graduaali

Graduaali is the official degree certificate issued by a university or other higher education institution upon the successful completion of a degree program. In Finland, the term commonly denotes the formal document that confirms that a person has earned a specific degree, such as a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree, rather than merely completing courses. In everyday language, graduaali may also be used to refer to the graduation ceremony, but in formal contexts it refers to the certificate itself.

Typically, a graduaali includes the graduate's full name, the title of the degree, the field of study, the awarding institution, the date of conferment, and official signatures or seals. It may also display the degree level, the degree code, and the place of conferment. Many institutions provide the document in a durable form (paper) and may issue a digital version or a PDF. Some diploma supplements accompany the graduaali to provide standardized information for international recognition.

Conferment follows successful completion of degree requirements, including examinations, thesis or dissertation defense, and any required practical components, as determined by the institution's regulations. After final verification, the university issues the graduaali and communicates the conferment date to the graduate. Delivery may be by mail or personal collection.

The graduaali serves as official proof of qualification for employment, further study, or professional credentials. It is typically recognized by employers and educational institutions domestically and internationally, particularly when accompanied by an English-language translation or a Diploma Supplement, where available.

While the term primarily indicates a degree certificate, colloquial use of graduaali may refer to the graduation ceremony itself, or to the event of graduating. The specific format, language, and presentation of graduaali vary by country and institution.