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Honorary Doctorate Degree: Meaning, Criteria, and Global Significance
Most academic degrees take years of studying, writing papers, passing exams, and doing research. A doctorate is the highest level—and yes, it’s usually earned after a lot of effort. But there’s one kind of doctorate that’s different from the usual.
It’s called an honorary doctorate degree, or Doctor honoris causa. This one isn’t earned by sitting in classes or writing a thesis. Instead, it’s given to people who’ve done something truly meaningful—like helping in education, leading social change, doing great work in culture or science, or making a big impact through public service or charity.
This article breaks down what an honorary doctorate really means, how someone gets chosen for it, and why it matters globally. We’ll also look at where it started, how different countries award it, and the debates around who should receive it. Plus, we’ll explore how this degree connects with society and higher education today.
An honorary doctorate degree is a special kind of academic award. Unlike a regular PhD or EdD, it’s not earned through exams or research. It’s given to people who’ve done something outstanding—whether in education, science, arts, public service, or business.
The Latin name Doctor honoris causa means “doctor for the sake of honour”. That’s exactly what it is—a way for universities to say, “You’ve made a big difference.”
People who get honorary doctorates are often recognised for things like
The creative arts in literature, cultural work, and the fine arts
Innovations and developments in scientific fields
Developments or efforts in human rights, community work, and social justice
Leadership in government, diplomacy, and international relations
Development, consulting, or philanthropy in the private sector and/or contribution to developing economies
Even though they can use the title “Doctor”, most people only use it in formal or ceremonial settings. In academic or professional life, they usually don’t unless they’ve earned a doctorate through study.
The practice of awarding honorary doctorates is a centuries-old practice—we are talking mediaeval Europe-old. One of the earliest examples we have of an honorary doctorate was awarded by the University of Oxford way back in the 1470s to a person named Lionel Woodville, who was also related to King Edward IV of England. So it all started with that royal aspect.
At that time, it was a way to honour important people without making them go through the usual academic grind. The tradition spread across England and Europe and became a respected way to recognise big achievements.
Over the years, it turned into more than just a kind gesture. Now, it’s a formal ceremony and a proud tradition that many universities still follow. In lots of countries, it’s seen as one of the highest honours a university can give—showing how education connects with the world outside classrooms and textbooks.
Honorary doctorates aren’t something you apply for. They’re awarded to people who’ve genuinely made a difference. Each university has its own way of picking people, but most look for a few key things:
Big Achievements
You’ve done something impressive—maybe led important research, created powerful art, or shown strong leadership in your field.
Helping Others
It’s not just about personal success. Many people who get honorary doctorates have worked to improve lives—through community service, human rights, or fighting inequality.
Shared Values
Universities often choose people whose work matches their own goals. Like, if a university focuses on the environment, they might honour a climate activist.
Recognition Beyond Local Circles
Your work should be known outside your hometown—nationally or even globally. It should inspire change or spark new ideas.
Inspiring Story
People who receive honorary doctorate degrees usually have a journey that motivates others—students, teachers, everyone. It’s about showing what’s possible with passion and persistence.
Giving out an honorary doctorate degree isn’t super complicated, but there’s a process.
First, someone has to nominate the person—usually a professor, trustee, or someone officially allowed to do that.
Then a committee reviews the nominations. They check if the person meets certain criteria—like making a real impact, doing meaningful work, or contributing to society.
After that, the final decision goes to the top—the university senate or board of trustees. If they approve, it’s a go.
These degrees are typically awarded during formal events like graduation ceremonies—with speeches, applause, and all the usual fanfare. Also, they’re not handed out often; universities keep it selective to honour people who’ve truly made a difference.
Doctor of Laws – LL.D (Legum Doctor)
Doctor of Letters / Literature – D.Litt, Litt.D
Doctor of Science – D.Sc, Sc.D
Doctor of Humane Letters – D.H.L., L.H.D.
Doctor of Divinity – D.D.
Doctor of Fine Arts – D.F.A.
Doctor of Music – D.Mus
Doctor of Education – D.Ed
Doctor of Theology – Th.D./Doctor of Theology
Doctor of Commerce – D.Com
Doctor of Architecture – D.Arch
Doctor of Social Science – D.S. Sc.
Doctor of Business Administration – D.B.A.
In the United States, the practice of giving honorary doctorates has historical roots. Leading universities such as Harvard and Yale offer honorary doctorates to individuals who have made a significant impact in some manner in their field—whether that is leadership, science, arts, or charity. Again, impact does not equate to celebrity or fame, which often is a by-product, but again, we are talking about impact.
In the UK, Oxford and Cambridge have been doing this for centuries with a more rigorous process than in the US, where an honorary doctorate often goes to anybody without any clear process. Oxford and Cambridge generally select from Nobel Laureates, Royal Associates, or global changemakers.
Across Europe, especially in Germany and France, honorary degrees are more academic. You might need to have worked with scholars or contributed to research to be considered.
In Asia, these degrees are seen as a big honour. In India, universities often recognise leaders, artists, and reformers. Japan and China focus more on global contributions in science and culture.
In Africa, more universities are now giving honorary doctorate degrees to people who’ve helped improve education, healthcare, peace, or development. Nelson Mandela received many of these honours—proof that real impact goes beyond borders.
Read Also: Top Universities Awarding Honorary Doctorate Degrees Worldwide
Even though honorary doctorate degrees are meant to celebrate great achievements, they’re not without criticism. People have raised some real concerns over time.
Money Over Merit: Some universities have been accused of giving honorary degrees to wealthy donors or powerful people—not because of their work, but because of what they offer financially or politically.
Political Moves: Sometimes these degrees are used to build political ties or send a message. It’s not always about the person’s actual contribution.
Too Many, Too Easily? There’s a worry that if honorary doctorates are handed out too often or without strong reasons, they might lose their value—especially compared to earned doctorates.
Some Say No: Not everyone accepts them. People like J.K. Rowling and Jacques Derrida have turned down honorary degrees, either because they didn’t agree with the institution or didn’t see the point.
To be fair, many universities do try to keep things transparent—with clear rules and a focus on keeping honorary degrees separate from academic ones. Still, the debate continues.
Over the years, many well-known people have received honorary doctorate degrees—not just because they’re famous, but because they’ve done something meaningful.
Nelson Mandela
Mother Teresa
Barack Obama
Maya Angelou
Malala Yousafzai
Stephen Hawking
These individuals were honoured for the work they did in their fields. They helped others, brought change, and inspired people around the world.
An honorary doctorate degree isn’t just a title—it carries real meaning. Here’s why it matters:
Connecting Learning to Real Life
It shows that knowledge isn’t just about books. People solving real problems—in science, art, or leadership—get recognised.
Helping Universities Stand Out
When a respected figure is honoured, it brings attention to the university and adds to its reputation—locally and globally.
Inspiring Students
Seeing someone recognised for real-world impact can spark motivation. It reminds students that success isn’t limited to academic paths.
Building Global Connections
Honorary doctorate degrees given to international changemakers help build cultural and diplomatic bridges across borders.
Recognising Work Beyond the Classroom
Not all meaningful work happens in lecture halls. These degrees celebrate contributions in art, activism, and social change—the kind that often goes unseen in academic circles.
To conclude, an honorary doctorate degree is simply a form of recognition from universities to reflect someone’s real contributions—not from examinations, courses, and other academic work, but because of that person’s positive impact. This might be in scientific endeavours, leadership in their communities, service, and their creative art.
It is reasonable to question how these honours are awarded. However, when awarded on purpose, these honours both acknowledge meaningful work and inspire service while reaffirming that learning occurs beyond the walls of academics—where learning occurs, and indeed, change happens.
