NEWS On the afternoon of Tuesday, 27 May, Umeå University proudly honoured the achievements of nearly 300 students from 38 international master’s programmes at its annual Graduation Ceremony. This year’s event held special significance as it marked the inaugural ceremony led by newly appointed Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg, who offered inspiring words of encouragement to the graduates as they embarked on their next journey.
27 May 2025 in Aula Nordica. For English subtitles, click the gear wheel.
Before a packed Aula Nordica auditorium at Campus Umeå, master’s degree students from around 50 countries proudly celebrated their achievements, joined by more than 600 guests, faculty, and staff. Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg delivered an inspiring graduation address, offering words of encouragement and advice.
The world needs people like you who dare to innovate, to care, who want to make a difference.
Vice-Chancellor Tora Holmberg delivers an address to the 2025 international master's graduates.
ImageMattias Pettersson"The best thing about knowledge is that it stays with you for a very long time," said Tora Holmberg. "It is through knowledge that we enrich our lives, but also how we change the world around us. The world needs people like you who dare to innovate, to care, who want to make a difference. Even if you travel further afield, I hope you will remember Umeå University. Our doors will always be open to you.”
This year's student speaker was Linde Wits from the Netherlands, who is graduating from the Master's Programme in Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology. She spoke about her strong desire to connect to people’s well-being, which she found again at Umeå University, in addition to enjoying the small feel of a big green campus and vibrant sports culture.
I really feel that I’ve found a second home here, and it has truly been a joy to study again.
Linde Wits delivered the student speech to her fellow graduates and hundreds of guests at the 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
ImageMattias Pettersson
"I really feel that I’ve found a second home here, and it has truly been a joy to study again," said Linde Wits to her fellow graduates. "I hope each of you has found something meaningful in your time here – something that has made this experience uniquely yours."
The alumni speaker was Emma Fällman, who has bachelor’s degree in law from Umeå University and currently works as an attorney at her own law firm. She primarily represents women who have experienced violence and sexual abuse. During her studies, she had the invaluable opportunity to study abroad in both Copenhagen and Cambridge, experiences that have greatly enriched her professional career.
Attorney Emma Fällman delivered an inspiring alumni speech at the Graduation Ceremony 2025 in Aula Nordica.
ImageMattias PetterssonWe live in a world where democracy and human rights cannot be taken for granted.
"Each one of you are role models - always remember that!" said Emma Fällman. "We live in a world where democracy and human rights cannot be taken for granted. And it’s we together in our global community, who have to stand up for, defend, and fight for development."
The ceremony featured three vocal performances by members of the Umeå Student Choir, a respected ensemble that plays a vital role at various ceremonies at Umeå University and Umeå’s cultural scene. Following the formal ceremony, students and guests gathered for a celebratory mingle, enjoying refreshments, and had the opportunity to capture memorable moments at the highly popular photo booth.
The annual Graduation Ceremony for International Master's Programmes is proudly organized by the International Office.
Watch a recording of the Graduation Ceremony 2025
Aula Nordica was filled to capacity with students, guests, faculty and staff at Graduation Ceremony 2025.
Image Mattias Pettersson
Jessica Bergström Grahn, Communication Office at the International Office, was the moderator of ceremony.
Image Mattias Pettersson
Umeå Student Choir performed at the Graduation Ceremony 2025.
Image Matttias Pettersson