Matriculation
/ˌmætrɪkjuˈleɪʃən/
nounC1
Definition
Matriculation means the formal acceptance or enrollment of a student into a college or university. It is the official step that allows a person to start their studies there. Sometimes, it includes a ceremony where new students are welcomed.
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See It in Action
The official process of enrolling in a university or college
- •After passing the entrance exam, she completed her matriculation.
- •Matriculation usually happens before classes start.
- •The university held a matriculation ceremony for new students.
Sometimes refers to the certificate or qualification showing completion of school (in some countries)
- •He received his matriculation certificate last year.
- •Matriculation exams are important for university admission.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "matriculation" like "joining" (A1 word), but more official and formal—like signing a contract to become part of a school
- ✓Picture a student standing in a line, filling out forms, or wearing a special robe at a welcome ceremony
- ✓It's the feeling of starting a new chapter in life, like the first day at a big school where everything feels important
- ✓Sounds like "mat-rick-you-LAY-shun" → imagine a "mat" laid out for you to step onto a new path of learning
- ✓Think of Hogwarts' Sorting Hat ceremony in Harry Potter, where new students officially become part of the school
- ✓NOT like "application" (when you ask to join), matriculation is AFTER acceptance, the actual start of being a student
- ✓NOT like "graduation" (finishing school), matriculation is the beginning of studies
Try Other Words
- •Enrollment: the act of signing up to join a school or course (Use when talking about general joining without formal ceremony)
- •Registration: the process of recording information to join (Use when focusing on the paperwork or official recording part)
- •Admission: being accepted into a school or program (Use when talking about getting permission to enter, before matriculation)
- •Induction: a ceremony or process to introduce new students (Use when emphasizing the welcoming event)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "matricul-" (from Latin "matrix" meaning womb or source, later meaning list or register) + "-ation" (a noun suffix meaning action or process)
- •Etymology: From Latin "matriculare," meaning to enroll or enter on a list
- •Historical development: Originally meant entering a list of students; later used for formal acceptance into universities
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in British English and formal contexts to mean official joining of a university or college, sometimes including a ceremony
Reflect & Connect
•How might the experience of matriculation feel different in various countries or schools?
•Why do you think schools have formal matriculation ceremonies instead of just simple registration?
Fill in the blanks
1.The student completed matriculation ___ passing all the entrance requirements and paying fees.
2.Matriculation ceremonies often include speeches to ___ new students into the university community.
3.Unlike admission, matriculation happens ___ a student is officially allowed to start classes.
4.The word "matriculation" is more formal than ___ and often involves special events.
5.Some countries require students to pass matriculation exams to ___ for university.
6.After matriculation, students usually receive a student ID card and ___ access to campus facilities.
7.Matriculation marks the ___ of a student's official journey in higher education.