postgraduate

American  

[pohst-graj-oo-it, -eyt] / poʊstˈgrædʒ u ɪt, -ˌeɪt /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or consisting of post-graduates.

   a postgraduate seminar.

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noun

1. a student who is taking advanced work after graduation, as from a high school or college.

postgraduate British  

/ pəʊstˈɡrædjʊɪt /

noun

1. a student who has obtained a degree from a university, etc, and is pursuing studies for a more advanced qualification

2. (modifier) of or relating to such a student or to his studies

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Etymology

Origin of postgraduate

First recorded in 1855–60; post- + graduate

Compare meaning

How does postgraduate compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• undergraduate vs. postgraduate

Example Sentences

With insufficient challenges, many students coast near the bottom of their potential without experiencing the adversity that would best prepare them for postgraduate success.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 9, 2025

That process can start during students’ freshman and sophomore years: A postgraduate position may necessitate a junior-year internship, and a junior-year internship may require a sophomore-year application.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 15, 2025

When the 45-year-old isn't working with the National Health Service supporting people with diabetes, or studying for his postgraduate degree, you'll likely find him lifting weights at his local gym in Coventry.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

Both PAs and AAs have to complete a two-year postgraduate course.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

Please forward us your resume, including previous research experience, graduate and postgraduate transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.

From "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer

Related Words

• alum
• graduate