What is a degree candidate?

A degree candidate specifically refers to a student who is actively enrolled in a program that is designed to lead to the attainment of a higher degree, such as a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. This implies that the student is engaged in coursework and requirements that are recognized within the academic framework necessary for achieving that degree. The emphasis on enrollment in a program that leads to a degree signifies an official status in higher education, as opposed to being a general student without that specific goal.

The other options do not accurately capture this definition. Attending any educational institution or training programs for non-recognized occupations does not necessarily denote that the student is working toward a higher degree. Similarly, attending only private institutions is not a requirement or a defining characteristic of a degree candidate, as degree candidates can be found in both public and private educational settings.