Question: When will I receive the email with the final practical information?

A few days before the ceremony, you will receive an email with all the essential details, including:
✅ The exact time you need to be present
✅ The location and schedule for the day
✅ Instructions for collecting and returning your gown and cap
✅ Your personal QR code (for you and your guests) for access to the ceremony and reception

Important: Can’t find the email? Be sure to check your spam folder.

Question: Do I need to register for the graduation ceremonies by a specific date?

Yes, registrations close on Thursday, 2 October 2025 at 12:00 PM.
This allows us to verify all data on Friday and finalize the numbers (e.g., for catering). After this deadline, registration will no longer be possible.

Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute—register as soon as possible!

Question: Are the graduation ceremonies on the Grand Place also for bachelor's students?

The graduation ceremonies on the Grand Place are exclusively for master’s and PhD students graduating this year. Bachelor’s students will not receive an invitation.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, feel free to email graduations@vub.be.

Question: Can I bring more guests than the specified number for the ceremony?

We understand that you would like to invite as many people as possible to share this special moment with you. Unfortunately, it is not possible to bring more guests than the specified number.

The grandstand on the Grand Place, built and permitted by the City of Brussels, offers a maximum of 620 seats. For safety reasons and to comply with all legal regulations, we cannot increase this number. Additionally, the number of guests per graduate is also aligned with the faculty's budget for the reception afterward. This way, we aim to ensure a fair distribution for everyone—including graduates from the September session—and avoid a situation where only those who respond first can bring extra guests.

Maximum number of guests per graduate (2026):

  • Bedrijfskunde & Management (ES): 2
  • Brussels School of Governance (BSoG): 5
  • Communicatiewetenschappen, Sociologie, Politieke Wetenschappen (ES): 2
  • Geneeskunde en Farmacie (GF): 3
  • Handelsingenieur, Toegepaste Economische Wetenschappen, International Business, Business & Technology (ES): 3
  • Ingenieurswetenschappen (IR) (non-Bruface): 2
  • Lichamelijke Opvoeding en Kinesitherapie (LK): 2
  • Letteren en Wijsbegeerte (LW): 2
  • Multidisciplinair Instituut Lerarenopleiding (MILO): 3
  • Psychologie & Educatiewetenschappen (PE): 2
  • Recht & Criminologie (RC): 2
  • Wetenschappen & Bio-ingenieurswetenschappen (WE): 2

If you still want to invite more people, there are two other options we explain further in this FAQ: standing places next to the grandstand and the livestream.

We hope that, despite these limitations, you will have an unforgettable day with your loved ones!

Question: Can my family and friends follow my ceremony if they don’t have a seat on the grandstand?

Yes, you can! There are two options for family and friends who don’t have a seat on the grandstand:
✅ Standing areas next to the grandstand (limited availability). No reservation is needed, and these spots are accessible to everyone on the Grand Place.
✅ Livestream – all ceremonies will be streamed live so everyone can watch from anywhere. We will send the livestream details later.

Question: How long before the start of the ceremony should I be present?

To ensure everything runs smoothly, we ask you to arrive 1.5 hours before the start of the ceremony. This gives you time to collect your gown and cap. You can find all practical details and the full schedule on this page.

Question: Will I receive my diploma during the ceremony?

No, you will not receive your official diploma during the ceremony. To prevent damage or loss, it will be handed out later. All information about collecting your diploma will be available (soon) on this page.

However, you will receive your VUB diploma folder during the ceremony—perfect for photos and to store your diploma later!

Question: Can I purchase my gown and/or graduation cap?

You do not need to bring your own gown—we will provide one for you to wear during the ceremony.

If you’d like to keep your gown and/or cap as a keepsake, you can purchase them on-site from our partner Honorys at the following prices:

  • Gown only: €20
  • Cap only: €15
  • Gown + cap: €35

After purchasing, you can take them directly to the reception.

Question: I haven’t received my confirmation email or I’ve lost it. What should I do?

First, check your spam folder—some confirmation emails end up there by mistake. Also, watch out for typos in your email address (e.g., @ggmail.com, @hotmail.comm).

If you’re certain you registered but can’t find the email, send a message to graduations@vub.be. We’ll check for any errors in our system and resolve the issue for you. Then, we’ll manually send you the confirmation email.

Question: I need an official invitation for the visas of my foreign guests.

No problem! Send an email to graduations@vub.be, and we will gladly provide you with an official document signed by the rector.

Make sure to include the following information in your email:

  • Your full name
  • Your date of birth
  • Your nationality
  • The degree program you graduated from

After an internal check, we will prepare the document and submit it to the rectorate for signature. As soon as we receive the signed document, we will send it to you immediately.

This document will serve as an official invitation.

Question: Where can I register for the BRUFACE ceremony?

The BRUFACE ceremony, like the program itself, is organized jointly with ULB. You can register via this ULB link.

If you have any questions about this ceremony, please contact the ULB organizing team at communication.polytech@ulb.be.

Question: Do my guests need a separate QR code?

No, your guests do not need a separate QR code. The QR code you received in your confirmation email is valid for both you and all your registered guests.

Our system scans per person, so you can all use the same code to access both the ceremony and the reception.