Welcome to the Conferment of Degrees Ceremony 2026!

In the Conferment of Degrees Ceremony, the new Masters and Doctors will be given their degree in the ceremonial act of conferment, and will receive a Master’s laurel and ring or a Doctor’s hat and sword as the sign of it. The events at the weekend will include the Garland Weaving Dinner or the Sword Sharpening Dinner on Friday and the Act of Conferment, procession, church service and dinner and ball on Saturday. Additionally, the promovendi have the opportunity to participate in the cruise on Sunday. Participating in the Conferment of Degrees is a wonderful way to celebrate graduation, and the exciting conferment ceremony weekend can be looked back on for years to come.

The conferment of degrees was a great and festive academic celebration that everyone will remember for the rest of their lives. It was wonderful when the masters and doctors got an opportunity to celebrate together.
– Participant of the 2019 Conferment of Degrees Ceremony

The Conferrer of Degrees during the upcoming Conferment Ceremony is Professor Jaakko Pehkonen. The Master of Ceremonies is Postdoctoral Researcher Anna-Maria Raita-Hakola and The Head Marshal is Assistant Professor Mikko Huhtiniemi. The Gratista and Ceremonial Garland Weaver will be announced later, during spring.

Professor Jaakko Pehkonen, the Conferrer of Degrees of the 12th Conferment of Degrees Ceremony of the University of Jyväskylä explains:

– Promotion is a celebration that, through centuries-old traditions, celebrates the power of researched knowledge and emphasizes the appreciation of education in our society. The Act of Conferment, in which the promoter by the authority given by the university inaugurates the promovendi as masters or doctors, is a memorable event. In the Act, masters receive a master's ring symbolizing their knowledge and skills as a sign of their new value and are crowned with a laurel wreath. Doctors receive a sword that symbolizes the sharpness of intelligence and a doctor's hat. The conferment of honorary doctorates, on the other hand, symbolises the highest appreciation of scientific and artistic work and is a tribute to the work done on behalf of the university.

Invitations to the Conferment Ceremony will be sent to masters and doctors who have graduated after the previous Conferment Ceremony. Masters and doctors who have graduated earlier are also welcome to participate. The registration form will be published on the website of Conferment Ceremony:  www.jyu.fi/degrees-ceremony

We warmly welcome you, along with your possible companion, to take part in this centuries-long academic tradition!

More information on the Conferment of Degrees Ceremony 2026 is available at www.jyu.fi/degrees-ceremony

The Conferment of Degrees Ceremony events require students to assist with various tasks. Would you like to participate in a multi-day traditional event and get to know new people at the same time? Working as a marshal is a fun and memorable experience. Enrollment for the role of marshals will begin later in the autumn and will be announced on the university's website and by email to the students.