Graduations Around the World

By Mackenzie Eyles

Graduating high school is something students look forward to from the very beginning of their schooling journey, and the moment parents feel way too old.

But how different is graduating in Europe to graduating here in Australia? Graduation occurs differently in all corners of the globe. From Australia to Sweden, no two celebrations are quite the same.

We all know of the famous US graduation traditions; prom night, tossing caps into the air, the iconic gowns and the stress of college essays. But beyond the Hollywood image, the US does so much more to celebrate their seniors. In many American schools, graduation season is almost an entire month of events; senior prank days, baccalaureate ceremonies, award nights and emotional ‘senior walks’ through the school, while younger students cheer them on. 

The big day itself usually includes a procession to ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ speeches from the valedictorian and principal, and the official handing out of diplomas before the cap toss. 

As you know, in Australia, graduation is a little more low-key. There’s no cap toss or massive prom stage. Instead, students often have a Year 12 formal and a graduation dinner with parents, teachers and friends. It's less about a spectacle and more about marking the end of school life with speeches, photo slideshows and maybe a few tears.

Meanwhile, in Sweden, graduation (studenten) is like a street festival. Students wear white sailor hats, burst out of school to music and confetti and ride around town on decorated trucks blasting music. Families wave posters with baby photos, and the celebrations often last all day. It’s loud, chaotic and full of joy, marking the start of summer and adulthood in true Swedish culture. 

In Japan, graduation in March is formal and emotional. Students wear uniforms, not gowns and ceremonies include speeches, the national anthem, and passing the school flag to the next seniors. The atmosphere is often emotional, with many students and even teachers shedding tears as they say goodbye. It’s also common for students to give away the ‘second button’ from a boy’s jacket - being the closest to the heart.

In the UK, high school graduation isn’t as big of a spectacle as in the US, many schools marking the end of Sixth Form with a leavers’ assembly, a formal prom, and sometimes a yearbook. Students often return later just to collect their exam results, so the final day is more about celebrating friendships than a grand ceremony.

Finally, in Argentina, graduation is loud, colourful and messy - literally. Friends and family gather outside the school to throw flour, eggs and paint over the graduates. It’s a huge street party with music, dancing, and plenty of laughter, making the end of school unforgettable (and hard to wash out of your hair).

No matter where you are in the world, graduation is a moment of pride, excitement, and sometimes, a little chaos. From Japan’s heartfelt ceremonies to Argentina’s wild flour fights, each country has its own way of marking the end of school life. Whether it’s loud, quiet, traditional or a full-on street party, the meaning stays the same - celebrating hard work, memories and the start of something new.