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A Milestone Year marked by Tradition (and a new beginning): Graduation 2026
The graduation celebrations for the RWTH International Academy Class of 2026 were filled with pride, joy, and meaningful moments. This year was especially significant: for the first time, the RWTH International Academy hosted its own dedicated graduation gala on June 12th, followed by the traditional RWTH Aachen University graduation celebration on June 13th. Together, these two events honored the achievements of our master’s graduates in distinct yet complementary ways.
The First RWTH Academy Graduation Gala
The Academy’s inaugural ceremony created a unique space to honor the diverse academic journeys of our international graduates. Meeting them in person, congratulating them individually, and sharing their excitement made this first Academy-specific graduation especially meaningful. It set a new tradition: one that highlights the global spirit and academic excellence that defines the Academy.
We were honored to welcome distinguished speakers Dr. Helmut Dinger, Prof. Bernd Markert, and Dr. Ralf Otten, Mayor of the City of Aachen. Their inspiring messages highlighted the significance of this milestone and encouraged graduates to embrace future opportunities with confidence and curiosity.
The ceremony featured the recognition of the year’s top graduates, the ceremonial presentation of the graduation coin, a heartfelt graduate speech, and a lively dance performance that added to the festive atmosphere. These moments reflected both the traditions of RWTH Aachen University and the vibrant spirit of its international community.
The celebration continued into the evening with a relaxed get-together, which was a perfect opportunity to reflect on shared experiences, take photos, and enjoy time with fellow graduates before stepping into the next chapter.
RWTH Aachen University Graduation Celebration
The following day, the wider RWTH community came together for the traditional university graduation celebration. This festive gathering brought graduates, families, faculty, and staff into one shared space to celebrate academic achievement on a larger scale.
A special highlight of the day was the celebratory cap toss, a joyful and symbolic moment that marked the culmination of years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Surrounded by fellow graduates, the Class of 2026 came together to create lasting memories and celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Reflections on the RWTH International Academy Journey
Every graduate’s path to this milestone is unique, shaped by dedication, perseverance, and countless experiences along the way. As part of the Class of 2026, our graduates reflected on what they are most proud of throughout their journey at RWTH International Academy:
“I am proud of graduating from such a prestigious university”
“My degree. It was an up and down journey. And apart from that, I explored a lot of extracurricular activities, like salsa. It was a mix of both, professional and personal growth.”
We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2026 graduates. As you continue your professional journey, we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your fields and communities.
