B2 adjective Neutral

undergraduate

/ˌʌndərˈɡrædʒuət/

Relating to a student at a college or university who has not yet earned a first degree. It describes the level of education or the courses taken during this initial period of higher education.

Examples

3 of 5
1

She is busy finishing her undergraduate thesis this month.

She is occupied with completing her first university degree research paper this month.

2

The university offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students.

The school provides several first-degree financial awards for students from other countries.

3

My undergraduate years were the most exciting time of my life.

The years I spent studying for my first degree were the most thrilling part of my life.

Word Family

Noun
undergraduate
Adjective
undergraduate
Related
undergrad
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Memory Tip

Visualize being 'under' the level of a 'graduate'. You are still climbing the stairs toward your first degree.

Quick Quiz

He decided to pursue an ______ degree in Psychology before applying for a Master's program.

Correct!

The correct answer is: undergraduate

Examples

1

She is busy finishing her undergraduate thesis this month.

everyday

She is occupied with completing her first university degree research paper this month.

2

The university offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students.

formal

The school provides several first-degree financial awards for students from other countries.

3

My undergraduate years were the most exciting time of my life.

informal

The years I spent studying for my first degree were the most thrilling part of my life.

4

Undergraduate students are required to complete ten core modules before specializing.

academic

Students studying for their first degree must finish ten basic subjects before choosing a specialty.

5

We are looking for undergraduate interns to assist our marketing team.

business

We are seeking student trainees who haven't graduated yet to help our advertising group.

Word Family

Noun
undergraduate
Adjective
undergraduate
Related
undergrad

Common Collocations

undergraduate degree a bachelor's level qualification
undergraduate student a person studying for their first degree
undergraduate curriculum the set of courses for a first degree
undergraduate enrollment the process of signing up for a first-degree program
undergraduate research scholarly investigation performed by students before graduation

Common Phrases

undergraduate studies

the period of learning for a first degree

at the undergraduate level

referring to the stage of initial university education

undergraduate entry

admission into a university for a first degree

Often Confused With

undergraduate vs postgraduate

Postgraduate refers to studies after obtaining a first degree, while undergraduate is for the first degree itself.

undergraduate vs graduate

A graduate has already completed their degree, whereas an undergraduate is still in the process of earning it.

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Usage Notes

Use this word to describe anything related to the first level of university education. It can function as both an adjective and a noun referring to the student themselves.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'undergraduated student', but 'undergraduate' is the correct adjective form. Do not use it for high school levels.

💡

Memory Tip

Visualize being 'under' the level of a 'graduate'. You are still climbing the stairs toward your first degree.

📖

Word Origin

Formed from the prefix 'under-' combined with 'graduate' (from the Latin 'gradus', meaning step).

Grammar Patterns

Typically used attributively before a noun (e.g., undergraduate course). When used as a noun, it is a countable noun (e.g., three undergraduates).
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Cultural Context

In the United States, 'college' usually implies undergraduate education, while 'university' is often used for institutions that include graduate schools.

Quick Quiz

He decided to pursue an ______ degree in Psychology before applying for a Master's program.

Correct!

The correct answer is: undergraduate

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