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Graduation status and ceremony

View graduation status
Last updated on 25 October 2024
When you are in the final phase of the programme, you receive an email from VU Amsterdam, with important information and the next steps.

Check my graduation status

When you are in the final phase of the programme, you receive an email from VU Amsterdam, with the subject "Graduating from VU.” From that moment, you can follow your graduation status.

Graduation procedure

Once you have completed your study programme, you can graduate. You will receive an email within two weeks* of registering your last result with important information and the next steps. You must respond to this message. If you do not respond within two weeks, we will prepare a diploma for you based on the information from that message.

*In the busy summer months (July and August) it may take a little longer before you receive the email message.

Graduation and diploma

  • Check your details and results

    Please check the following information before graduation:

    • Check if your results are complete and accurate. If you are missing results or seem incorrect, please send a request for correction to your faculty. 
    • Check if you received the Examination Board’s approval for your extra(curricular) courses, substitute courses or elective(s). If not, please apply for approval.

    Check if your personal details are correct in Studielink (first name(s), family name, date of birth). To ensure your details are correctly stated on your diploma/degree certificate.

  • Graduation date and ceremony

    The graduation date is the date you officially complete your study programme and obtain your diploma. This date is stated on your certificate. Please note that your graduation date is not the same as your graduation ceremony date. 

    For more information on graduation dates and ceremonies, please visit your faculty information below. 

  • Graduating in August

    Did you not receive a graduation email from the Educational Office of your faculty in August? Then please enrol again for the next academic year in Studielink, because without a valid enrolment at VU Amsterdam the graduation cannot be processed.

    If your final grade for an exam or thesis was registered before 31 August, you can still graduate in August. As soon as you receive notification from DUO that you will graduate before 1 September, you can cancel your enrolment for the new academic year and you will not have to pay tuition fees for September. 

    If your graduation date unexpectedly falls in September (for example, because your last grade was registered after 31 August), you can deregister after your graduation has been processed and you will only pay tuition fees for that month.

  • Graduation postponement

    If you want to postpone your graduation, you can submit a request to the Examination Board. You can apply for a postponement only if you completed your study programme and your last results are registered. We will send an e-mail notification. It is not possible to submit a postponement request before receiving the e-mail.

    Postponements are granted by the Examination Board if:

    • You are registered no longer than the official length of the study programme, plus one year. 
    • Postponement is no more than one year, on top of the study programme’s official length of the study programme. 

    In exceptional cases, the Examination Board may decide otherwise. 

    An example

    A fourth-year Bachelor student requests postponement. The student enrolled in 2016-2017 and completed the programme before the end of the academic year.  The official length of a Bachelor programme is three years. The Examination Board approves the request,  provided that the postponement date is in the 2019-2020 academic year.

    Postponement date = graduation date

    If your request for postponement is granted, a new graduation date is issued. This date is also issued on our diploma/degree certificate.

    For more information on graduation postponement, please visit Regulations for awarding degree certificates.

    Please note: if you request for your graduation to be postponed and this is granted, you will need to re-enrol for the next academic year. Make sure you arrange this in Studielink by 31 August at the latest.

  • Preparing to leave university

    There are a few things you need to take care of before leaving university. You must arrange this in time because it may cost you a lot of money. 

    Deregistration

    Please make sure you deregister on time. Visit the Deregistration information page if wish to read more. 

    (DUO) student loans,  DUO travel product and (student) insurance

    Cancel all student-related services such as your DUO travel product and (DUO) student funding on time. These services do not cancel themselves; you need to do this. Also check with your (student) insurance, when taking time off or because you discontinue your studies. 

Graduation and diploma information per faculty

The graduation and diploma procedure may differ per faculty.

  • ACTA

    The Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA) has a different procedure [in Dutch] for graduating.

  • BETA

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
    • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
    • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
    • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
    • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

    Ceremony and diploma pickup

    Are you in a Joint Degree programme? Please refer to the heading “Graduating in a Joint Degree” below.  

    Graduation ceremony
    Click here for an overview of the graduation ceremonies 2024-2025. If you indicated in the graduation form that you would like to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive the exact times of the session no later than three weeks before the graduation ceremony. 

    Please note: You can participate in the graduation ceremony of fall 2024 only if you graduated on or before August 31. If your grade is registered in September but your graduation date is still on or before August 31, you can participate in the ceremony. If you indicated in the graduation form that you would like to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive the exact times of the session no later than three weeks before the graduation ceremony. 

    Collecting your diploma
    We work with diploma pickup by appointment. If you have indicated on the graduation form that you do not wish to attend the ceremony and would like to pick up your diploma at a pick-up time, you will receive a message about picking up your diploma as soon as it is ready to be collected. You can then schedule your own appointment. If you have not completed the graduation form within two weeks of receiving it, we will assume that you want to come and collect your diploma. You will therefore not be invited to the graduation ceremony. 

    Graduation Statement

    As soon as your grade is processed you can request a graduation statement from the Student Administration on VU.nl. You can also download an electronic diploma extract from the DUO diploma registry as soon as DUO has been informed of your graduation date. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic extract from the degree registry is free of charge. 

    Information from DUO

    Visit DUO for information about the Ministry of Education’s measures concerning the coronavirus and graduation.

    Joint Degree programme

    Several degree programmes are offered by the science faculties of VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). If you complete a joint degree programme, you receive a diploma from both universities. Your graduation process will be arranged by either VU Amsterdam or UvA. Please check below to see which institution provides your degree. 

    UvA
    If you graduate in one of the following joint degrees, you will apply for your degree at the UvA. Read more about how to do this at diploma application according to the UvA guidelines.

    Bachelor

    • Bachelor Chemistry  
    • Bachelor Physics and Astronomy

    Master

    • Master Chemistry 
    • Master Computational Sciences
    • Master Physics & Astronomy 

    VU
    If you graduate in one of the following joint degrees, you will receive your degree according to VU guidelines.

    Master

    • Master Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
    • Master Computer Science 

  • FBMS

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
    • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
    • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
    • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
    • Your graduation date is important for your deregistration in Studielink. It also has an effect on your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

    Ceremony and diploma pickup

    • Collecting your diploma
      You will receive the latest diploma updates from your faculty. If you have any questions, please contact the Education office. 
    • Graduations continue
      You will receive an e-mail from the Education office as soon as your results are registered. You can check your status in Studielink. Once DUO receives your graduation date, you will see this in the ‘My educational background’ section in Studielink. 
    • Awards
      View the overview of the 2024-2025 graduation ceremonies.

    Proof of graduation 

    As soon as your grades are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the  Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

    Continuing your studies

    After completing a Master's degree in Psychology or Educational Sciences, you can increase your professional field opportunities by continuing your studies and adding value to your future as a professional. During your studies, you can already prepare for this by obtaining various endorsements. Read more

  • FRT

    Graduation Date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
    • The graduation date is the date you officially completed your program and received your diploma. This date is on your diploma. The graduation date is not the date of your graduation ceremony.
    • The graduation date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Each month has one graduation date. With the exception of December, this is always the last working day of the month. Sundays and holidays are excepted.
    • If you are allowed to postpone graduation, the examination board will set a postponement date. The deferral date becomes your new graduation date. This date is then also listed as your graduation date on the diploma.

    The graduation date is important for your deregistration in studielink, the tuition fees, and the public transport card

    Graduation Ceremony

    • Each year, one graduation ceremony per program is organized
    • When you are about to graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form where you can indicate if you want to come to the graduation ceremony. Everyone who graduates between September 2023 and August 2024 and indicates at the time of graduation that they would like to be present at the award ceremony of the respective programme will get an invitation. The graduation ceremony always takes place in the fall of the following academic year.
    • You will receive the invitation to the ceremony in mid-September via the email address you provided. The invitation will include the location, the exact start and end time of the ceremony, and the number of guests you can bring to the ceremony.

    The 2024 graduation ceremonies are scheduled for:

    • Monday 14 October, from 14:30 till 16:30: BA Theology and Religious Studies en BA Theology Joint Degree
    • Wednesday 16 October, from 14:00 till 16:00: MA Theology and Religious Studies (1 year), RMA Theology and Religious Studies en MA Theology and Religious Studies (3 year)

    Unsubscribing from the graduation ceremony

    Did you register for the ceremony, but are unexpectedly unable to attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible by sending a response to the invitation email.

    Diploma pick-up

    • If you indicate that you will not be attending the graduation ceremony, you can pick up your diploma once a month between November and June, on a set day and time, at the Central Student Desk.*
    • You will be notified as soon as your diploma is ready for you.
    • You can only come by when you have received notice from us that your diploma is ready to be collected.
    • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).

    The pick-up moments will take place on:

    • Monday 25 November 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 16 December 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 27 January 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 24 February 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 24 March 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 28 April 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 26 May 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 23 June 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

    Please note: You can only attend a pick-up moment if you have received an invitation for it.

    *The organization of the ceremonies and pick-up moments is subject to the Covid-19 measures in place.

    Receiving Diploma

    After your graduation has been processed and sent to DUO, your physical diploma will be made. The diploma and the supplement with the grade list are prepared carefully. Before you can receive these documents, they need to be signed by the examination board. This can take several weeks, especially during the summer period. Therefore, you can only receive your physical diploma from the end of September if you graduate in June, July or August.

    If you have indicated that you want to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive your physical diploma during the official ceremony.

    If you have indicated that you do not wish to attend a graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma during a specially organized pick-up moment.

    For both the graduation ceremony and the pick-up event, you will receive a personal invitation. Please note: you can only participate in the ceremony or the pick-up moment if you have received an invitation!

    If you graduate in the months of June till September, you will receive the invitation for the next pick-up moment after the graduation ceremony.

    Do you need a proof of graduation for applying to another study programme or for a job application? You can download an extract of your diploma via DUO from the moment you have received a notification of graduation from VU Amsterdam. This extract has the same value as the official diploma. If you don't have a DigiD, you can apply for a graduation statement here.

    Proof of graduation

    As soon as your results are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

    Graduation regulations summer 2024

  • FSS

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
    • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
    • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
    • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
    • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product.

    Graduation Ceremonies

    • Click here for an overview of the scheduled graduation ceremonies in 2024.
    • When you graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form where you can indicate if you want to attend the graduation ceremony.
    • No later than two weeks before the ceremony you will receive the invitation to the email address you provided, with the location, exact start and end time and number of guests;

    Canceling the graduation ceremony

    Did you register for the ceremony, but you cannot attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible via the contact form or by sending a reply to the invitation email.

    Diploma pickup

    • If you do not attend the graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma once a month, on a fixed day and time.
    • Please let us know at least 1 week in advance on which day you will collect your diploma. Please use the contact form.
    • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).
    • Click here for an overview of the pickup moments in 2024 and 2025 (until October).

    Proof of graduation

    As soon as your grades are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

  • HUM

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
    • The graduation date is the date you officially completed your program and received your diploma. This date is on your diploma. The graduation date is not the date of your graduation ceremony.
    • The graduation date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Each month has one graduation date. With the exception of December, this is always the last working day of the month. Sundays and holidays are excepted.
    • If you are allowed to postpone graduation, the examination board will set a postponement date. The deferral date becomes your new graduation date. This date is then also listed as your graduation date on the diploma.

    The graduation date is important for your deregistration in studielink, the tuition fees, and the public transport card.

    Ceremony

    • Each year, one graduation ceremony per programme is organized.
    • When you are about to graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form on which you can indicate whether you wish to attend the ceremony. Everyone who graduates between September 2023 and August 2024 and indicates at the time of graduation that they would like to attend the graduation ceremony of the respective programme will get an invitation. The graduation ceremony always takes place in the fall of the following academic year*.
    • You will receive the invitation to the ceremony in mid-September via the email address you provided. The invitation will include the location, the exact start and end time of the ceremony, and the number of guests you can bring to the ceremony.

    The graduation ceremonies are scheduled on the following days:

    • Friday 4 October: BA L&S          
    • Friday 4 October: BA MADA
    • Tuesday 8 October: BA CIS
    • Friday 11 October: BA History
    • Friday 11 October: BA Philosophy
    • Saturday 12 October: BA PPE
    • Tuesday 8 October: MA Archaeology      
    • Thursday 10 October: MA and Research MA Classic and Ancients Civilizations
    • Wednesday 16 October: MA Arts and Culture other specializations, MA Curating Art and Cultures
    • Wednesday 23 October: BA Archaeology, BA Greek and Latin Language and Culture, BA Ancient Studies 
    • Tuesday 29 October: MA Literary Studies
    • Tuesday 29 October: MA  Arts and Culture Architecture History, MA Heritage Studies
    • Tuesday 29 October: MA History
    • Thursday 31 October: MA Arts and Culture CAMS and Design Cultures 
    • Monday 4 November: MA Linguistics
    • Tuesday 5 November: MA Philosophy
    • Wednesday 6 November: MA Humanities Research
    • Friday 8 November: MA CIS Multimodal Communication + Dialogue, Health and Society
    • Friday 8 November: MA CIS Writing and Translation
    • Friday 8 November: MA CIW Journalism
    • Monday 11 November: MA FCB

    Unsubscribing from the graduation ceremony

    Did you register for the ceremony, but are unexpectedly unable to attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible by sending a response to the invitation email.

    Diploma pick-up

    • If you indicate that you will not be attending the graduation ceremony, you can pick up your diploma once a month between November and June, on a set day and time, at the Central Student Desk.*
    • You will be notified as soon as your diploma is ready for you.
    • You can only come by when you have received notice from us that your diploma is ready to be collected.
    • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).

    The pick-up moments will take place on:

    • Monday 25 November 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 16 December 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 27 January 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 24 February 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 24 March 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 28 April 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 26 May 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
    • Monday 23 June 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

    Please note: You can only attend a pick-up moment if you have received an invitation for it.

    *The organization of the ceremonies and pick-up moments is subject to the Covid-19 measures in place.

    If you graduate in the months of June till September, you will receive the invitation for the next pick-up moment after the graduation ceremony.

    Do you need a proof of graduation for applying to another study programme or for a job application? You can download an extract of your diploma via DUO from the moment you have received a notification of graduation from VU Amsterdam. This extract has the same value as the official diploma. If you don't have a DigiD, you can apply for a graduation statement here.

    Proof of graduation

    As soon as your results are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

    Submit your thesis

    To submit a Master graduation request, you need to upload your approved thesis to the VU Amsterdam thesis database. Adding your thesis is mandatory. 

    Confidential thesis policy:

    • All theses must be uploaded - even if it contains confidential information (with the exception of confidential Criminology thesis). 
    • The thesis supervisor will indicate on the assessment form whether the thesis is confidential. 
    • When the upload is checked the settings will be configured to restrict public access to metadata only (including the summary). 

    Graduation regulations summer 2024

  • LAW

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
    • The graduation date will be based on the date of your last obtained result.
    • If you can postpone graduation, the Examination Board will set a postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date. This date is therefore stated as the graduation date on the diploma.
    • The graduation date is important for your deregistration in Studielink, the tuition fees and the public transport card.

    Issuing of diplomas

    After you have passed your graduation on to DUO, it will take a few weeks before your physical diploma is ready.

    Collecting your diploma

    If you are not interested in a graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma. There is a collection time every month. As soon as your diploma is ready you will receive an invitation to make a personal appointment to collect your diploma.

    Graduation ceremony

    In your graduation notification you will be asked if you are interested in a graduation ceremony. If you respond "yes" you will be invited for the first ceremony as soon as your diploma is ready. Please find below the schedule per programme. The dates are subject to change.

    Bachelor's diploma graduation ceremony

    Graduation ceremonies take place in the fall. You will receive the invitation four weeks in advance.
    Bachelor of Law: 31 October in the evening
    Bachelor Notary Law: 9 October in the evening
    Bachelor Law in Society: 3 October in the morning
    Bachelor Criminology: 12 December in the evening

    Master's diploma graduation ceremony

    If you respond to your graduation notification in the month: June 2024

    You can participate in the graduation ceremony on: 23 September 2024 in the afternoon. You will receive an invitation two weeks in advance.

    If you respond to your graduation notification in the month: July, August or September 2024

    You will be scheduled for a ceremony on one of these dates: 4 November, 11 November, 12 November, 25 November or 2 December. You will receive the invitation four weeks in advance.

    Proof of graduation

    As soon as your degree has been processed, you can request a graduation statement at the Student Desk. You can request the graduation statement via your VU dashboard. It is also possible to download a digital extract of your diploma from the DUO diploma register. The extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. A digital extract from the diploma register is free.

    Have you uploaded your thesis?

    In order to graduate, your approved bachelor's or master's thesis must be uploaded to the VU thesis archive. This upload is required.

    Confidential theses

    • Even if your thesis is confidential, it must be uploaded (with the exception of confidential Criminology thesis).
    • The supervisor indicates on the assessment form that it concerns a confidential thesis.
    • When the upload is checked, the settings are then adjusted so that the thesis is not visible.

  • MED

    You graduate automatically when you have completed the training program, you do not have to do anything yourself. You will receive an e-mail within two weeks after the last result has been registered on VUweb.

    There are a number of things to keep in mind when graduating:

    Check that your results are complete and correct. You can use the table on page 15 of the OER (Bachelor and Master) for this. Are there results missing or are the results incorrect? Send a request for correction to afstuderen@vumc.nl
    Check whether your first name (s), surname and date of birth are correctly stated in Studielink. This information will appear on your diploma / certificate.

    What is the exam date?

    • The exam date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Every month, with the exception of December, has two graduation dates, usually the last working day of the month and halfway through the month. Sundays and holidays are excluded.
    • If you can postpone graduation, the Examination Board will set a postponement date. The postponement date will be your new exam date. This date is therefore stated as the exam date on the diploma.
    • The exam date is important for your deregistration in Studielink, the tuition fees and the OV card.
    • In the appendix the exam dates for academic year 2020/2021 (this will be a link)
    • For the procedure of the BIG registration we refer to their website https://www.bigregister.nl/

    Graduation ceremony and collection: Coronavirus

    • The VU follows the advice of the RIVM and the national government. The VU has therefore decided that only a limited number of activities can take place on campus for the time being.
    • There are currently no graduation ceremonies.
    • It is also possible to download a digital extract of your diploma from the DUO diploma register. The extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. A digital extract from the diploma register is free of charge.
    • If you have any questions, please send an email to afstuderen@vumc.nl 

  • SBE

    Graduation date

    • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
    • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
    • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
    • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

    Graduation ceremonies

    • We will organize graduation ceremonies per program on the dates below.
    • When you are ready to graduate you will receive an email with a link to the graduation form where you can indicate that you want to attend the graduation ceremony
    • You will receive an invitation to the e-mail address you specified on the graduation form no later than five business days prior to the ceremony.
    • The invitation will specify the date, time, the number of guests and location of the ceremony.
    • If you do not reply to the graduation email within two weeks we will assume that you do not want to participate in the graduation ceremony.  

    Graduation ceremonies bachelors SBE

    To be able to participate in the Bachelor graduation ceremonies you need to have fulfilled all requirements that are necessary for graduating within your programme before the 1st of August!

    • Bedrijfskunde: 20 September 2024
    • Econometrics and OR: 26 September 2024
    • Economics and Business Economics: 26 September 2024
    • International Business Administration: 27 September 2024

    Note: these dates are preliminary and may change.

    Graduation ceremonies masters SBE

    To be able to participate in the Master graduation ceremonies you need to have fulfilled all requirements that are necessary for graduating within your programme before the 1st of September!

    • Accounting and Control: 11 October 2024
    • Digital Business and Innovation: 24 October 2024
    • Econometrics and Operations Research: 15 November 2024
    • Economics: 14 November 2024
    • Entrepreneurship (joint degree): 22 November 2024
    • Finance: Finance / DHP - Finance and Technology / DHP - Quantitative Risk Management: 28 November 2024
    • Finance: Financial Management / DHP- Corporate Finance: 14 November 2024
    • Marketing: 29 November 2024
    • Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics: 4 October 2024
    • Transport and Supply Chain Management: 10 October 2024
    • BA: Financial Management / DHP- Corporate Finance: 14 November 2024
    • BA: Human Resource Management: 11 October 2024
    • BA: International Management: 17 October 2024
    • BA: Leadership and Change Management: 25 October 2024
    • BA: Management Consulting: 25 October 2024
    • BA: Strategy and Organization: 10 October 2024

    Note: these dates are preliminary and may change.

    Diploma pick up

    If you have chosen not to attend the graduation ceremony you will receive an email when your diploma is ready to be collected at the Programme Secretariat.

    Proof of graduation

    As soon as your graduation is fully processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

    Submit your thesis

    • You need to upload your approved thesis to the VU Amsterdam thesis database even if it contains confidential information. 
    • Your thesis’s grade will only be visible in your results on VU.nl after the digital copy is added to the database.
    • If a thesis contains confidential information, you can indicate not to publish. This is only possible with your supervisor’s approval. Your thesis will be included in the database, however not accessible for others. 
    • If the thesis is under embargo, it is mandatory to provide an abstract.

The Faculty of Dentistry (ACTA) has a different procedure [in Dutch] for graduating.

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
  • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
  • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
  • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
  • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

Ceremony and diploma pickup

Are you in a Joint Degree programme? Please refer to the heading “Graduating in a Joint Degree” below.  

Graduation ceremony
Click here for an overview of the graduation ceremonies 2024-2025. If you indicated in the graduation form that you would like to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive the exact times of the session no later than three weeks before the graduation ceremony. 

Please note: You can participate in the graduation ceremony of fall 2024 only if you graduated on or before August 31. If your grade is registered in September but your graduation date is still on or before August 31, you can participate in the ceremony. If you indicated in the graduation form that you would like to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive the exact times of the session no later than three weeks before the graduation ceremony. 

Collecting your diploma
We work with diploma pickup by appointment. If you have indicated on the graduation form that you do not wish to attend the ceremony and would like to pick up your diploma at a pick-up time, you will receive a message about picking up your diploma as soon as it is ready to be collected. You can then schedule your own appointment. If you have not completed the graduation form within two weeks of receiving it, we will assume that you want to come and collect your diploma. You will therefore not be invited to the graduation ceremony. 

Graduation Statement

As soon as your grade is processed you can request a graduation statement from the Student Administration on VU.nl. You can also download an electronic diploma extract from the DUO diploma registry as soon as DUO has been informed of your graduation date. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic extract from the degree registry is free of charge. 

Information from DUO

Visit DUO for information about the Ministry of Education’s measures concerning the coronavirus and graduation.

Joint Degree programme

Several degree programmes are offered by the science faculties of VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam (UvA). If you complete a joint degree programme, you receive a diploma from both universities. Your graduation process will be arranged by either VU Amsterdam or UvA. Please check below to see which institution provides your degree. 

UvA
If you graduate in one of the following joint degrees, you will apply for your degree at the UvA. Read more about how to do this at diploma application according to the UvA guidelines.

Bachelor

  • Bachelor Chemistry  
  • Bachelor Physics and Astronomy

Master

  • Master Chemistry 
  • Master Computational Sciences
  • Master Physics & Astronomy 

VU
If you graduate in one of the following joint degrees, you will receive your degree according to VU guidelines.

Master

  • Master Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
  • Master Computer Science 

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
  • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
  • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
  • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
  • Your graduation date is important for your deregistration in Studielink. It also has an effect on your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

Ceremony and diploma pickup

  • Collecting your diploma
    You will receive the latest diploma updates from your faculty. If you have any questions, please contact the Education office. 
  • Graduations continue
    You will receive an e-mail from the Education office as soon as your results are registered. You can check your status in Studielink. Once DUO receives your graduation date, you will see this in the ‘My educational background’ section in Studielink. 
  • Awards
    View the overview of the 2024-2025 graduation ceremonies.

Proof of graduation 

As soon as your grades are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the  Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

Continuing your studies

After completing a Master's degree in Psychology or Educational Sciences, you can increase your professional field opportunities by continuing your studies and adding value to your future as a professional. During your studies, you can already prepare for this by obtaining various endorsements. Read more

Graduation Date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
  • The graduation date is the date you officially completed your program and received your diploma. This date is on your diploma. The graduation date is not the date of your graduation ceremony.
  • The graduation date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Each month has one graduation date. With the exception of December, this is always the last working day of the month. Sundays and holidays are excepted.
  • If you are allowed to postpone graduation, the examination board will set a postponement date. The deferral date becomes your new graduation date. This date is then also listed as your graduation date on the diploma.

The graduation date is important for your deregistration in studielink, the tuition fees, and the public transport card

Graduation Ceremony

  • Each year, one graduation ceremony per program is organized
  • When you are about to graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form where you can indicate if you want to come to the graduation ceremony. Everyone who graduates between September 2023 and August 2024 and indicates at the time of graduation that they would like to be present at the award ceremony of the respective programme will get an invitation. The graduation ceremony always takes place in the fall of the following academic year.
  • You will receive the invitation to the ceremony in mid-September via the email address you provided. The invitation will include the location, the exact start and end time of the ceremony, and the number of guests you can bring to the ceremony.

The 2024 graduation ceremonies are scheduled for:

  • Monday 14 October, from 14:30 till 16:30: BA Theology and Religious Studies en BA Theology Joint Degree
  • Wednesday 16 October, from 14:00 till 16:00: MA Theology and Religious Studies (1 year), RMA Theology and Religious Studies en MA Theology and Religious Studies (3 year)

Unsubscribing from the graduation ceremony

Did you register for the ceremony, but are unexpectedly unable to attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible by sending a response to the invitation email.

Diploma pick-up

  • If you indicate that you will not be attending the graduation ceremony, you can pick up your diploma once a month between November and June, on a set day and time, at the Central Student Desk.*
  • You will be notified as soon as your diploma is ready for you.
  • You can only come by when you have received notice from us that your diploma is ready to be collected.
  • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).

The pick-up moments will take place on:

  • Monday 25 November 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 16 December 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 27 January 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 24 February 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 24 March 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 28 April 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 26 May 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 23 June 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Please note: You can only attend a pick-up moment if you have received an invitation for it.

*The organization of the ceremonies and pick-up moments is subject to the Covid-19 measures in place.

Receiving Diploma

After your graduation has been processed and sent to DUO, your physical diploma will be made. The diploma and the supplement with the grade list are prepared carefully. Before you can receive these documents, they need to be signed by the examination board. This can take several weeks, especially during the summer period. Therefore, you can only receive your physical diploma from the end of September if you graduate in June, July or August.

If you have indicated that you want to attend the graduation ceremony, you will receive your physical diploma during the official ceremony.

If you have indicated that you do not wish to attend a graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma during a specially organized pick-up moment.

For both the graduation ceremony and the pick-up event, you will receive a personal invitation. Please note: you can only participate in the ceremony or the pick-up moment if you have received an invitation!

If you graduate in the months of June till September, you will receive the invitation for the next pick-up moment after the graduation ceremony.

Do you need a proof of graduation for applying to another study programme or for a job application? You can download an extract of your diploma via DUO from the moment you have received a notification of graduation from VU Amsterdam. This extract has the same value as the official diploma. If you don't have a DigiD, you can apply for a graduation statement here.

Proof of graduation

As soon as your results are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

Graduation regulations summer 2024

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
  • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
  • Each month has two graduation dates. Besides December, this is the 15th and last day of the month.  Sundays and public holidays not included.
  • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
  • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product.

Graduation Ceremonies

  • Click here for an overview of the scheduled graduation ceremonies in 2024.
  • When you graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form where you can indicate if you want to attend the graduation ceremony.
  • No later than two weeks before the ceremony you will receive the invitation to the email address you provided, with the location, exact start and end time and number of guests;

Canceling the graduation ceremony

Did you register for the ceremony, but you cannot attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible via the contact form or by sending a reply to the invitation email.

Diploma pickup

  • If you do not attend the graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma once a month, on a fixed day and time.
  • Please let us know at least 1 week in advance on which day you will collect your diploma. Please use the contact form.
  • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).
  • Click here for an overview of the pickup moments in 2024 and 2025 (until October).

Proof of graduation

As soon as your grades are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
  • The graduation date is the date you officially completed your program and received your diploma. This date is on your diploma. The graduation date is not the date of your graduation ceremony.
  • The graduation date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Each month has one graduation date. With the exception of December, this is always the last working day of the month. Sundays and holidays are excepted.
  • If you are allowed to postpone graduation, the examination board will set a postponement date. The deferral date becomes your new graduation date. This date is then also listed as your graduation date on the diploma.

The graduation date is important for your deregistration in studielink, the tuition fees, and the public transport card.

Ceremony

  • Each year, one graduation ceremony per programme is organized.
  • When you are about to graduate you will receive an email with a link to a form on which you can indicate whether you wish to attend the ceremony. Everyone who graduates between September 2023 and August 2024 and indicates at the time of graduation that they would like to attend the graduation ceremony of the respective programme will get an invitation. The graduation ceremony always takes place in the fall of the following academic year*.
  • You will receive the invitation to the ceremony in mid-September via the email address you provided. The invitation will include the location, the exact start and end time of the ceremony, and the number of guests you can bring to the ceremony.

The graduation ceremonies are scheduled on the following days:

  • Friday 4 October: BA L&S          
  • Friday 4 October: BA MADA
  • Tuesday 8 October: BA CIS
  • Friday 11 October: BA History
  • Friday 11 October: BA Philosophy
  • Saturday 12 October: BA PPE
  • Tuesday 8 October: MA Archaeology      
  • Thursday 10 October: MA and Research MA Classic and Ancients Civilizations
  • Wednesday 16 October: MA Arts and Culture other specializations, MA Curating Art and Cultures
  • Wednesday 23 October: BA Archaeology, BA Greek and Latin Language and Culture, BA Ancient Studies 
  • Tuesday 29 October: MA Literary Studies
  • Tuesday 29 October: MA  Arts and Culture Architecture History, MA Heritage Studies
  • Tuesday 29 October: MA History
  • Thursday 31 October: MA Arts and Culture CAMS and Design Cultures 
  • Monday 4 November: MA Linguistics
  • Tuesday 5 November: MA Philosophy
  • Wednesday 6 November: MA Humanities Research
  • Friday 8 November: MA CIS Multimodal Communication + Dialogue, Health and Society
  • Friday 8 November: MA CIS Writing and Translation
  • Friday 8 November: MA CIW Journalism
  • Monday 11 November: MA FCB

Unsubscribing from the graduation ceremony

Did you register for the ceremony, but are unexpectedly unable to attend? Then please cancel as soon as possible by sending a response to the invitation email.

Diploma pick-up

  • If you indicate that you will not be attending the graduation ceremony, you can pick up your diploma once a month between November and June, on a set day and time, at the Central Student Desk.*
  • You will be notified as soon as your diploma is ready for you.
  • You can only come by when you have received notice from us that your diploma is ready to be collected.
  • Bring valid identification (driver's license, passport or ID card).

The pick-up moments will take place on:

  • Monday 25 November 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 16 December 2024: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 27 January 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 24 February 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 24 March 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 28 April 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 26 May 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.
  • Monday 23 June 2025: from 4 p.m. to 5.30 p.m.

Please note: You can only attend a pick-up moment if you have received an invitation for it.

*The organization of the ceremonies and pick-up moments is subject to the Covid-19 measures in place.

If you graduate in the months of June till September, you will receive the invitation for the next pick-up moment after the graduation ceremony.

Do you need a proof of graduation for applying to another study programme or for a job application? You can download an extract of your diploma via DUO from the moment you have received a notification of graduation from VU Amsterdam. This extract has the same value as the official diploma. If you don't have a DigiD, you can apply for a graduation statement here.

Proof of graduation

As soon as your results are processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

Submit your thesis

To submit a Master graduation request, you need to upload your approved thesis to the VU Amsterdam thesis database. Adding your thesis is mandatory. 

Confidential thesis policy:

  • All theses must be uploaded - even if it contains confidential information (with the exception of confidential Criminology thesis). 
  • The thesis supervisor will indicate on the assessment form whether the thesis is confidential. 
  • When the upload is checked the settings will be configured to restrict public access to metadata only (including the summary). 

Graduation regulations summer 2024

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date.
  • The graduation date will be based on the date of your last obtained result.
  • If you can postpone graduation, the Examination Board will set a postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date. This date is therefore stated as the graduation date on the diploma.
  • The graduation date is important for your deregistration in Studielink, the tuition fees and the public transport card.

Issuing of diplomas

After you have passed your graduation on to DUO, it will take a few weeks before your physical diploma is ready.

Collecting your diploma

If you are not interested in a graduation ceremony, you can collect your diploma. There is a collection time every month. As soon as your diploma is ready you will receive an invitation to make a personal appointment to collect your diploma.

Graduation ceremony

In your graduation notification you will be asked if you are interested in a graduation ceremony. If you respond "yes" you will be invited for the first ceremony as soon as your diploma is ready. Please find below the schedule per programme. The dates are subject to change.

Bachelor's diploma graduation ceremony

Graduation ceremonies take place in the fall. You will receive the invitation four weeks in advance.
Bachelor of Law: 31 October in the evening
Bachelor Notary Law: 9 October in the evening
Bachelor Law in Society: 3 October in the morning
Bachelor Criminology: 12 December in the evening

Master's diploma graduation ceremony

If you respond to your graduation notification in the month: June 2024

You can participate in the graduation ceremony on: 23 September 2024 in the afternoon. You will receive an invitation two weeks in advance.

If you respond to your graduation notification in the month: July, August or September 2024

You will be scheduled for a ceremony on one of these dates: 4 November, 11 November, 12 November, 25 November or 2 December. You will receive the invitation four weeks in advance.

Proof of graduation

As soon as your degree has been processed, you can request a graduation statement at the Student Desk. You can request the graduation statement via your VU dashboard. It is also possible to download a digital extract of your diploma from the DUO diploma register. The extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. A digital extract from the diploma register is free.

Have you uploaded your thesis?

In order to graduate, your approved bachelor's or master's thesis must be uploaded to the VU thesis archive. This upload is required.

Confidential theses

  • Even if your thesis is confidential, it must be uploaded (with the exception of confidential Criminology thesis).
  • The supervisor indicates on the assessment form that it concerns a confidential thesis.
  • When the upload is checked, the settings are then adjusted so that the thesis is not visible.

You graduate automatically when you have completed the training program, you do not have to do anything yourself. You will receive an e-mail within two weeks after the last result has been registered on VUweb.

There are a number of things to keep in mind when graduating:

Check that your results are complete and correct. You can use the table on page 15 of the OER (Bachelor and Master) for this. Are there results missing or are the results incorrect? Send a request for correction to afstuderen@vumc.nl
Check whether your first name (s), surname and date of birth are correctly stated in Studielink. This information will appear on your diploma / certificate.

What is the exam date?

  • The exam date is based on the date of the last result obtained. Every month, with the exception of December, has two graduation dates, usually the last working day of the month and halfway through the month. Sundays and holidays are excluded.
  • If you can postpone graduation, the Examination Board will set a postponement date. The postponement date will be your new exam date. This date is therefore stated as the exam date on the diploma.
  • The exam date is important for your deregistration in Studielink, the tuition fees and the OV card.
  • In the appendix the exam dates for academic year 2020/2021 (this will be a link)
  • For the procedure of the BIG registration we refer to their website https://www.bigregister.nl/

Graduation ceremony and collection: Coronavirus

  • The VU follows the advice of the RIVM and the national government. The VU has therefore decided that only a limited number of activities can take place on campus for the time being.
  • There are currently no graduation ceremonies.
  • It is also possible to download a digital extract of your diploma from the DUO diploma register. The extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. A digital extract from the diploma register is free of charge.
  • If you have any questions, please send an email to afstuderen@vumc.nl 

Graduation date

  • The Examination Board determines the graduation date. 
  • The graduation date is based on the date of your last obtained result. 
  • If you are granted postponement,  the board of examiners decides on a graduation postponement date. The postponement date will become your new graduation date, that is issued on your diploma.
  • Your graduation date is essential for your deregistration in Studielink. It also affects your student loans/funds and your DUO travel product. 

Graduation ceremonies

  • We will organize graduation ceremonies per program on the dates below.
  • When you are ready to graduate you will receive an email with a link to the graduation form where you can indicate that you want to attend the graduation ceremony
  • You will receive an invitation to the e-mail address you specified on the graduation form no later than five business days prior to the ceremony.
  • The invitation will specify the date, time, the number of guests and location of the ceremony.
  • If you do not reply to the graduation email within two weeks we will assume that you do not want to participate in the graduation ceremony.  

Graduation ceremonies bachelors SBE

To be able to participate in the Bachelor graduation ceremonies you need to have fulfilled all requirements that are necessary for graduating within your programme before the 1st of August!

  • Bedrijfskunde: 20 September 2024
  • Econometrics and OR: 26 September 2024
  • Economics and Business Economics: 26 September 2024
  • International Business Administration: 27 September 2024

Note: these dates are preliminary and may change.

Graduation ceremonies masters SBE

To be able to participate in the Master graduation ceremonies you need to have fulfilled all requirements that are necessary for graduating within your programme before the 1st of September!

  • Accounting and Control: 11 October 2024
  • Digital Business and Innovation: 24 October 2024
  • Econometrics and Operations Research: 15 November 2024
  • Economics: 14 November 2024
  • Entrepreneurship (joint degree): 22 November 2024
  • Finance: Finance / DHP - Finance and Technology / DHP - Quantitative Risk Management: 28 November 2024
  • Finance: Financial Management / DHP- Corporate Finance: 14 November 2024
  • Marketing: 29 November 2024
  • Spatial, Transport and Environmental Economics: 4 October 2024
  • Transport and Supply Chain Management: 10 October 2024
  • BA: Financial Management / DHP- Corporate Finance: 14 November 2024
  • BA: Human Resource Management: 11 October 2024
  • BA: International Management: 17 October 2024
  • BA: Leadership and Change Management: 25 October 2024
  • BA: Management Consulting: 25 October 2024
  • BA: Strategy and Organization: 10 October 2024

Note: these dates are preliminary and may change.

Diploma pick up

If you have chosen not to attend the graduation ceremony you will receive an email when your diploma is ready to be collected at the Programme Secretariat.

Proof of graduation

As soon as your graduation is fully processed, you can request a graduation statement via the Student Desk. Or download an electronic extract of your diploma at  DUO diploma registry. An electronic diploma extract has the same value as a certified copy of your diploma. An electronic diploma extract is free of charge and easy to download.

Submit your thesis

  • You need to upload your approved thesis to the VU Amsterdam thesis database even if it contains confidential information. 
  • Your thesis’s grade will only be visible in your results on VU.nl after the digital copy is added to the database.
  • If a thesis contains confidential information, you can indicate not to publish. This is only possible with your supervisor’s approval. Your thesis will be included in the database, however not accessible for others. 
  • If the thesis is under embargo, it is mandatory to provide an abstract.

Do you have any questions?

Please contact the Student Desk.

If you have questions about the tuition fee, Studielink or your personal dashboard on VU.nl, please contact the Student Desk: studentdesk@vu.nl, stating your student number.

Send a message via online chat (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00). 

Call +31 (0)20 59 85020 (Mon – Fri: 10:30 – 12:30 and 14:00 – 16:00). 

Are you currently a VU student? Ask your question via the question form (log in with your VUnetID)

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