Our Institutional Identity

The Spirit of Gratis University

At Gratis University, our identity is more than what we teach—it's how we think, serve, build, and grow. Rooted in purpose and bold in vision, we are guided by values that unite us across borders and disciplines. This page outlines the declarations, rituals, and principles that shape who we are.

Our Motto

Disce. Ædifica. Mere.
Learn. Build. Earn.

A bold declaration of our educational philosophy. We learn with purpose, build with integrity, and earn our place in the world by adding value—not chasing titles.

The Gratis Manifesto

Knowledge Without Barriers
At Gratis, we believe that education must be radically accessible and fearlessly innovative. Our manifesto affirms our mission:

We commit to learning that is open and lifelong.
We build solutions, not just skills.
We earn relevance through responsibility.
We are not here to compete. We are here to redefine.

Our Foundational Principles

We uphold the following pillars:

1. Digital Equity

2. Freedom of Thought

3. Integrity of Knowledge

4. Responsibility to Society

5. Global Citizenship

Honor Code & University Pledge

Our Ethical Compass

The Gratis Honor Code:

I pledge to learn with sincerity, share with humility, build with purpose, and uphold integrity in all I do.

University Pledge:

I will act with authenticity, contribute with dignity, and protect the values of Gratis in thought and action.

Oath of Scholarship & Service

Our Learner's Commitment

I will honour the knowledge I receive at Gratis University
with curiosity, humility, and courage.
So help me God.

I pledge to pursue wisdom,
not for praise, but for purpose.
To build not only for profit,
but for people.
To earn not only credentials,
but character.

Our Founders' Declaration

Why Gratis Exists
From our founders:

Gratis University was born out of necessity—not ease.
We are the university for dreamers, doers, and disruptors.
We challenge scarcity with possibility.
We stand for the belief that knowledge should be as free as the minds who pursue it.

Academic Benediction

May your learning continue long after the lectures end.
May your building rise on the foundation of service.
May you earn not only success—but significance.

Go forth, Graduates of Gratis—
Think freely, act justly, live generously.

Symbols & Traditions

Living Our Values

The Gratis Ring: A minimalist emblem for graduates and community builders.

Tree of Knowledge: Each graduating class plants a real or symbolic tree in a community.

Torch of Thought: A light of learning passed between cohorts.

Creed

The Gratis Way

I believe in the dignity of knowledge—
that it must be free,
unchained from cost,
and given without compromise.

I believe in learning that lifts,
in building what matters,
in earning by creating, not consuming.

I honour the freedom to ask,
the courage to build,
and the responsibility to serve.

I am a thinker.
I am a builder.
I am a steward of possibility.

I am Gratis.

Anthem

From Thought to World

(Verse 1)
From corners wide where borders lie,
We rise with minds that seek the sky.
No gate, no cost shall hold us low,
At Gratis, dreams begin to grow.

(Chorus)
Learn to lead and build with light,
Earn with grace, pursue the right.
Free to grow, to serve, to see—
The world remade through you and me.

(Verse 2)
With truth as torch and thought as flame,
We forge ahead, not seeking fame.
We lift the lost, we plant the seed,
We give the world the change it needs.

(Chorus)
Learn to lead and build with light,
Earn with grace, pursue the right.
Free to grow, to serve, to see—
The world remade through you and me.

(Coda)
O Gratis strong, our beacon true—
We are the many shaping the new.

This Is the Gratis Way.
We welcome all who are ready to think freely, build boldly, and earn with honour.