The University of Aruba’s Academic Foundation Year celebrated its tenth graduating class on July 7, 2026, during a ceremony held at the University of Aruba Chapel. Fifty students earned the full AFY Certificate, representing a certificate completion rate of 80%—the highest in the program’s history.
The result represents a significant increase from the previous record of 62%. The 2025–2026 cohort began with 63 students. In addition to the 50 certificate recipients, four students completed the year through the AFY Explore track, one transferred to a university in the Netherlands, and one transferred into a University of Aruba degree program. Taken together, 90% of the original cohort either earned the AFY Certificate or identified a productive next step through the program.
“This achievement reflects the commitment and perseverance of our students, as well as the care, high expectations, and support provided by the entire AFY team,” said Program Coordinator Sean Holiday. “These students did much more than complete a series of courses. They developed the confidence, independence, and sense of direction needed to take the next step in their education.”
AFY graduates are continuing their education across Aruba, the Netherlands, Canada, Costa Rica, and other international destinations. Confirmed institutions include the University of Aruba, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Breda University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Valencia College in the United States, Bishop’s University in Canada, and UCIMED in Costa Rica. Students will pursue degrees in fields including law, international public policy and leadership, business, physiotherapy, chemistry, medicine, tourism management, social work, accountancy, and organizational governance and management.
The ceremony also recognized outstanding academic achievement, leadership, attendance, and personal growth. Jordan Servud was recognized for completing 97 European Credits—the highest total in the cohort—while Aylen Cáceres Martinez earned the highest grade point average with a 9.2 out of 10. Twelve students graduated with Cum Laude distinction.
Andrea Elisa Contreras Oduber was recognized for her service as the cohort’s student representative, while Dayna Abigail Albertus received the AFY Bridge Builder Award. The award honors a student who demonstrated exceptional personal growth by embracing challenges, reflecting on their experiences, and building a bridge between where they began and who they are becoming. Student speakers Daniëlle Stephany Geerman and Kylie Josephine Lance addressed the graduating class, reflecting on resilience, community, courage, and the transition into the next stage of their lives.
Established in 2016, the Academic Foundation Year is a one-year, full-time, pre-university program designed to bridge the transition between secondary school and higher education. The program combines academic preparation, language development, study and career guidance, personalized academic advising, and opportunities to explore university disciplines. AFY prepares students to become independent learners, critical thinkers, and engaged members of their communities while supporting their transition to higher education in Aruba and abroad.
The AFY Certificate requires students to complete 60 European Credits across four academic blocks. Its curriculum is organized around four essential pillars: Study and Career Guidance, Academic Core, Language Development, and Academic Exploration. Students receive exposure to fields including STEM, business, law, social sciences, health, tourism, education, sustainability, and the humanities.
The University of Aruba congratulates the Academic Foundation Year Class of 2026 and recognizes the families, lecturers, advisors, staff members, and university partners who supported students throughout the year.
