Study with us

Studeer bij ons

BU has 6 distinct faculties and more than 36 specialized schools and academic units across our campuses in Curaçao, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Paris, and other global locations

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Life at BU

Leven bij BU

At BU, life goes beyond the classroom, it’s vibrant, diverse, and filled with opportunities to explore your passions across cultures and campuses.

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Collaborate

Mahi Tahi

Partner through global alliances, academic networks, or local initiatives to shape education, research, and community impact.

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About BU

Over ons

BU is where global education meets real-world opportunity. With campuses in Curaçao, Paris, and worldwide, we prepare learners to lead in a fast-changing world.

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Annual Celebration

Graduation & Congregations

Celebrate your achievement at Bloomington's annual graduation ceremony — after completing your program anytime during the year.

Graduation at Bloomington University is a celebration of academic excellence, personal growth, and global community. You may complete your program at any point throughout the year, but we gather once annually for the formal Graduation & Congregations ceremony in October/November.

Ceremony October/November
Global One Unified Ceremony
Complete Any Month
All Campuses Together
Year-Round Completion Schedule
October/November Annual Ceremony
All Programs Campuses, ATFs, Online
One Global Celebration United Community
Understanding the Process

How Graduation Works at Bloomington

1

Academic Completion

Happens Year-Round

Students complete their programs in any month due to Bloomington's flexible, modular system. Upon completion, students receive:

  • Completion Letter
  • Official Transcript
  • Provisional Digital Certificate (when applicable)

These documents allow employment, postgraduate applications, and visa processing immediately — without waiting for the ceremony.

Eligibility Requirements

Who Is Eligible to Attend?

You are normally eligible to attend if:

  • Your program completion is officially confirmed
  • You have no outstanding academic or financial holds
  • You register for the ceremony within the deadline

Important: If you complete after the ceremony cutoff date, you will be invited to the following year's ceremony.

Eligible groups include:

Undergraduate (all modes) Postgraduate (Taught) Postgraduate (Research) ATF Students Off-Campus Center Students CoE Researchers Online & Hybrid Graduates
The Celebration

The Annual Graduation & Congregations Ceremony

A momentous celebration bringing together graduates from across the globe

What Happens During the Ceremony

  • 1 Academic procession
  • 2 Opening address & keynote
  • 3 Conferral of degrees by school/faculty
  • 4 Recognition of doctoral and research graduates
  • 5 Awards & academic honors
  • 6 Closing ceremony & celebrations

Who Is Recognised

Graduates whose completion was confirmed since the previous year's ceremony — across all Bloomington learning environments:

  • Main Campus graduates
  • Off-Campus Center students (Paris & beyond)
  • ATF partner institution completers
  • CoE researchers & scholars
  • Online & hybrid program graduates
Global Access

Join the Celebration From Anywhere

Bloomington's global learner community includes students who may not be able to travel for the ceremony. To ensure everyone is included, we offer:

Live-streaming of the full ceremony
Watch events at selected campuses, ATFs, and CoEs
Digital inclusion (names announced or displayed onscreen)
Option to receive your certificate physically and digitally
Virtual graduation celebration

All graduates are honoured equally, whether attending in person or remotely.

Your Journey

Key Dates & Graduation Timeline

1

Complete Your Program

All Year

Finish coursework, assessments, or thesis in any month.

2

Completion Confirmed

Upon Finishing

Receive Completion Letter, Transcript, and Provisional Digital Certificate.

3

Invitation to Ceremony

After Cutoff

Eligible for this year's ceremony or invited to the following year.

4

Registration & Tickets

Before Deadline

Register attendance and request guest tickets.

5

Graduation Ceremony

October/November

Degrees formally conferred. Celebrate with family and fellow graduates.

Official Documentation

Certificates, Transcripts & Academic Records

Before the Ceremony

(After completion)

  • Completion Letter
  • Official Transcript
  • Provisional Digital Certificate

At or After the Ceremony

(Formal conferral)

  • Final Degree Certificate (physical/digital)
  • Updated Academic Transcript

You may use your completion documents for employment, visas, or further study immediately — no need to wait for the ceremony.

Ceremony Preparation

Academic Dress, Traditions & Guests

Academic Dress

Graduands wear gowns, hoods, and caps appropriate to their award. Instructions for hire or purchase are provided after registration.

Guests

Graduands may request guest tickets (subject to capacity). Ceremony livestream available for family and friends worldwide.

Photography & Media

Official photography services available on the day. Professional portraits to capture your special moment.

Common Questions

Graduation FAQs

I finished my degree in March — can I attend this year's ceremony?

Yes! If your completion was confirmed before the annual cutoff date (typically in September), you are eligible to attend the October/November ceremony. If confirmed after, you'll be invited to next year's ceremony.

What if I complete after the ceremony's cutoff date?

You will be automatically invited to the following year's ceremony. In the meantime, you'll receive your completion documents and can use them for employment, visa applications, or further study.

Can online students attend in person?

Absolutely! All graduates, regardless of study mode, are welcome to attend the ceremony in person. Online students have the same opportunity to walk across the stage and receive their degree.

Can ATF or Paris center students attend the ceremony?

Yes! Students from ATFs, the Paris Off-Campus Center, and all other locations are fully eligible to attend. We celebrate graduates from across our entire global network at the annual ceremony.

Do I have to attend to receive my award?

No. Attendance is optional. Your degree is conferred whether you attend or not, and your certificate will be sent to you. However, we encourage attendance for the memorable experience!

How do I defer my ceremony attendance?

You can request to defer your attendance to the following year's ceremony through the Student Portal. Deferral requests should be made before the registration deadline.

How do I collect my certificate if I cannot travel?

Your certificate can be mailed to your registered address or collected by an authorized representative. Digital certificates are also available. Contact the Graduation Team for arrangements.

Ready for Your Graduation Moment?

Whether you completed last month or earlier this year, this is your moment to celebrate with our global Bloomington community.

Connect with us to Explore programs and personalized guidance.

Our admissions team is here to help you find the right program and start your journey with confidence.