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

When I completed my postgraduate studies in the late 1990s, I shelved my doctoral finance thesis in a dusty library.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

As part of her postgraduate work in SU's Department of Chemistry and Polymer Science, Muller developed advanced analytical methods that combine comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

From Science Daily • May 1, 2026

Phil, he co-founded and served as the artistic director of the New World Symphony, a postgraduate orchestral academy in Miami that prepares diverse young musicians for leadership roles in classical music.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

It will also apply to Plan 3, or postgraduate, loans.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

It seemed to, quite quickly as Emenike sent news only of progress: his postgraduate work completed, his job at the housing authority his marriage to an Englishwoman who was a solicitor in the city.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Related Words

• alum
• graduate