Bucknell University, Pennsylvania, US(01 of16)
Open Image ModalThe students at this liberal arts college in Pennsylvania mark the Commencement by holding candlelit vigil the night before graduation. (credit:Bucknell University/Facebook)
The United States Air Force Academy, Colorado (02 of16)
Open Image ModalThe USAFA famously lays claim to the 'hat toss' tradition adopted by so many other universities. Combined with a spectacular flypast, theirs is still the original and best. (credit:Flickr)
University of Bristol, UK(03 of16)
Open Image ModalGraduands at Bristol are unusual in that they don't wear mortarboards at all, because once, according to legend, too many got thrown from Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge, and it was deemed a 'hazard'. (credit:Flickr)
Oxford and Cambridge Universities, UK(04 of16)
Open Image ModalAt the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, a fur-lined hood is worn, traditionally across the shoulders (not over the head!). Part of the ceremony is also conducted in Latin, to the general bemusement of most students.
Stanford University, US(05 of16)
Open Image ModalAt Stanford, California, graduating students wear a lurid pink and orange stole instead of the traditional hood. (credit:Flickr)
Kanazawa College of Art, Japan(06 of16)
Open Image ModalKanazawa College of Art, Japan(07 of16)
Open Image Modal...and by anything, they mean anything. (credit:Twitter)
Yale University, US(08 of16)
Open Image ModalNot their actual graduation robes, but still, they look rather quirky. The graduation at Yale last year was a rather blue event, as students donned protective plastic kagools in the drizzle. (credit:AP)
Smith College, Massachusetts, US(09 of16)
Open Image ModalAt this all women's liberal arts college, the alma mater of Sylvia Plath, Smithies have a unique graduation ceremony called the 'diploma circle'. They pass round their diplomas until each receives their own and leaves the circle. (credit:Smith College facebook)
New York University, US(10 of16)
Open Image ModalAfter graduation at NYU, students like to cool off by jumping in New York's Washington Square fountain, still wearing their full regal purple academic dress. (credit:Getty)
Spanish universities(11 of16)
Open Image ModalSpain's traditional approach towards graduation academic dress includes embellished cuffs, elbow length cape and a circular shape cap. (credit:YouTube/ Flickr dhjerodas)
University of the Philippines(12 of16)
Open Image ModalSome view students as only having truly graduated if they have marched onstage to accept their diploma during the ceremony.Ceremonies are held at the end of March, and Filipinos take part in graduation every time they complete a level of education.Students wear Sunday best, with a traditional stole worn to indicate honour and distinction.Garlands are essential to graduations, and are usually made from ribbon and shaped into flowers. (credit:UPOU Alumni)
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa(13 of16)
Open Image ModalRitsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan(14 of16)
Open Image ModalSome female students wear onna hakama while others opt for kimino, with males donning either traditional haori hakama or suits during Japanese graduations, which are usually held in March.Each student walks up onto the stage when his or her name is called, bows once, receives the certificate with both hands, bows once more, and returns to their seat. (credit:Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University)
Sun Yat-sen University, China(15 of16)
Open Image ModalGraduate students dressed in old time clothing pose for photos for their graduation at Sun Yat-sen University on June 27, 2012 in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of China. (credit:PA)
Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakho, Thailand(16 of16)
Open Image Modal