A Global Celebration of Excellence: EIT’s 2025 Graduations Across Australia, Africa, and Online

The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) proudly celebrated its 2025 graduation season with ceremonies in Perth, Melbourne, Johannesburg and in an online event.

Students from around the world were honored for their hard work, persistence, and academic achievements. This year’s graduations highlighted EIT’s focus on preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

The 2025 Graduations focused on the theme Catalysts of Change: Engineers Shaping a Smarter Future, celebrating the meaningful contributions that shape innovation, sustainability and progress across engineering and technological fields. 

Johannesburg, South Africa 

EIT welcomed graduates from 10 countries across Africa and the Middle East in a celebration attended by approximately 450 guests at Cedarwoods of Sandton. The ceremony featured a formal academic procession, followed by a keynote address from Mr. Benjamin Nkosi (Head of Engineering: Bulk Material Handling at the FAM Minerals and Mining, SA), who is a current EIT student completing his Online – Master of Engineering (Mechanical).  Graduate presentations were led by Emma Hart (EIT Higher Education Manager), with graduates receiving sashes from Brenda Nkosi (EIT-Financial Manager, South Africa). 

Special awards celebrated graduates for their outstanding achievements: 

Bradley Wheeler, a graduate of On-Campus Master of Engineering (Electrical Systems) reflected on his studies;

“When I started this journey, I thought I was just here to learn about circuits, systems and math in between. But this degree has been so much more than that. It taught me to think, communicate and lead like an engineer, not just to become one with the fancy title behind my name. 

So, what sets EIT apart, firstly, is its unique approach to learning. EIT was ready, experienced, and thriving in the online environment. We didn’t have to adapt; we were already built for it. So that’s something I’ve always admired about EIT, the ability to stay ahead of the curve and prepare students for how the engineering world works. Secondly, EIT believes in learning by doing, how lecturers are not just teachers and through their guidance we don’t just learn engineering; we learn to live it. The projects, the online classes, and the teamwork across multiple time zones show how engineering happens in today’s environment.

Studying through EIT allowed me to study part-time and work full-time, previously as a consulting engineer and now as a Lead Electrical Engineer. Through the study and work combination, I learned the benefits and challenges. I could take what I learned and apply it immediately in industry. But the challenges were plenty of late nights, early mornings, balancing work deadlines, and study deadlines.” 

The ceremony ended with closing remarks from EIT Acting General Manager, Liza Rootman and concluded with photographs and light refreshments. 

Perth, Australia

EIT continued its 2025 graduation celebrations in Western Australia at Beaumonde on the Point. It marked an important milestone; proudly celebrating its first group of doctoral graduates. 

The event welcomed 76 graduates from vocational, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs, alongside their families and industry guests. Special guest speakers Jillian Formentin, 2024 Australian Engineer of the Year, and Shalini Saldanha, from Engineers Australia, delivered messages of inspiration and encouragement for the graduates. The program opened with a Welcome to Country by Whadjuk Noongar Elder, Robyn Collard, followed by addresses from EIT CEO, Dr. Steve Mackay, and Dean, Indumathi V. They highlighted the global impact of EIT’s education model and the vital role of engineers, technologists, and technicians in sustainable and innovative solutions. 

Special awards celebrated graduates for their outstanding achievements: 

The gathering concluded with post-ceremony refreshments.   

Melbourne, Australia   

The event welcomed 41 graduates, their families, academic staff, and international viewers via live stream. Held at the Crowne Plaza Melbourne, the ceremony was hosted by Dr. Akhlaqur Rahman (EIT Course Coordinator and Senior Lecturer – Industrial Automation), with keynote speeches delivered by EIT CEO, Dr. Steve Mackay, and EIT Academic Board Member, Dr. Peter Doe. Graduates Nidhi (Master of Engineering – Electrical Systems) and Susan Duwal (Master of Engineering – Civil: Structural), they shared personal reflections on their studies, highlighting the hard work and dedication needed to graduate. The special graduate awards were later announced by Edwina Ross (EIT Academic Public Affairs Manager).

Special awards celebrated graduates for their outstanding achievements: 

Online

Following the in-person graduation events, the 2025 celebrations concluded with the Online Graduation Ceremony on 5 December, welcoming 140 graduates from around the world. Master of Ceremonies, Paul Celenza (EIT VET College Manager), opened the ceremony with a message of congratulations to graduates and their families across different time zones. EIT CEO, Dr. Steve Mackay, and Dean, Indumathi V, addressed the graduates, highlighting their resilience and the global reach of the student community.  A key moment was the announcement of the Graduate Special Awards, presented by Dr. Ana Evangelista (Lecturer - Civil Engineering). 

Special awards celebrated graduates for their outstanding achievements: 

Teaching that Transforms  

At EIT, lecturers and students work side by side to create learning that is practical, relevant, and grounded in real-world application. The 2025 graduation season celebrated not only academic achievement but also the shared commitment, discipline, and collaboration that underpin every successful outcome. Together, educators and graduates are contributing knowledge, capability, and leadership that will shape the future of engineering and technology, both locally and globally.