Students recognised for skills beyond study

University is about more than gaining a qualification. For 53 students who participated in programmes delivered by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE), the skills and experiences they gained outside the classroom have been formally recognised through the 2026 University of Auckland Distinguished Graduate Awards.

Of the 149 students who received the award this year, more than one in three had participated in CIE programmes.

The Distinguished Graduate Award is the highest achievement within the Co-curricular Recognition Programme. It recognises students who go beyond their academic studies to develop practical skills, build connections and contribute to their communities.

To receive the award, students must complete at least 80 hours of co-curricular activity across two of four pathways: Innovation, Community Engagement, Global Citizens and Leadership. Each pathway involves a professional development workshop and reflection, while the award itself requires a final workshop and panel interview. The achievement is formally recorded on students' academic transcripts.

The recognition has particular value as graduates prepare to enter the workforce. The OECD's Employment Outlook 2026 highlights the growing importance of demonstrating skills alongside formal qualifications, with employers increasingly recognising what people can do, not just what they have studied.

Through CIE, students from across the University's faculties gain practical experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, from developing start-up ideas and tackling real-world challenges to learning technology and prototyping skills. Leadership opportunities, including involvement in the student-led Velocity organising committee, also help students build confidence, initiative and teamwork skills.

For award recipient Jia Min Ho, CIE's Summer Lab programme was an important part of the experience.

"It's been a real honour to receive the Distinguished Graduate Award. CIE gave me the opportunity to work alongside people who were just as excited about solving problems as I was."

While the programme provided opportunities to develop practical skills and explore entrepreneurship, Jia Min says the friendships formed along the way have been just as valuable.

"The best thing I took away from CIE was the friendships I made, and we're still close to this day. Whether you've got a business idea of your own, or you're just curious about how start-ups work, I'd say give it a go."

For students like Jia Min, the Distinguished Graduate Award provides formal recognition of experiences that have helped shape their university journey, and the skills, confidence and connections they will carry into whatever comes next.