Graduation vs Postgraduation: What’s the Difference?
When you are considering studying abroad, as a Pakistani, you must have come across terms such as graduation, post graduation in university applications or scholarships. And yet what is the difference between graduation and postgraduate
To put it simply, graduation means the first stage of higher education, which is typically a bachelor’s degree, and postgraduate is the second stage, which is a master or doctoral degree. This difference is paramount to Pakistani students who are ready to apply to overseas universities in the UK, Canada, or Australia.
At Study Advisers we assist you in determining your academic level at this point and directing you to the appropriate degree program or course – either you are intending to begin your graduation (bachelors degree) or proceed to postgraduate (master degree or doctorate) in a foreign country.
What Does “Graduation” Mean?
Graduation normally refers to the completion of your undergraduate learning- first degree, after finishing high school (Intermediate, FA/FSc, or A-Levels).
In Pakistan and the majority of the countries:
- Graduation = Bachelor Degree (e.g. BA, BSc, BBA, BEng, LLB)
- It usually takes between 3 and 4 years based on the country and field.
Examples:
- BSc Computer Science in the University of Glasgow (UK).
- BBA in University of Toronto (Canada).
- University of London (UK) LLB Law.
Graduation equips you with knowledge and skills in order to either begin employment or to proceed with further education (postgraduate).
What is the meaning of postgraduate?
Postgraduate is an occupation that takes place after a bachelor’s degree. It covers master degrees, post graduate diplomas and doctorate (PhD) programs.
- Postgraduate = Higher Study after Graduation.
- Time period: 1-2 years Master, and 3-5 years PhD.
Examples:
- MBA or MS -To gain professional business skills.
- MSc – advanced technical and analytical education.
- PhD – To work in research and academics.
Postgraduate education assists the students to become specialized in their field of choice and improves their chances of gaining employment in Pakistan and elsewhere.
Which Level is the Best- Graduation or Postgraduation?
The decision to attend or not attend graduation and postgraduation is also a matter of where you are in the academic career:
- You have completed FA/FSc or A-Levels, but you want to apply to Graduation (Bachelor’s degree)
- Have a Bachelor (BA/BSc/BS) completed? → Apply to Postgraduate (Master/Ph.D.).
Study Advisers helps you to:
- Measuring your present condition of qualification.
- Choosing the appropriate degree of study overseas.
- Applying to the universities that fit your academic background.
Graduation vs Postgraduation – Key Differences
Feature | Graduation (Undergraduate) | Postgraduation (Master’s/PhD) |
Level of Study | First Degree (BA, BSc, BBA, LLB) | Advanced Degree (MA, MSc, MBA, PhD) |
Duration | 3–4 years | 1–2 years (Master’s), 3–5 years (PhD) |
Eligibility | Intermediate or A-Levels | Bachelor’s degree (16 years education) |
Objective | Build foundational academic knowledge | Specialize in a focused area |
Outcome | Graduate | Postgraduate / Researcher |
Career Stage | Entry-level | Professional / Expert level |
Requirements of Pakistani Student Admission.
For Graduation:
- Intermediate (FA/FSc) or A-Levels.
- IELTS 6.0-6.5 or equivalent with Duolingo.
- Personal Statement and Letters of Reference.
For Postgraduation:
- Undergraduate degree (2.5 CGPA) (minimum)
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 or equivalent
- PhD (Research proposal) (applicant)
- CV and school transcripts.
Career Associations of Graduation and Postgraduation.
- Graduating provides a stepping stone to entry level jobs in your major or an additional education in a foreign country.
- Postgraduate increases your professional position, increases your wages and gives you a chance to research and teach.
- Most employers in the international market are attracted to graduates who have their post graduate qualifications in prestigious universities.
Final Words
Get Your Academic Startup with Study Advisers. Getting clarity on the distinction between graduation and postgraduate is a way of enabling Pakistani students to make sound decisions in relation to their education. They are already planning to gain the master degree in a different country, but knowing where you are is the first step towards success. Your future at this point begins here: Use StudyAdvisers.co today and we will assist you realize your graduation or postgraduate ambitions in a foreign country!
At Study Advisers we counsel Pakistani students in course choice, university applications, scholarships and student visa in the best places such as UK, Canada and Australia.
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Study Advisers UK (SAUK) is a trusted international education consultancy helping students across Pakistan achieve their dreams of studying abroad. With expert guidance, personalized counselling, and strong partnerships with top universities in the UK, Australia, Canada, and Europe, SAUK supports students through every step
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