Ryan Gosling takes Eva to mum's graduation

Ryan Gosling and his girlfriend Eva Mendes beamed with pride on Wednesday, as the actor's mum graduated from a University in Canada.

The couple have kept their relationship out of the spotlight since they began dating in 2011.

But the duo put on a united front to see Gosling's mother Donna receive her diploma from staff at Ontario's Brock University, the Daily Express reported.

They sat near the back of the auditorium, and when his mother was called up to receive her bachelor of education degree, Ryan jumped to his feet to applaud and take pictures.

Gosling refused to give interviews at the event, simply telling the local newspaper St. Catharines Standard that the day belongs to his mother.

"This is my mom's day," he said.

"He requested privacy for himself and his family. He told me this was his mom's day and the graduates' day. He didn't want to be a diversion. He is very fond of and proud of his mother. He was beaming," University spokesman Kevin Cavanagh said.