What Is Graduate School and What Should You Know Before Applying?

Updated

Graduate school is education after a bachelor's degree that leads to a master's, doctoral, or professional degree, and it differs from undergraduate study mainly in depth, research expectations, and the independence expected of students. It suits people who want advanced training for a specific career, a research or academic path, or a credential required for a profession — and it is a poor fit if you mainly want a general education or are unsure why you need the degree. The sections below cover degree types, how graduate study differs from college, typical application materials and timing, and what international applicants should check.

Degree types at a glance

Degree type Typical purpose What it usually involves
Master's Advanced training for a career or a step toward a doctorate Coursework plus a thesis, capstone, or exam, depending on the program
Doctoral (PhD) Research and academic careers; some industry research roles Original research, qualifying exams, a dissertation, and defense
Professional degree Licensure or practice in a field (for example law, medicine, business) Structured professional curriculum, often with practical training

Program names and lengths vary widely by country and institution, so confirm the structure with each program rather than assuming from the degree title.

How graduate school differs from undergraduate study

  • Depth over breadth. Undergraduate degrees build a broad foundation; graduate programs assume that foundation and go deep into one field.
  • Research is central. Master's and doctoral programs typically require independent or supervised research, not just course completion.
  • Advisor relationships matter. Many programs assign or expect you to find a faculty advisor whose work matches your interests; the fit of that relationship often shapes the experience more than the coursework.
  • More self-direction. You are expected to manage your own reading, deadlines, and research progress with less structured guidance.
  • Smaller cohorts. Seminars and lab groups replace large lecture courses, and assessment often depends on written work and research output.

What you typically need to apply

Requirements vary by program and country, but common components include:

  1. Transcripts from your previous degrees, sometimes with official translations.
  2. Letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors who can speak to your academic or research ability.
  3. A statement of purpose or personal statement explaining your goals and why you chose that program.
  4. Standardized test scores where required (for example GRE or a subject-specific test; many programs have dropped or made these optional, so check each one).
  5. English proficiency scores for applicants whose prior education was not in the language of instruction (for example TOEFL or IELTS).
  6. A research proposal or writing sample for research-oriented programs.
  7. Application fees and deadlines, which differ by program and intake.

A realistic timeline

  • 12–18 months before entry: identify programs and advisors, check requirements, and plan tests.
  • 9–12 months before: register for and take standardized and language tests, and request recommendations early.
  • 6–9 months before: draft and revise your statement of purpose; contact potential advisors where the program expects it.
  • 3–6 months before: submit applications ahead of deadlines and prepare for interviews.
  • After offers: compare funding, advisor fit, and location before accepting.

Deciding whether graduate school is right for you

Ask yourself:

  • What does this degree unlock? Check whether the jobs or further study you want actually require it.
  • Do you want research or professional practice? Research degrees reward curiosity and persistence; professional degrees reward applied training.
  • Can you commit the time and cost? Program lengths and funding vary; ask each program directly about assistantships, scholarships, and tuition.
  • Is the advisor a good fit? For research degrees, look at faculty publications and current projects, and ask current students about supervision.
  • What is the outcome record? Ask about completion rates and where recent graduates went.

Notes for international applicants

  • Language requirements usually apply unless your previous degree was taught in the required language; confirm accepted tests and minimum scores per program.
  • Credential evaluation may be required for transcripts from some countries.
  • Visa and funding proof are handled separately from admission; start early and follow the institution's international office guidance.
  • Deadlines often differ for international applicants, and scholarship deadlines can fall earlier than admission deadlines.

For institution-specific details — such as DGIST's graduate programs and admission requirements — use the official university website rather than third-party summaries, since requirements and deadlines change by intake.