An undergraduate refers to a student who is pursuing their first level of higher education after completing secondary school (high school). This education typically takes place at a college or university and leads to an undergraduate degree, most commonly a bachelor's degree, which usually takes about three to four years to complete

. Undergraduate education includes all postsecondary programs up to the bachelor's degree level. In some countries, it may also include associate degrees or foundation years that prepare students for the bachelor's program

. The undergraduate degree provides foundational knowledge and skills in a chosen field and prepares students either for entering the workforce or for further study in postgraduate programs such as master's or doctoral degrees

. In summary:

• An undergraduate is a student studying for their first degree after high school.
• The most common undergraduate degree is a bachelor's degree.
• Undergraduate programs typically last 3-4 years but can vary by country and course.
• Undergraduate education precedes postgraduate education, which includes master's and doctoral studies