At Oxford University, graduates wear sub-fusc, a formal academic dress consisting of a dark suit, white shirt, black shoes, and a gown. One unique tradition is the wearing of carnations, where red carnations signify a first-class degree, pink for a second-class degree, and white for an unclassified degree.
Stanford University holds a "Wacky Walk" during their graduation ceremony. Graduates participate in a playful and lighthearted procession, wearing creative costumes, carrying props, and showcasing their individuality before receiving their diplomas.
The University of St Andrews has a tradition known as the "Pier Walk." Graduates parade down the pier in St Andrews, Scotland, and then jump into the North Sea as a symbolic farewell to their university years.
At École Normale Supérieure, an elite French university, graduates take part in the "Ronde des Quartiers" (District Tour). They walk through the streets of Paris, stopping at different locations to perform skits, sing songs, and celebrate their achievements.
Harvard University has the "Latin Salutatory," where a graduating student delivers a speech in Latin during the commencement ceremony. This tradition dates back to the university's early days when Latin was the primary language of instruction.
At the University of Cape Town, the graduation ceremony features a procession known as the "Rhodes Must Fall" march. This march symbolizes student activism and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality.
The University of Helsinki has a tradition called the "Sword Gauntlet." Graduates must pass through a line of professors and shake their hands while holding a sword, representing their transition from student to scholar.
The University of Sydney's graduation ceremony includes a ritual called the "Book Relay." A graduate starts by receiving a book and passing it to the next graduate, symbolizing the transfer of knowledge and the continuation of learning.