Graduand vs. Undergraduate — What's the Difference?
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By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on October 9, 2023
A graduand is a student who has completed their studies and awaits graduation. An undergraduate is a student pursuing a bachelor's degree but hasn't yet obtained it.
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Difference Between Graduand and Undergraduate
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Key Differences
Furthermore, while all graduands, at least momentarily, were once undergraduates (assuming they are receiving their bachelor's degree), not all undergraduates will become graduands. This is because the term "graduand" presupposes the successful completion of all academic requirements, whereas some undergraduates might not reach that milestone for various reasons.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
A graduand represents a unique phase in a student's academic journey. Once a student has fulfilled all the requirements for their degree but has not yet participated in the graduation ceremony, they become a graduand. Essentially, this term captures that short window between completing coursework and the actual conferral of the degree. On the other hand, an undergraduate is someone who is actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree program but has not completed it.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
It's also essential to recognize the transitory nature of the term "graduand." It's a fleeting status, bridging the gap between a student's academic efforts and the ceremonial acknowledgment of those efforts. An undergraduate, meanwhile, could spend several years in that designation, progressing through various stages of their academic program.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
The word "undergraduate" is often used more broadly to describe both the student and the nature of the degree. For instance, one might discuss "undergraduate studies" or "undergraduate research." This denotes activities or studies at the bachelor's degree level. Meanwhile, the term "graduand" is more specific in its application. It does not refer to a type of study, but rather to a specific status of a student awaiting graduation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Student awaiting graduation
Student in a bachelor's degree program
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Oct 09, 2023
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Degree Implication
Has completed degree requirements
Has not completed the degree
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Use in Sentences
Specific to graduation status
Describes both student status and type of study
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Definitions
Graduand
A soon-to-be graduate.
The hall was filled with proud graduands and their families.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
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Undergraduate
A student pursuing, but not yet having earned, a bachelor's degree.
As an undergraduate, she majored in biology.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Graduand
Someone who awaits the formal conferral of their academic degree.
As a graduand, she had the satisfaction of knowing she'd completed her studies.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Undergraduate
Relating to the portion of university studies before earning a bachelor's degree.
He conducted his research during his undergraduate years.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Graduand
A student who has completed academic requirements but hasn't yet graduated.
As a graduand, Jane eagerly awaited the commencement ceremony.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Undergraduate
Studies or academic programs leading up to a bachelor's degree.
The university introduced a new undergraduate program in data science.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Graduand
An individual on the verge of receiving a formal academic degree.
The university listed John as a graduand for the upcoming summer graduation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Undergraduate
Someone enrolled in a college or university who hasn't received their first degree.
The seminar was open to all undergraduates.
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Sep 25, 2023
Graduand
A person in transition from student to graduate.
Every graduand felt a mix of excitement and nostalgia.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 25, 2023
Undergraduate
A person not yet holding a first degree from a university or college.
Every undergraduate looked forward to the annual campus fest.
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Sep 25, 2023
Graduand
A student who has completed the requirements for, but has not yet been awarded, a particular degree.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
A college or university student who has not yet received a bachelor's or similar degree.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
Of, relating to, or characteristic of undergraduates
Undergraduate courses.
Undergraduate humor.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
Having the standing of an undergraduate
An undergraduate transfer student.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
Of, relating to, or being an undergraduate.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I embarked on a career in publishing.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
A member of a university or a college who has not taken his first degree; a student in any school who has not completed his course. Contrasted with graduate student.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
Undergraduate
Of or pertaining to an undergraduate, or the body of undergraduates.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Aug 09, 2022
FAQs
Does every university use the term "graduand"?
No, it's not universally used; some institutions might simply use "graduate" for both stages.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Is a graduand the same as a graduate?
No, a graduand awaits graduation, while a graduate has already received their degree.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
What's the primary focus of an undergraduate program?
An undergraduate program leads to a bachelor's degree.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Can an undergraduate be in a master's program?
No, an undergraduate is in a bachelor's degree program.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
How many years does an undergraduate program typically last?
Most last four years, but it can vary based on country, institution, and program.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
How long does one remain a graduand?
Only for a short time, typically between completing degree requirements and the graduation ceremony.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Do graduands already have their final results?
Generally, yes, they've met all academic requirements for their degree.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Is being a graduand an official status at universities?
Often, yes, many universities recognize it as the phase between course completion and graduation.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Can a graduand wear a graduation gown?
Usually, they wear it during the graduation ceremony, signaling their transition to graduates.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Is every student in a college an undergraduate?
No, some might be pursuing graduate or postgraduate degrees.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Is an associate's degree considered undergraduate?
Yes, it's a type of undergraduate degree, typically taking two years.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Are there post-undergraduate degrees?
Yes, these are typically graduate degrees like master's and doctorates.
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Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 09, 2023
Author Spotlight
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.