The first graduation ceremony of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies took place on 29 January at the University of Graz, marking an important milestone for the programme and the wider Arqus Alliance.

The event brought together around 40 students from all three cohorts of the programme, including 22 graduates, alongside approximately 30 representatives from the four partner universities and the Alliance. More than 50 guests also attended in person to celebrate the achievements of the students and the development of this joint European degree.

The ceremony featured keynote remarks from Dorothy Kelly, Coordinator of the Arqus Alliance, as well as contributions from academic coordinators and representatives of the partner institutions. Their messages highlighted the academic ambition of the programme, its strong intercultural dimension, and the value of European university cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Students who were unable to travel to Graz followed the ceremony via a live broadcast on the Arqus YouTube channel, allowing the wider academic community, families and friends to take part remotely. The hybrid format reflected the programme’s international character and its commitment to accessibility across borders.

The Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies is a full-time, interdisciplinary degree jointly delivered by four Arqus partner universities: the University of Granada, the University of Graz, Leipzig University and Vilnius University. The programme examines Europe’s role in a rapidly changing world through research-based learning, cross-border mobility and collaboration between different academic traditions. Students develop analytical, intercultural and policy-oriented skills that are relevant to European and global debates.

Applications for the next intake of the Arqus Joint Master’s Programme in European Studies are currently open. Prospective students are invited to explore the study opportunities offered by this joint degree and to apply through the official programme channels.