Graduation is getting a diploma or academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated with it, The date of graduation is often called graduation day. Normally, the ceremony and name apply to high school and above (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate). In the United States of America, graduations for elementary school or even Kindergarten have been a fad of recent years.

When ceremonies are associated, they usually include a procession of the academic staff and candidates. At the college and university level the faculty will usually wear academic dress at the formal ceremonies, as will the trustees and degree candidates.

In some countries, graduation parties to celebrate graduation from school, college or university are popular. In a recent 2014 nationwide survey in the United States, $985 was the average amount spent on graduation parties. When a student graduates without attending the ceremony, then it is called graduation in absentia.

Ceremonies for graduating students date from the first universities in Europe in the 12th century. When the typical dress for graduation are gowns and hoods or hats adapted from the daily dress of university staff in the Middle Ages, which was in turn based on the attire worn by medieval clergy.

In some countries, they give the students the final exam to pass a high school graduation test, the students are typically given multiple opportunities to take the test each year, over several years. For example, in the State of California, students may take the California High School Exit Exam up to eight times over three years.

The graduation ceremony is also a formal speech by the students, where you are allowed to give a speech to your colleagues and attend the ceremony. It's simply an opportunity to share your experience, values and advice. The precise form is up to you. This affords the speaker a platform to say amazing, unlimited things.