What does undergraduate mean?
An undergraduate is a student at a university or college who is studying toward a first degree, normally a bachelor's degree, and has not yet completed it. The word is also used adjectivally, as in undergraduate education, courses, and degrees, to describe study or programs at that level. It is especially common in British and American academic, professional, and administrative contexts. The term contrasts with graduate and postgraduate study: undergraduates are generally working before obtaining their first university qualification. Although “undergraduate” can sound formal because it is an established educational term, it is the ordinary and expected way to refer to this category of student; the shortened form “undergrad” is more informal. The word is useful because it identifies not only what someone is studying but also where they are in the process of completing a university education.
A university or college student who has not yet completed a first degree, typically a bachelor's degree.
"Every undergraduate received a copy of the course handbook."
The standard plural is “undergraduates.”
Relating to undergraduate students or to the level of study leading to a first university degree.
"The college has expanded its undergraduate program in environmental science."
This attributive use is common in educational and administrative contexts.
The standard plural refers to two or more students who have not yet completed their first university degrees.
"Several undergraduates volunteered to help organize the conference."
Before the cap and gown, there is the undergraduate: the word neatly marks the stage before graduation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does undergraduate come from?
Undergraduate was formed in the early 19th century from the prefix “under-” and “graduate,” with the sense of a student who has not yet graduated or taken a degree. “Graduate” derives ultimately from Latin gradus, meaning “step” or “degree,” through Medieval Latin and French. The related “postgraduate” follows a parallel formation and denotes study or a student pursuing a later degree.
Related word forms
How undergraduate is actually used
The term is standard in academic and educational contexts in both British and American English. It describes a stage of higher education rather than implying any particular level of academic ability.
Easily confused with undergraduate
An undergraduate is a university or college student who has not yet completed a first degree, whereas a graduate has completed such a degree or, in British usage, has completed the relevant course of study.