Ceremonial matriculation - Welcome to the academic community

The matriculation ceremony is much more than just a formal act - it is the ceremonial highlight of the first week of studies and marks the symbolic entry of our new students into the academic community at TU Ilmenau.

A celebration of diversity and commitment

Students and lecturers from over 100 nations come together at the cosmopolitan, international TU Ilmenau campus. Our matriculation ceremony sends out a clear signal for respect, tolerance and the peaceful coexistence of different cultures. It is the starting signal for a phase of life in which students not only acquire specialist knowledge, but also grow personally and find their own way.In theAudimax, the largest lecture hall at the University, the Presidential Board and faculties officially welcome all new students. The celebration thrives on the diversity and commitment of our student body: musical performances and modern dance performances shape the program, as do personal testimonials from students and alumni.

A special moment is the welcoming address by the Student Council and the speech by an outstanding personality - often a graduate of our university who talks about their own journey.

Tradition with a future: the matriculation tree

A special highlight is the continuation of a lasting tradition: every year, the new students plant a "matriculation tree" together on campus. This tree grows and flourishes alongside your studies and remains rooted as a lasting reminder of your time in Ilmenau.

Following the ceremony, families and friends are cordially invited to take part in campus tours and laboratory tours to get to know the place that will be your second home for the next few years - a place to live, grow and discover.

Event 2026

The next Ceremonial matriculation will take place in October 2026.

Date: October 10, 2026

Place: Audimax in the Humboldtbau of the TU Ilmenau

Time: 10.00 a.m.

 

Review of past events

Ceremonial matriculation 2025

October 11, 2025 - A day full of encounters and inspiration

TU Ilmenau was once again able to celebrate rising student numbers in 2025: almost nine percent more young people enrolled, with growth in the Master's program even exceeding 25 percent. The celebration in the Audimax was all about internationality and personal growth.

"Ilmenau is a place to live, to grow and to discover who you really are," said alumnus Noel Toms, summing up the mood, while President Prof. Kai-Uwe Sattler praised the campus as a "cosmopolitan stage" for over 100 nations.

Tradition continued

The tradition established the previous year was maintained: The class of 2025 also received a living memorial. Together, students and the student council planted an American red oak as a symbol of a sustainable future.

©Stefan Riehmer | Barbara Aichroth

Ceremonial matriculation 2024

October 12, 2024 - Growth and new roots

The enrolment ceremony for the winter semester 2024/25 was marked by a pleasing upward trend: TU Ilmenau recorded an increase of almost eleven percent in the number of new students. The engineering degree programs in particular enjoyed great popularity - also internationally.

Birth of a new tradition

In addition to the rising numbers, one innovation in particular was remembered: the tradition of the "matriculation tree" was established in 2024. For the first time, the "first-year students" planted a tree for the new year as a lasting symbol of the start of their studies. The choice fell on the tree of the year 2024, the European service tree, which is now taking root opposite the Humboldtbau.

 

Chris Liebold