A special event is held annually in Cardiff by the University of Wales as an opportunity for students from outside Wales to celebrate together. At a colourful ceremony, which includes a procession of officers and academics, preceded by the University's ceremonial mace and accompanied by a trumpet fanfare, the graduates receive the congratulations of the Secretary General of the University, the Warden of the Guild of Graduates and the Senior Vice-Chancellor.

In his welcome message to the students last year, Dr Lynn Williams, Secretary General of the University of Wales, wrote:
"Our Mission within the University of Wales emphasises our commitment to our international role. Academic partnerships have developed, through the work of the Validation Board, extending the hand of friendship to many countries world-wide. International links such as those clearly in evidence in Cardiff today are of particular importance and are especially valued in our uncertain world."

More than two hundred recent graduates and diplomates from schemes of study validated by the University of Wales made the journey to Wales to take part in a ceremony celebrating their success. Students from ten different countries, whose studies range from industrial design to environmental management, and from business administration to herbal medicine, were welcomed, with their guests, to the Welsh Institute of Sport, Cardiff by the chairman of the University's Validation Board, Dr Peter Noyes.
During the colourful ceremony, held annually as an opportunity for University of Wales students from outside Wales to celebrate together, the graduates received the congratulations of the Secretary General of the University, Dr Lynn Williams, the Warden of the Guild of Graduates, Mr Robert Barnes, and the Senior Vice-Chancellor, Professor Antony J Chapman.