Is a Bachelor's Degree Undergraduate or Graduate?
Understanding the difference between graduate and undergraduate programs is crucial for Indian students planning to study abroad in 2025. The choice determines your academic path, eligibility for scholarships, exams required, and future career prospects. This guide explains these concepts clearly and compares how degrees are valued internationally.
Difference Between Graduate and Undergraduate Programs Abroad 2025
- Undergraduate programs lead to a first degree (Bachelor's), usually after school education.
- Graduate programs refer to advanced degrees (Master's, PhD), pursued after a bachelor’s, with stricter eligibility and specialized exams.
- Eligibility, duration, costs, and post-study opportunities differ globally between these two levels.
Graduate vs Undergraduate: Key Features Table
| Parameter | Undergraduate | Graduate |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Degree | Bachelor's (BA, BSc, BEng, etc.) | Master’s (MA, MSc, MBA, MS) / Doctorate (PhD) |
| Eligibility | 12th grade or equivalent | Bachelor’s degree + entrance requirements |
| Duration | 3–4 years (varies by country/stream) | 1–2 years (Masters), 3–5 years (PhD) |
| Entry Exams | SAT, ACT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE | GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE |
| Goal | Broad foundational knowledge, first degree | Advanced specialization, research/professional readiness |
| Who applies | School leavers (after class 12th) | Degree holders seeking higher study |
| Linked Careers | Entry-level roles, graduate placements | Specialist, managerial, research & academic positions |
Globally, undergraduate programs represent your first step into higher education, while graduate study unlocks deeper expertise and career advantages. For Indian students, understanding this distinction ensures you meet eligibility, prepare correct documents, and target appropriate entrance exams for your desired study destination.
Top Universities Offering Undergraduate and Graduate Courses (2025)
| Country | Undergraduate Example | Graduate Example |
|---|---|---|
| USA | Harvard University – BA/BS | MIT – MS, MBA, PhD |
| UK | University of Oxford – BA/BSc | University of Cambridge – MSc, MPhil, DPhil |
| Canada | University of Toronto – BA, BEng | McGill University – MSc, MA, PhD |
| Australia | University of Melbourne – BCom, BEng | Australian National University – MEng, PhD |
| Germany | TU Munich – BSc, BEng | Heidelberg University – MSc, PhD |
To compare more top-ranked options and their global positions, see this global universities list for 2025.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams: Graduate vs Undergraduate
- Undergraduate: Completion of 12th standard (CBSE/ISC/State boards), proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE), plus SAT or ACT for US; A-Levels/equivalent for UK.
- Graduate: Bachelor’s degree (16 years education preferred for US/Canada), standardized tests such as GRE or GMAT, and English test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE). Some programs require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR).
For the latest requirements in 2025, check country and course-specific pages such as SAT Exam (for UG) or GRE Exam (for PG).
Costs & Scholarships: Undergraduate vs Graduate Abroad
- Undergraduate programs often have higher total fees due to longer duration (3–4 years), but more options for entry-level scholarships.
- Graduate programs may offer research or assistantships, leading to partial fee waivers or stipends—especially for STEM or research degrees.
- Many universities and governments offer scholarships for both levels; deadlines differ for 2025 intakes.
For specific costs, conversion help, and latest scholarship info, see Study Abroad Scholarships and guidance on GPA to Percentage Conversion.
Visa & Post-Study Work: What Changes by Degree Level?
- Many countries offer longer post-study work visas to graduates of Master’s or PhD programs (eg: UK’s Graduate Route, USA's OPT extension for STEM).
- Undergraduate degree holders also qualify for post-study work visas, but duration and eligibility vary. Research latest rules for 2025.
Check the latest visa and work options for your preferred country using UK Graduate Work Visa Guide or Canada Study Visa Guide.
Career Opportunities: Undergraduate vs Graduate Abroad
- Undergraduate degree holders can access entry-level sector jobs, internships, and certain regulated professions.
- Graduate degree holders are eligible for higher-paying, specialist, research, and academic roles and may gain points in PR/immigration systems.
If career planning is key for you, see global trends in Highest Paying Jobs After Graduation or Toughest Exams for Dream Careers.
By understanding the core distinctions between undergraduate and graduate studies, Indian students can confidently plan their education abroad in 2025—selecting the right level, preparing required documents, and maximizing future career and migration outcomes.
FAQs on What’s the Difference Between Graduate and Undergraduate in 2025?
1. What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate?
Undergraduate refers to studies pursued before earning a bachelor's degree, while graduate refers to education that happens after a bachelor's, such as master's or PhD programs. Undergraduate programs include associate degrees and bachelor's degrees. Graduate programs focus on more specialized knowledge and advanced research skills.
2. Do I call myself an undergraduate or graduate?
You call yourself an undergraduate if you are studying for a bachelor's or associate degree. After completing your bachelor's and enrolling in a master's or doctoral program, you are called a graduate student.
3. Is a bachelor's degree considered undergraduate?
Yes, a bachelor's degree is considered an undergraduate degree. It is the main qualification that completes the undergraduate phase of university education.
4. What is a graduate level?
Graduate level refers to coursework or programs pursued after completing a bachelor's degree, such as master's or PhD programs. These programs study advanced topics and often involve research or practical application in a specialized area.
5. What is the difference between an undergraduate and a graduate degree?
Undergraduate degrees include associate and bachelor's degrees, providing broad foundational knowledge. Graduate degrees such as master's and doctoral degrees focus on advanced, specialized study and research in a specific area.
6. What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate programs?
Undergraduate programs are aimed at those starting higher education to gain a basic foundation in a field (like B.A., B.Sc., B.Com). Graduate programs (like M.Sc., MBA, M.Tech, PhD) require a completed undergraduate degree and offer deeper knowledge, research, and professional preparation in a field.
7. What is the difference between undergraduate and postgraduate?
Undergraduate studies come before obtaining a bachelor's degree. Postgraduate is another term for graduate studies, referring to any degree after a bachelor's, such as master's or doctoral degrees. In some countries, 'graduate' and 'postgraduate' are used interchangeably.
8. What is the difference between graduate and undergraduate research?
Undergraduate research generally introduces students to the research process, often as part of coursework or small projects. Graduate research involves in-depth, original research and is a central part of most master's and PhD programs, sometimes leading to publication or a thesis.
9. What are the differences between graduate and undergraduate courses?
Undergraduate courses usually provide basic theories, principles, and broad subject knowledge. Graduate courses are advanced, focus on specialization, include research, and often require independent projects, dissertations, or practical applications.
10. What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate students?
Undergraduate students are enrolled in programs leading to a bachelor's or associate degree. Graduate students have already earned a bachelor's and are enrolling in programs like a master's, PhD, or other advanced degrees.
11. What is the difference between graduate and undergraduate in India?
In India, an undergraduate is a student who is pursuing or has completed a bachelor's degree (such as B.A., B.Sc., B.Com). A graduate in Indian English commonly refers to someone who has completed a bachelor's, while postgraduate means a student who is studying for a master's or higher degree.
12. What is the difference between undergraduate and graduate certificate?
Undergraduate certificates are short-term programs taken alongside or apart from a bachelor's that provide foundational skills. Graduate certificates are advanced, specialized credentials requiring a bachelor's degree for admission and focus on enhancing expertise in a specific area.
