Courage, resilience and a bright future: celebrating the class of 2025
The Class of 2025 is a remarkable group of graduates who began their studies amid global uncertainty. Their journey reflects courage, adaptability, and the transformative power of international education. As they step into the future, they carry not only academic achievements but also the resilience and global perspective.
Professor Elena Rodriguez-Falcon FREng PFHEA
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
As the academic year draws to a close, universities begin to empty for the summer break and graduation ceremonies mark the end of studying, it’s time to recognise our past students who have transitioned through our study centres and now graduated from the university of their choice.
The class of 2025 is no ordinary group. These students began their studies at a time when the world was still dealing with the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their decision to pursue international education during such a turbulent time speaks volumes, not just about their academic ambition but about their resilience, adaptability and courage. They chose to move forward when the world was stuck still. They chose to believe in a future that, at the time, felt uncertain. And today they graduate not only with academic qualifications but also life experience that will shape their future.
A bold step forward
Choosing to study abroad is always a bold step. It means leaving behind what’s familiar - family, friends, language and culture - to face the unknown. For this cohort, that leap was made even more daunting by the global health crisis that reshaped every aspect of life. And yet, they persevered.
Their courage is not just admirable – it’s testament to the spirit of international education. It is the courage to dream beyond borders, to learn from difference and to grow. These graduates have not only earned their degrees; they have demonstrated the kind of character that will serve them - and the world - well in the years to come.
As an international student myself, I remember it well: arriving at an airport in an unknown country with a mix of excitement and fear. It was far more challenging than it needed to be – finding my way around on public transport, trying to open a bank account or get to campus. Many of you will have had similar moments - standing in line at the luggage carousel, trying to connect to Wi-Fi to message home, figuring out how to cook your first meal in student accommodation and summoning the inner strength to leave your room to make friends. These are the quiet moments that mark the beginning of your transformation, that build independence, confidence and resilience – qualities that no textbook can teach but are essential.
That’s why we place so much emphasis on preparing students for university life - not just academically, but personally and socially. From pre-arrival briefings and visa support to induction and wellbeing services, we aim to ensure that every student feels equipped and supported from day one. Our goal is to create a soft landing, so that students can focus on thriving, not just surviving.
A shared triumph
Behind every graduate is a network of support. Academic staff, tutors, mentors and student experience staff all go above and beyond to ensure that students succeed.
Families, too, play a crucial role. For many students, the decision to study abroad is a family one – one that involves financial savings, trust and steady belief. This moment of graduation is a shared triumph, and I extend my gratitude to all those who have made the Class of 2025 possible.
To our graduates: I want to say how proud we are of you. You began your studies at a time of great uncertainty and yet you chose to move forward with courage and determination. That choice - to pursue your dreams despite the challenges - is what defines you. It is also what defines the very best of international education.
Graduation is not the end of your journey – it’s the beginning of the next chapter. The world you are entering is still full of challenges but is also full of promise. The skills you have developed – critical thinking, cross-cultural working, communication and resilience – are exactly what the world needs.
You are not just prepared for the future; you are prepared to shape it. Whether you go on to further study, begin your career, launch a business or contribute to your community, you carry with you the values and experiences that define global citizenship.
As you move forward, you do so as part of a community as an alumnus of your university and of Study Group. You’re not alone. You join others in whatever comes next, and we encourage you to stay connected, to collaborate and be inspired by others who have walked a similar path.
Looking ahead with optimism
As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with immense pride and optimism. These graduates have already shown that they can rise to meet the moment.
To the graduating class of 2025: thank you for your courage. Thank you for choosing to learn, to grow and to believe in a better future. You have already achieved so much and we cannot wait to see what you will do next.
The world is waiting - and you are ready. Together, we’ll create a better world through education.