Doctoral degree conferment ceremony
The doctoral degree conferment ceremony is Lund University's most significant academic event of the year. The ceremony celebrates our new doctoral graduates, honorary doctors, and jubilee doctors. It is held in Lund Cathedral, usually on the last Friday in May.
Upcoming ceremonies
- 29 May 2026
Previous ceremony
The 2025 doctoral degree conferment ceremony was held on 23 May.
The day of the conferment ceremony
The day begins with a grand academic procession from the Main University Building to Lund Cathedral, where the degree conferment ceremony takes place – held in Latin, as it has been for centuries. During the ceremony, the doctoral graduates receive their diplomas.
Invited guests are welcome inside the cathedral. Spectators can enjoy the colourful procession through Lundagård or follow the event online via the live stream.
The procession to (and from) Lund Cathedral
At exactly 12 noon, the doors of the Main University Building open, and the academic procession begins. The doctoral graduands (promovendi) walk through Lundagård park to Lund Cathedral, led by the chief of protocol and ceremonial officers.
After the ceremony, the procession returns to the University Building, where the graduates are photographed with their academic insignia.
Ceremony in Lund Cathedral
The ceremony in Lund Cathedral lasts around three hours. It begins with a welcome speech by the vice-chancellor, followed by the formal conferral of doctoral degrees. The Wende Artillery Regiment marks the occasion with a traditional cannon salute.
After all degrees have been awarded, one of the new doctors delivers a speech – an oration – to the University. The ceremony concludes with a prayer led by the bishop.
The degree conferment ceremonial dinner
The celebrations continue in the evening with a formal dinner in the Great Hall of the Academic Society (AF) building. Nearly 500 people usually attend the dinner. These include the new graduates and the jubilee and honorary doctors with their family members, invited honorary guests and lecturers.
Participant information
Find information about invitation timelines, rehearsal schedules, preparation instructions, and participation requirements.
Practical information for doctoral conferment ceremony
History and traditions
Lund University has been holding doctoral degree conferment ceremonies since 1670. Learn more about the background and traditions of the most important academic event of the year.
Conferment ceremony history and traditions
Degree conferment glossary
Use the glossary to get an overview of some of the common phrases and themes in the degree conferment ceremony.
Contact information
The Office of Special Events and Protocol
Email: overmarskalk [at] rektor [dot] lu [dot] se (overmarskalk[at]rektor[dot]lu[dot]se)
Phone: +46(0)46 222 7006
Staff at the Office of Special Events and Protocol
Visiting address
Paradisgatan 4, Lund
Postal address
Chief of Protocol
Lund University
Box 117, 221 00 Lund
Invoicing address
Chief of Protocol
Lund University
Box 188, 221 00 Lund