NEWS On 27 May, Umeå University celebrated more than 300 graduates from over 40 international master’s programmes at its annual Graduation Ceremony. Aula Nordica was filled with pride as students, staff, family, and friends gathered to honour this year’s graduating class and the journeys behind their success.
Photo gallery from the Graduation Ceremony 2026 at Umeå University.
Image Malin Grönborg
During the festive ceremony, students from around the world marked the near completion of their studies and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cathrine Norberg delivered the graduation address, offering both encouragement and practical advice as the graduates prepare for their next steps.
Thank you for enriching our university with your presence and for contributing with your knowledge and valuable new perspectives that make Umeå University even stronger.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Cathrine Norberg delivers an address to the 2026 international master's graduates.
ImageMalin Grönborg”You have reached an important milestone in your lives, and should be really proud of yourselves,” said Cathrine Norberg. “I want to thank you for enriching our university with your presence and for contributing with your knowledge and valuable new perspectives that make Umeå University even stronger. My hope is that your thirst for knowledge will continue. Your future workplaces need people like you who are innovative, who think critically, who are equipped with knowledge, who care for others, and who want to make a difference.”
Each year, a student is nominated to represent the graduating class by delivering a speech at the ceremony. This year’s student speaker was Marcos Cardoso de Souza from Brazil, graduating from the Master’s programme in Public Health.
Marcos Cardoso de Souza, the 2026 Graduation Ceremony student speaker, pointed out in his public health classroom, there were people from seventeen different countries provided a cultural mix that opens your mind to different points of view.
ImageMalin GrönborgIn his speech, he reflected on the challenges he faced before coming to Umeå and the diversity of the student group within his programme.
Always trust yourself and your capability. You will make it through!
”Over these years of studying here, I have had the opportunity to meet so many people of diverse backgrounds and cultures,” said Marcos Cardoso de Souza. ”In my public health classroom, there were people from seventeen different countries. It provided a culture mix that opens your mind to different points of view. I wish you all the next step to be smooth and linear, gently towards your desirable future. But if it takes more time than expected, always trust yourself and your capability. You will make it through!”
This year’s alumni speaker was Jessica K. Ljungberg, who earned her PhD in Public Health and Clinical Medicine at Umeå University in 2006. She is now Professor of Engineering Psychology at Luleå University of Technology. Her research focuses on attention and memory, as well as how distractions such as noise affect performance, alongside areas such as ageing, brain plasticity, and lifelong learning.
2026 Graduation Ceremony alumni speaker Jessica K. Ljungberg delivered a heartfelt and motivational speech.
ImageMalin GrönborgIn her speech, she highlighted the role of universities as spaces for free thinking, curiosity, and critical reflection.
“Universities gave me something larger than a career, it gave me freedom. The freedom to think, to ask questions, to collaborate with people from other cultures and disciplines. Your background does not define your limits. Your uniqueness matters. Your voice matters. The world needs people who dare to think freely. Education is not about building a career, it is about becoming a freer human being,” said Jessica K. Ljungberg.
The ceremony also included three performances by the Umeå Student Choir, an ensemble closely connected to both university ceremonies and Umeå’s cultural life. The formal programme was followed by a reception, where students and guests gathered to celebrate and capture memories at a popular photo booth.
The new graduates from a wide range of degree programmes and backgrounds came together, reflecting the strong international dimension of Umeå University. As they now take the next step, they carry with them knowledge, experiences and networks that will connect them to Umeå for years to come.
