Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2026!

The NBCC Student Union (NBCCSU) will cover gown rental costs for all 2026 graduates who choose to attend an NBCC graduation ceremony this June.

You must wear a gown to participate in your graduation ceremony. Gowns are registered to your name and MUST be returned following the ceremony before leaving the venue.

Order your gown

Have questions? Contact your local Student Life Officer or email nbccsu@nbcc.ca.

Are you completing a program and eligible for graduation in June 2026? It is important to update your “consent for disclosure” via the Student Self-Service portal to confirm that NBCC has your consent to include your name, program of study, location of study, city of origin, and credentials achieved in this year’s digital graduation program. Your name will not be included in the digital program without this record of consent.

To verify or update your “Consent for Disclosure” information, login to Student Self-Service. From the home page, enter 'Consent for Disclosure' into the search bar > Select the form > Scroll to the bottom of the form and select “Yes” under ‘Graduation’> Click Save. 

Early Exit Applications Now Open: Are you enrolled in a diploma program but want to graduate with a one-year certificate instead? Many NBCC diploma programs offer this option, but you must apply to exit early. If you’re considering this option, you must speak with your academic advisor first, then apply.  Early Exit Applications are open now through April 3, 2026.

International Graduates:  International students wishing to exit their program early, please be aware of possible immigration impacts.  Prior to applying to exit early, you must speak with your academic advisor and email immigration@nbcc.ca for assistance.

Important - All Graduates: Once your early exit application is approved, please complete the gown order form to ensure your gown is ordered ahead for the ceremony.

NBCC is committed to working with our ceremony venues to provide an accessible graduation experience for all graduates.  If you require accommodations regarding access to the graduation stage, or have any other accessibility needs for you or your guests, please indicate this on your grad gown order form no later than April 24, 2026.

If you are eligible to receive a parchment from one campus but wish to attend a graduation ceremony at a different campus, please indicate this on your grad gown order form no later than April 24, 2026.

If you need to make a request after gown orders have closed, please email grad@nbcc.ca with your preferred location no later than May 29, 2026 (for June 2026 convocation).

A 2026 graduate from each of NBCC’s six campus locations will be selected to serve as  valedictorian.

Graduates may self-nominate or be nominated by an NBCC staff member or fellow student. The nomination deadline is April 10, 2026.

Nominate Yourself  Nominate Someone Else

Nomination Criteria

• Candidate meets a minimum year to date overall cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above & meets all requirements to graduate.
  • The final cumulative GPA (if close) is never rounded up in points, it must be 3.5 or above as shown on the transcript to date.
• Strong public speaking ability.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and teamwork.
• Involvement in student or community activities or volunteering.

Selection Process

Nominees who meet the nomination criteria will be moved forward to the next stage of the selection process.

Each qualified candidate is required to give a presentation to the Valedictorian Selection Committee for their campus no later than May 4, 2026. Please note that presentations may take place during practicum or on-the-job training periods. Nominees selected to proceed will be contacted directly to coordinate availability.

Presentation Guidelines

• No formal visual aids are permitted (oral presentation only) and cue cards may be used for reference. IMPORTANT: this is not intended to be the actual valedictory speech. The final speech will be prepared later with a coach for the chosen candidate.
• The candidate's presentation must address the following topics (5-8 minutes maximum):
  • Speak to what being an NBCC graduate means to you and your future?
  • What impact has NBCC had on you as a student?
  • What message would you relay to graduates in your valedictory address?
  • Why do you feel you should deliver the valedictory address to this year's graduates?
  • What volunteering have you done on campus and in the community? What impact has volunteering had on you?
  • What do you feel you have learned at NBCC which will make you an exceptional employee and active citizen in your community moving forward?

Candidates must be prepared to answer additional questions during the presentation.

Selected Valedictorians

• Selected Valedictorians must submit a copy of their final valedictory address (maximum of 5 minutes) to the Valedictorian Selection Committee for their campus no later than May 22, 2026.
• Selected Valedictorians must submit a professional head and shoulder picture and a brief Biography (100 words) to grad@nbcc.ca no later than May 22, 2026.

Nominations for the 2026 Student Excellence in Leadership Awards are open! This award recognizes graduating students who have made an exceptional leadership contribution within an NBCC campus and/or community they serve.

There is one award per Academic School. The nomination deadline is April 17, 2026.

Nominate Now

The Governor General’s Academic Medals recognize the outstanding scholastic achievements of students across Canada. The Collegiate Bronze Medal is awarded to the student who has the highest overall average upon graduation from approved college and university programs. One (1) recipient per Academic School across all six NBCC locations.

The Highest Academic Standing in a Program award recognizes the student in each program who has successfully completed and achieved highest academic standing within that program. The award recipient must achieve an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.  Where multiple deliveries of the same program are offered at a campus, one award is granted annually. One (1) award per program per campus.

Students who have successfully completed all requirements for graduation and have attained the required overall 3.5 grade point average will receive the designation of Honours. Students who achieve ‘Honours Status’ will be recognized with an honours cord to be worn during their graduation ceremony.

Students who served in a leadership role with the NBCC Student Union will be recognized with a white cord to be worn during their graduation ceremony.

The Student Union covers the sitting fee for photos. Students are responsible for the purchase of any products from Lifetouch. Find a list of upcoming appointment dates/times at your campus.

Are you an international student graduating this June? Visit our Graduating  International Students page for immigration links and information on letters of invitation, visitor visas, post-graduation work permits, letters of completion, permanent residency, and more.