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Taking place from Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 July 2026, the ceremonies will bring together graduates and their friends and families, along with university staff and partners to celebrate academic achievement, personal success and the start of the next chapter for thousands of University of Brighton students.

A total of 3,751 students from more than 100 countries and ranging in age from 19 to 73 will cross the stage during the four-day celebration, reflecting the university's commitment to opportunity, inclusivity and lifelong learning.

Professor Donna Whitehead, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Brighton, said: "Graduation is one of the most important moments in the university year, and it is a privilege to celebrate the achievements of every one of our graduates. Each student has followed their own unique path to reach this milestone, bringing different experiences, perspectives and ambitions that enrich our university community. They leave Brighton equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make a positive difference in their professions, communities and beyond.

Kyriakos Baxevanis

"We are also delighted to welcome this year's keynote speakers, whose experiences reflect the many different paths our graduates can take. Whether through innovation, public service, entrepreneurship or community leadership, they demonstrate the impact that can be achieved when talent is matched with purpose, and I hope their stories inspire our graduates as they take their own next steps."

Alongside celebrating student achievement, graduates will hear from a series of inspiring keynote speakers whose careers reflect the values of a University of Brighton education – from innovation and entrepreneurship to public service, student leadership and community impact.

Award-winning Brighton-based entrepreneur and University of Brighton double alumnus Kyriakos Baxevanis will share how his journey from Business Management student to founder of a successful hospitality and wellbeing group has been shaped by entrepreneurship, collaboration and giving back. Today, as Chair of the School of Business and Law Industry Advisory Board, he works closely with the university to help students develop the skills and connections needed to thrive in industry.

Kyriakos said: "Returning to the University of Brighton to speak at graduation is a real privilege. More than two decades ago, I arrived here from Greece as a student with big ambitions but no idea where my journey would lead. The university gave me the confidence to take opportunities, build relationships and think differently, and those lessons continue to shape my career today.

"To this year's graduates, I'd say stay curious, embrace challenges and never underestimate the value of the connections you make. Success isn't just about what you achieve yourself - it's also about the positive impact you have on the people and communities around you."

Current Communities Officer Rosie Ellen Birch will share her perspective on building belonging and supporting student wellbeing at the University of Brighton. Currently studying , Rosie has spent the past year representing students, championing inclusion and helping create a more connected university community through initiatives including the Coast is Queer festival and student wellbeing projects.

Christine Gibbons MBE, Chair of Trustees at , will encourage graduates to use their skills to create healthier, more inclusive communities. Recognised in His Majesty the King's 2026 Birthday Honours for services to reducing inequalities in physical activity, Christine has spent her career breaking down barriers to sport and wellbeing through leadership roles across healthcare, public health and community organisations.

Thomas Akintan, co-founder of AI consultancy and a University of Brighton aeronautical engineering alumnus, will speak about innovation, leadership and the future of artificial intelligence. Having built a successful career advising businesses, policymakers and industry leaders on AI adoption, Thomas continues to support the university through mentoring and sharing his expertise with current students.

The ceremonies will celebrate graduates from every school across the university as they join Brighton's global community of more than 185,000 alumni, taking the next step in careers and communities across the UK and around the world.

Watch it live

Tuesday 28 July

10am ceremony

• School of Applied Sciences

3.15pm ceremony

• School of Architecture, Technology and Engineering

Wednesday 29 July

10am ceremony

• School of Business and Law (Business subject areas)

3.15pm ceremony

• School of Business and Law (Law subject areas)

• School of Humanities and Social Science (Humanities subject areas

Thursday 30 July

10am ceremony

• School of Art and Media (Art subject areas)

• East Sussex College Group

3.15pm ceremony

• School of Humanities and Social Science (Social Science subject areas)

Friday 31 July

10am ceremony

• School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences (Education and Sport subject areas)

• Centre for Learning and Teaching

3.15pm ceremony

• School of Education, Sport and Health Sciences (Health subject areas)

• School of Art and Media (Media subject areas)