On Friday, September 19, a memorable graduation ceremony was held for the students who had completed their bachelor’s degree at Noroff University College.

For the first time in history, students at Noroff University College had the opportunity to wear caps and gowns during the celebration of their bachelor’s degree achievement. The auditorium at Campus Kristiansand was filled with proud students, families, friends, and staff who together marked the end of an important chapter and the beginning of a new one. The graduating students are now well equipped to enter working life, and many have already secured exciting positions.

The Mayor praised the students

The ceremony began with speeches and congratulations from the Mayor of Kristiansand, the Student Parliament, and the Rector of Noroff University College, celebrating the students’ effort, perseverance, and creativity.

Mayor Mathias Bernander highlighted the importance of updated knowledge, particularly in IT security:

“We live in a time when digital threats are becoming increasingly advanced. It is absolutely necessary to educate people who can contribute to driving development forward in a safe and responsible way.”

He praised the students for their efforts and choices, pointing out that the competence they carry forward is not only an advantage for their own careers but also an important contribution to society’s security.

Photo: South Coast Creative

Friendships built online

For Tobias Albrektsen, the journey to the graduation ceremony started already at 2:00 a.m. on Friday, when he set off from Sortland in Vesterålen. In Kristiansand, he finally met his classmate Simon Østebø, who had traveled all the way from Stavanger to attend.

The two had followed each other through three years of online studies as friends, collaborators, and supporters, but had only ever connected digitally. Today, they met for the very first time in person—at the graduation ceremony.

“It almost feels like meeting an old friend I’ve known for a long time, even though we’ve never sat in the same classroom before,” Tobias said.

Tobias Albrektsen (Left) and Simon Østebø (Right) Photo: Marlin Tendvall

From student life to new careers

After the ceremony, refreshments were served before the students and their guests gathered for dinner. Good conversations and laughter filled the evening. Graduation 2025 was not only about marking the end of student life, but also about celebrating the beginning of new careers and opportunities.

“Today we celebrate not only the results of hard work, but also the opportunities that now lie ahead for our graduates,” summed up Anita Karlsen, Director at Noroff University College.

Photo: Marlin Tendvall

The entire Noroff congratulates all our graduates—you are ready to shape the future!

📸 A photo series from the ceremony will be published in a follow-up article.