# postgraduate

/pˈəʊstɡɹɐdjˌuːeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/postgraduate
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a student who has already finished their first degree and is now studying for a higher one, like a Master's or a PhD.

For teachers: a student who has successfully completed an undergraduate degree and is pursuing further studies at a more advanced level.

## Examples

- She is a postgraduate student studying history.
- The university offers several scholarships specifically for postgraduates who are conducting original research in the sciences.
- While undergraduates often focus on broad foundational knowledge, the postgraduate is expected to contribute original insights to their field through a thesis or a series of specialized seminars.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., 'postgraduate studies').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.