgraduate to PhD – the genuine care demonstrated by University staff.
For Siobhan King, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Secondary Education graduate, the teams at the Ngunnawal Centre and InclusionUC supported her through the pressure points of studying, while also dealing with health and financial challenges.
“They had my back with everything I had going on – I recommend [seeking support] for any student,” Ms King said.
For Dr James Ireland, who received his Doctorate at the Science and Technology ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, it was his supervisors who inspired him to take the leap into PhD research, and supported him throughout the journey.
Kalkidan Zeleke, who graduated with a Master of Business (Human Resource Management), credited her teachers at the Faculty of Business, Government and Law for creating a valuable postgraduate learning experience. She now considers them her peers and enduring supporters as she moves into her professional career.
“At UC, the professors were all so helpful – I stepped out of my comfort zone to connect with them, and they challenged me in ways that helped me grow,” Ms Zeleke said.
This September’s ceremonies also featured an impressive lineup of high-profile guest speakers, who drew on their impactful professional and personal experiences to motivate and inspire UC graduates as they go out into the world.
Speakers included Senator The Honourable Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, the Public Service, and Government Services; The Honourable Mark Butler MP, Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), and Health and Ageing; Glenn Keys AO, Founder and Executive Chairman, Aspen Medical; Bill Kelty AC, former Secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU); and Professor Tanya Monro AC, Chief Defence Scientist.
With the celebrations now having drawn to a close, the newly minted alumni community is encouraged to remain connected to the University of Caberra. Alumni can update their details via Update your details - University of Canberra and stay connected news and events at the University via LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
