In a first for the university and Bendigo, the ceremonies are being held at the new Ulumbarra Theatre. 

Graduands will graduate with qualifications in health, engineering, education, information technology, the arts and business, all of whom completed their studies at the Bendigo campus. 

Eleven international students are also taking part in the graduation ceremonies. 

On Wednesday, graduands dressed in long, black robes - with cheers of elation from family and close friends greeting them as they entered the stage to accept their qualifications. 

La Trobe University vice chancellor John Dewar said graduation was a milestone for students and was being made even more special at the new theatre.  

"It marks the end of their degrees but it also looks ahead. We celebrate with them as they set out on the next phase of their lives. They will be very well equipped now with their new qualifications," Mr Dewar said.

"At long last both the university and the city have a venue that befits the importance of these occasions. We are delighted to be at (Ulumbarra)."

Mr Dewar said the university formed an important part of the Bendigo community.

"We know the number of people who go to university in regional areas is lower than it is in the cities. That is in large part because of the limited opportunities there are in the regions," he said. 

"Being able to offer higher education in a city like Bendigo is critical. If there was no university then students would have to leave or not go to university at all.  

"The other reason our presence is important we know that 80 per cent of our graduates will stay and work in the local region. If students go to Melbourne there is a very high likelihood they will never come back."

A procession of graduands through the streets of Bendigo was cancelled on Tuesday due to the weather.