🎓 How Does Your VUB Graduation Ceremony Work?

We’ll guide you step by step through the day so you know exactly what to expect and can enjoy this special moment without any worries.

⏰ Important Note:
When you see "X" in the text below, it refers to the exact start time of your ceremony, as stated in your personal invitation.

📅 Before the Ceremony: Preparations and Arrival

X - 90 minutes (1.5 hours before the start of your ceremony)
We warmly welcome you as an alumnus at the Maison Patricienne, where you can pick up your gown and graduation cap. This is the starting point of your graduation day.
📍 Location: Maison Patricienne, Eikstraat 10, 1000 Brussels.
⚠️ Note: Do not arrive earlier than 90 minutes before the start, as we will still be preparing for the previous ceremony.
💡 Reminder: Bring your ID card as a deposit for the gown.

X - 60 minutes (1 hour before the start of your ceremony)
To ensure everything runs smoothly, we ask you to arrive no later than one hour before the start time. This gives you enough time for final preparations and a relaxed start.

Route to City Hall:
Follow the clear signs from the Maison Patricienne to the City Hall.
Along the way, you’ll pass Manneken Pis, where a small surprise awaits you!

  • For graduates: Go to the inner courtyard at the back of City Hall, where you’ll gather with your fellow students. Do NOT go to the Grand Place first—proceed directly to the inner courtyard.
  • For your guests: They should go to the front of City Hall, where they can wait until the gates open.

X - 20 minutes (20 minutes before the start of your ceremony)
The ceremony coordinator will gather you by graduation program for a short and clear briefing in the large hall downstairs. Here, you’ll receive all the final instructions so you know what to expect.
After the briefing, our team will guide you through the beautiful Gothic Hall upstairs toward the wedding hall.
💡 Tip: This is the perfect moment to take a quick photo for social media (don’t forget the hashtag #ClassOf2026!) or make a final restroom stop.

X - 15 minutes (15 minutes before the start of your ceremony)
The previous ceremony will have ended, and the gates will open for your guests. They may take their seats in the stands.
⚠️ Important: Make sure your guests have the confirmation email with QR code with them. This code will be scanned at the entrance.
❌ Note: Without this QR code, your guests will not be able to enter the ceremony.

X - 10 minutes (10 minutes before the start of your ceremony)
All professors from your faculty will gather upstairs in City Hall to prepare for the ceremony.

🎉 During the Ceremony (X = Start Time)

The moment has arrived: the ceremony begins! This is when all your hard work and dedication are rewarded.

Group Photo on the Balcony
The professors, dean, and rector will take their places on the City Hall balcony for an official group photo. The first graduates will wait by the balcony door in the meantime.

Your Big Moment
Our presenter will call your graduation program. This is your cue!

  • Step onto the balcony and clearly and proudly say your name into the microphone so everyone—including those watching the livestream—knows who you are.
  • Walk to the end of the balcony, where the dean will be waiting for a personal photo together.
  • Then, head downstairs and take your seat on the podium.
  • If your program includes one or more award ceremonies, we will combine these with this balcony moment.

Speeches
After all graduates have been called, the speeches will begin in this order:

  1. The rector warmly welcomes you to your graduation ceremony.
  2. The mayor of Brussels sends you off into the wide world.
  3. One or more students and/or alumni.
  4. Finally, the dean concludes the ceremony and invites you to the subsequent reception.

The Highlight of the Day
We then proclaim that you have officially graduated! This is the moment you receive all the recognition you deserve.
After the declaration, there will be time for photos and the traditional tossing of the graduation cap—a symbol of your achievement and an unforgettable moment to capture.

🥂 After the Ceremony: Celebration and Wrap-Up

X + 105 minutes (1 hour and 45 minutes after the start of your ceremony)

  • We will guide you and your guests out of the venue as quickly as possible, as we need to prepare it for the next ceremony.

  • Return your hired gown to the place where you picked it up.

  • Afterward, you’re warmly invited to the reception, organized by your faculty. Here, you and your guests can enjoy a drink and the festive atmosphere.

X + 210 minutes (3.5 hours after the start of your ceremony)

  • The reception will conclude. We kindly ask you to leave the venue so we can prepare for the next group of graduates.
  • 💡 Tip: If you’re not ready to stop celebrating, feel free to continue the festivities in the vibrant heart of Brussels! There are countless cafés, restaurants, and spots to wrap up this special day.