Every year, more than 13,800 students choose Ayrshire College to build their skills, pursue their ambitions and shape their futures. On 1 and 2 October, the spotlight was firmly on those reaching one of the biggest milestones in that journey, graduation.

Across three ceremonies, Kilmarnock Campus was transformed into a celebration of achievement as graduates were joined by proud family members, friends, staff and guests to mark the occasion.

Graduates from across Ayrshire took to the stage, representing subjects including Aerospace, Engineering, Business, Sport, Creative Industries, Social Sciences, Early Years, Health and Social Care, and Digital Technologies.

Behind every graduate was a different journey, from those progressing to university or stepping into employment, to those who had returned to education to pursue a completely new direction.

In addition to academic awards, the ceremonies recognised students who made exceptional contributions to the College and their communities. Special accolades included the Student of the Year and Making a Difference in the Community awards.

Angela Cox, Principal and Chief Executive of Ayrshire College, congratulated graduates on their success and the impact they will make in the future. She said:

Every graduate crossing the stage has their own story of ambition, determination and achievement. Graduation is about far more than qualifications. It celebrates the confidence our students have built, the challenges they have overcome and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Today is a very special occasion for our graduates, their families and the College as we host graduation ceremonies at our Kilmarnock Campus for the first time. We are incredibly proud of every member of the Class of 2026 and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on their communities, workplaces and industries.

One graduate receiving an extra special recognition was Aurelija Tulauskaite, who was named Ayrshire College Overall Student of the Year 2026.

Aurelija graduated with an HNC Mechatronics after making the decision to completely change career direction in her 30s.

Having previously completed a degree in Comparative Literature and Film & TV Studies, her growing interest in electronics, programming and mechanical engineering inspired her to take a new path and study at Ayrshire College.

Aurelija excelled throughout her course and has now progressed to the University of Strathclyde, where she is studying Electronic and Electrical Engineering, with ambitions to complete an MEng degree.

Her story is a powerful reminder that education can open up new possibilities at any stage of life.

Aurelija’s message to anyone considering taking that first step is simple:

It's never too late to make a change.

Graduation marks the culmination of years of hard work, but no student reaches that moment alone. The ceremonies also provided an opportunity to recognise the families, friends, lecturers and College staff who supported students throughout their journeys.

Sharon Morrow, Interim Chair of Ayrshire College Board of Management, said:

Reaching graduation takes commitment, determination and resilience. Every member of the Class of 2026 should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.
Congratulations to our graduates and thank you to the families, friends and staff whose encouragement and support helped make this success possible. As they take their next steps, I wish them every success for the future.

Thank you to our supporters

Ayrshire College extends its thanks to the organisations whose support helped make Graduation 2026 possible: Ashleigh (Scotland) Ltd, Ayrshire360, Developing the Young Workforce Ayrshire, Diageo, East Ayrshire Council, NMIS, North Ayrshire Council, Prestwick AeroSystems, Reids Food Service Ltd, Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP) and Vattenfall.

Congratulations to everyone who graduated as part of the Ayrshire College Class of 2026. We can’t wait to see where your next chapter takes you.