Celebrating March 2026 graduations

Victoria University recognised the achievements of thousands of graduates last week, at eight ceremonies, across three jam-packed days.

Monday 23 March 2026

2311 graduands crossed the stage at our March graduation ceremonies, held at Flemington Racecourse.

Boon Wurrung Elder Janet Galpin gave a Welcome to Country at the commencement of each ceremony, paying respect to her Ancestors, all First Nations People, and particularly the Wurundjeri of the Woi Wurrung. Proud Dharug Man Kiernan Ironfield performed the Yidaki (didgeridoo) – sharing his original composition titled ‘Resonance.’

Celebrating excellence and learning

With proud family and friends in attendance, as well as VU educators, academic and administrative staff and University leadership teams, the graduates received TAFE and University qualifications at all levels of study, from Certificates, right through to PhDs.

The courses with the highest number of graduates were the Bachelor of Nursing, the Bachelor of Paramedicine, the Bachelor of Education (P-12) and the Diploma of Early Childhood Education – with 212 future nurses, 119 paramedics, 106 teachers and 240 early childhood educators receiving their formal qualifications.

One of these graduates was Chelsea Nguyen, a recipient of a Western Chances student scholarship, who completed a Bachelor of Education (P-12).

At the beginning of her course, Chelsea wasn’t sure if she wanted to eventually teach primary or secondary students.

She explored opportunities for travel as part of her studies and ended up going on three overseas study trips: to Malaysia, Thailand, and six months at Western University, Ontario, Canada.

Chelsea said the overseas study experiences were a great way to meet other teaching students and broaden her knowledge of teaching – seeing the differences and similarities in classroom environments in different countries.

“No matter where you are in the world, the relationships that students have with teachers is really important - and building those relationships always helps with building student’s confidence and growth in their learning,” Chelsea said.

Chelsea is now working full time as a teacher, leading a Grade 6 class at a school in Melton, and is thoroughly enjoying her role.

Fellow graduate Timothy Cikron Tighe, who completed a Master of Teaching (Secondary) also secured a teaching position after completing his course and is now teaching English and Humanities at Wollert Secondary College.

While studying, he served as Secretary of the VU education society, helping to create opportunities for pre-service teachers to connect and build professional communities.

Tim spoke on behalf of his graduating class, reflecting on the “amazing educators that made the course so engaging and meaningful,” particularly the “different styles which we’ll take different aspects from as we forge our own unique style to the classroom,” and valued the opportunity to “critique our current education system and what agency we have to make things better for our students and society.”

Dr Carlie Bauer’s journey to postdoctoral research

A Doctor of Philosophy was conferred to 20 graduates, recognising the completion of their PhD – a significant milestone marking years of academic dedication and achievement.

One of these graduates was Dr Carlie Bauer, whose thesis focused on investigating risk factors for cardiometabolic disease in ageing population, with a particular focus on a protein called lipocalin-2 and its relationship to exercise.

Introducing Dr Bauer to speak on behalf of her graduating class, VU Deputy Vice Chancellor Research and Impact Professor Andy Hill said:

“Carlie’s work has provided important new insights into metabolic health resulting in three publications in prestigious journals and is helping to shape future direction in age-related disease research.”

Carlie first enrolled as a student at VU in 2014, completing an undergraduate and masters degree and now a PhD.

For Carlie, the last few years “starting a PhD, long days and even longer nights in the lab, have reinforced the power of connection, being surrounded by peers who uplift us, support and understand the journey.”

“Our greatest opportunities for learning often come wrapped in a lot of vulnerability and discomfort.”

Dr Bauer is now working as a postdoctoral researcher and teaches, at VU.

Research can certainly be challenging. But it’s always the conversations with participants, people who are living with chronic health conditions, hearing what this means to them, so generously sharing their experiences, that’s what reminds me why this work matters on such a personal level.”