Graduand vs. Graduate: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A "graduand" is a student who has completed their studies and is awaiting graduation, while a "graduate" is someone who has already received their degree or diploma.
Key Differences
"Graduand" refers to a student who has fulfilled the requirements for their degree but has not yet officially graduated, as in "As a graduand, she is preparing for the commencement ceremony." A "graduate," however, is someone who has already completed their studies and received their degree, exemplified by "After the ceremony, she became a university graduate."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
"Graduand" is often used in the context of graduation ceremonies, indicating a pending status of graduation, as in "Graduands will gather in the hall before the event." In contrast, "graduate" is used post-ceremony or in a broader context, such as "Graduates of the class of 2023 celebrated their achievement."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
The term "graduand" implies a transitional phase in academic life, standing at the threshold of achieving a degree. On the other hand, "graduate" signifies the completion of this transition, marking the start of post-academic life or further studies, as in "Graduates often pursue careers or advanced degrees."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
While "graduand" acknowledges the completion of academic requirements, it doesn’t confer the full status of a degree holder until graduation. "Graduate" denotes the recognition and conferment of the academic degree, as in "She is now a graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Biology."
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
The term "graduand" is more commonly used in certain regions, such as the UK and Commonwealth countries, while "graduate" is universally recognized in academic contexts worldwide. The usage of "graduand" can be seen in academic documentation and ceremonies, whereas "graduate" is used in a wider range of contexts, including employment and professional settings.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Academic Status
Completed studies, awaiting graduation
Already received degree or diploma
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Phase of Transition
Transitional, awaiting conferment of degree
Transition completed, degree conferred
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Recognition
Acknowledgment of completed requirements
Recognized as a degree holder
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Graduand and Graduate Definitions
Graduand
Academic Achievement
The graduand felt proud of her academic journey.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Graduand
Pre-Graduate Status
Graduands will have a special rehearsal for the ceremony.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Graduate
Alumni Status
Graduates of the program often return as guest speakers.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Graduand
Pending Degree Recipient
He is listed as a graduand in the program.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Graduate
To be granted an academic degree or diploma
Most of the entering freshmen stayed to graduate.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduand
Awaiting Graduation
As a graduand, she was excited for the commencement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Graduate
To change gradually or by degrees
"The most weighty of all the arguments against treating the races of man as distinct species, is that they graduate into each other" (Charles Darwin).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduand
A student who has completed the requirements for, but has not yet been awarded, a particular degree.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To advance to a new level of skill, achievement, or activity
After a month of diving instruction, they all graduated to back flips.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To grant an academic degree or diploma to
The school has graduated many gifted chemists.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Usage Problem To receive an academic degree from
How many chemists graduated the Institute last year?.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To arrange or divide into categories, steps, or grades
Graduate an income tax.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To divide into marked intervals, especially for use in measurement
Graduate a thermometer.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Of, intended for, or relating to studies beyond a bachelor's degree
Graduate courses.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A person who is recognized by a university as having completed the requirements of a degree studied at the institution.
If the government wants graduates to stay in the country they should offer more incentives.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A person who is recognized by a high school as having completed the requirements of a course of study at the school.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(Philippines) A person who is recognized as having completed any level of education.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A graduated (marked) cup or other container, thus fit for measuring.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To be recognized by a school or university as having completed the requirements of a degree studied at the institution.
The man graduated in 1967.
Trisha graduated from college.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To be certified as having earned a degree from; to graduate from (an institution).
Trisha graduated college.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(transitive) To certify (a student) as having earned a degree
Indiana University graduated the student.
The college graduated him as soon as he was no longer eligible to play under NCAA rules.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(transitive) To mark (something) with degrees; to divide into regular steps or intervals, as the scale of a thermometer, a scheme of punishment or rewards, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(intransitive) To change gradually.
Sandstone which graduates into gneiss; carnelian sometimes graduates into quartz
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To prepare gradually; to arrange, temper, or modify by degrees or to a certain degree; to determine the degrees of.
To graduate the heat of an oven
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(chemistry) To bring to a certain degree of consistency, by evaporation, as a fluid.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
(Japanese entertainment) Of an idol: to exit a group; or of a virtual YouTuber, to leave a management agency; usually accompanied with "graduation ceremony" send-offs, increased focus on the leaving member, and the like.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To mark with degrees; to divide into regular steps, grades, or intervals, as the scale of a thermometer, a scheme of punishment or rewards, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To admit or elevate to a certain grade or degree; esp., in a college or university, to admit, at the close of the course, to an honorable standing defined by a diploma; as, he was graduated at Yale College.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To prepare gradually; to arrange, temper, or modify by degrees or to a certain degree; to determine the degrees of; as, to graduate the heat of an oven.
Dyers advance and graduate their colors with salts.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To bring to a certain degree of consistency, by evaporation, as a fluid.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To pass by degrees; to change gradually; to shade off; as, sandstone which graduates into gneiss; carnelian sometimes graduates into quartz.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
To take a degree in a college or university; to become a graduate; to receive a diploma.
He graduated at Oxford.
He was brought to their bar and asked where he had graduated.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
One who has received an academical or professional degree; one who has completed the prescribed course of study in any school or institution of learning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A graduated cup, tube, flask, or cylinder; a glass measuring container used by apothecaries and chemists. See under Graduated.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Arranged by successive steps or degrees; graduated.
Beginning with the genus, passing through all the graduateand subordinate stages.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A person who has received a degree from a school (high school or college or university)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
A measuring instrument for measuring fluid volume; a glass container (cup or cylinder or flask) whose sides are marked with or divided into amounts
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Receive an academic degree upon completion of one's studies;
She graduated in 1990
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Confer an academic degree upon;
This school graduates 2,000 students each year
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Make fine adjustments or divide into marked intervals for optimal measuring;
Calibrate an instrument
Graduate a cylinder
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Of or relating to studies beyond a bachelor's degree;
Graduate courses
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Graduate
Professional Qualification
The graduate applied for several jobs in her field.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do graduates receive alumni status immediately?
Yes, upon graduation, they become alumni.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is a graduand officially a degree holder?
Not yet, they receive their degree at graduation.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are graduands listed in the graduation program?
Yes, they're listed as pending graduates.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can a graduate enroll in further studies?
Yes, graduates often pursue advanced degrees.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are graduands eligible for graduation honors?
Yes, based on their academic performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Do graduates have access to university resources?
Often, as alumni, they have certain privileges.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
How do graduates use their degrees?
For professional advancement or further studies.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Are graduands part of the graduating class?
Yes, they're the upcoming graduates.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Do graduates receive a diploma or certificate?
Yes, as proof of their degree.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Is graduate school for graduands or graduates?
For graduates pursuing further education.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can graduates refer to their alma mater?
Yes, as the institution where they graduated.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Do graduates join alumni networks?
Yes, to stay connected and for professional opportunities.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Do graduands receive academic transcripts?
Yes, showing they've completed their courses.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can graduates attend university events?
Yes, especially alumni-related events.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can graduands participate in graduation ceremonies?
Yes, it's the event that transitions them to graduates.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Can graduands apply for post-graduate jobs?
Yes, though they’ll graduate before starting usually.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Do graduates maintain contact with professors?
Often, for networking and professional advice.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 19, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
