Graduand vs. Undergraduate — What's the Difference?

A graduand represents a unique phase in a student's academic journey. Once a student has fulfilled all the requirements for their degree but has not yet participated in the graduation ceremony, they become a graduand. Essentially, this term captures that short window between completing coursework and the actual conferral of the degree. On the other hand, an undergraduate is someone who is actively enrolled in a bachelor's degree program but has not completed it.

The word "undergraduate" is often used more broadly to describe both the student and the nature of the degree. For instance, one might discuss "undergraduate studies" or "undergraduate research." This denotes activities or studies at the bachelor's degree level. Meanwhile, the term "graduand" is more specific in its application. It does not refer to a type of study, but rather to a specific status of a student awaiting graduation.

It's also essential to recognize the transitory nature of the term "graduand." It's a fleeting status, bridging the gap between a student's academic efforts and the ceremonial acknowledgment of those efforts. An undergraduate, meanwhile, could spend several years in that designation, progressing through various stages of their academic program.

Furthermore, while all graduands, at least momentarily, were once undergraduates (assuming they are receiving their bachelor's degree), not all undergraduates will become graduands. This is because the term "graduand" presupposes the successful completion of all academic requirements, whereas some undergraduates might not reach that milestone for various reasons.