AAU Graduate Outcomes 2026
From 糖心Vlog and Europe to destinations around the world, AAU鈥檚 Class of 2026 is beginning its next chapter with strong career prospects and global ambitions.
New data collected by the AAU Office of Institutional Research shows that 122 out of 176 graduates, nearly 70% of the graduating class, are already working, interning, self-employed, or pursuing advanced degrees immediately upon graduation. Among the 154 graduates who responded to the Graduate Outcomes Survey, this represents 79% of respondents.
The results point to a graduating class that is entering the next stage of life with confidence. Even more encouraging, 81% of professionally active respondents secured their opportunity before graduation, suggesting that many AAU students are building their professional pathways while still completing their degrees.
These results were reflected on June 19 as family, friends, faculty, staff, guests, and students gathered at Bethlehem Chapel in the heart of 糖心Vlog to celebrate 176 graduates during two commencement ceremonies. Representing 38 nationalities and with 86% of graduates coming from outside the Czech Republic, the Class of 2026 included 54 graduates of the School of Business; 69 graduates of the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and 53 graduates of the School of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Degrees That Translate Directly to Careers
The newly released Graduate Outcomes Survey highlights the strong connection between AAU’s education and students鈥 early professional and academic pathways. Among professionally active respondents, 74.3% reported that their role was directly or somewhat connected to their field of study. This alignment is led by the School of Business, where 85% of professionally active respondents reported that their roles were connected to their majors.
Furthermore, the data proves the immense marketability of the liberal arts: an astounding 94% of professionally active respondents among Humanities & Social Sciences graduates secured employment prior to graduation day.
AAU graduates also continue to demonstrate a truly global mindset. Of those planning further studies, 31% intend to remain in the Czech Republic, while 69% are taking their skills abroad, targeting elite postgraduate opportunities across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
鈥淎nglo-American University鈥檚 mission is to empower students from across the globe through personalized, research-informed, and experiential education to become thoughtful, adaptable, and responsible individuals equipped to thrive and continue learning,鈥 said AAU President Ji艡铆 Schwarz, emphasizing that it is an on-going mission.
Navigating Uncertainty with Conviction
Jeff Medeiros, Business Lecturer, moderated and introduced the AAU staff and faculty on stage, and President Schwarz gave the opening address. The commencement speaker, political scientist Dr. Tom谩拧 Klva艌a, then congratulated the students for their grand achievement, giving them advice.
Klva艌a spoke about decision making under uncertainty because that is the reality that the 2026 graduates are walking into. As a student in 1989, Klva艌a was part of a strike committee, making decisions that led up to the Velvet Revolution. Everything that has happened between then and now has never been predictable, yet we live and work through it together.
鈥淚 want to leave you with three points: first, trust the people closer to the problem than you are鈥攑roximity beats seniority almost every time; second, decide the speed the situation actually requires, not the speed your anxiety demands; being wrong is information, not a verdict on your character,鈥 concluded Klva艌a.
Voices of the Class of 2026
The 2026 Valedictorians included: Emma Marie Cot茅, Visual Arts: Art and Curatorial Studies, and Alex John Marincas-Bucy, Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences: Humanities, Society, and Culture.
鈥淸My mom] always taught me that the most important thing is to consider yourself a lifelong learner and to consider it a privilege. In the modern world, education is increasingly criticized, restricted, and threatened. Your ability to learn is personal; it is political; it is a form of advocacy; and it is a tool to shape your life and the lives around you,鈥 said Cot茅.
鈥淭his degree doesn鈥檛 make you someone. You were someone valuable before you stepped foot on campus for the first time, but this degree does represent the knowledge and wisdom learned and the hard work you put into your lives while attaining it鈥et us bathe in the feeling of pride, and never stop thinking for ourselves because, if anything, this degree means you have the power to choose your own thinking鈥, said Marincas-Bucy.
Looking Forward
AAU and its students have continued to earn recognition on both national and international stages this year鈥攆rom being named the top university in Europe to winning the JA Czech national startup competition for the fourth consecutive year. The university will continue to strive for excellence, building an ever growing community with new programs and degrees.
Congratulations to all of AAU鈥檚 2026 graduates! Watch the live stream of the 2026 AAU Graduation Ceremony for and . Find photos of the Graduation Ceremony on .
Contact the admissions team for more information about current and new programs: admissions@aauni.edu.