Why Do Universities Award Honorary Doctorate Degrees?

Learning Saint
Dec 2, 2025
9 min read

Introduction:

An Honorary Doctorate Degree is one of the most prestigious recognitions a university can award. Unlike a traditional doctorate—which requires years of coursework, research, and dissertation writing—an honorary doctorate is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society. These contributions may fall under areas like social work, arts, business, philanthropy, education, politics, or scientific innovation.

The fundamental idea behind awarding an Honorary Doctorate is to acknowledge the positive impact a person has created on a local, national, or global level. It is not just about academic excellence; it is about recognizing leadership, humanitarian efforts, and real-world influence.

Most universities use honorary degrees to celebrate public figures, thought leaders, industry pioneers, community champions, or global icons. The title signifies respect and symbolic appreciation, not an academic qualification earned through study. While honorary degree recipients cannot typically use the title “Dr.” professionally, the recognition itself brings prestige, visibility, and public honor.

Also Read: How to Get an Honorary Doctorate

A Brief History of Honorary Doctorates

The concept of the Honorary Doctorate Degree dates back to the Middle Ages. The first recorded honorary degree was awarded by Oxford University in the 15th century to Lionel Woodville, the brother-in-law of King Edward IV. This tradition soon spread across Europe, with universities using honorary degrees to strengthen relationships with political leaders, scholars, and contributors to society.

As education systems evolved, the practice became more formalized. By the 19th and 20th centuries, universities worldwide began awarding honorary degrees to scientists, writers, business leaders, and activists.

Today, the Honorary Doctorate remains a global symbol of extraordinary achievement and contribution. Although controversies sometimes arise—such as awards to celebrities or political figures—most institutions maintain strict criteria to ensure that recipients truly deserve the honor.

Why Universities Award Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Universities award Honorary Doctorate Degrees for several meaningful reasons:

a. Celebrating Excellence

Honorary degrees allow institutions to recognize individuals who have made exceptional achievements in their fields. Whether the recipient is a Nobel laureate, a renowned artist, or a social activist, the degree highlights their impact on society.

b. Inspiring Students and the Community

During convocation ceremonies, honorary degree recipients deliver speeches that motivate graduating students. Their journeys and success stories serve as powerful sources of inspiration.

c. Strengthening Institutional Reputation

When a respected personality receives an Honorary Doctorate, the university gains global attention. Famous recipients often help boost the institution’s national and international visibility.

d. Building Strategic Partnerships

Offering honorary degrees helps universities form meaningful connections with influential figures. These relationships can lead to collaborations, sponsorships, scholarships, and academic advancements.

e. Acknowledging Social Contributions

Not all achievements happen inside classrooms or research laboratories. Many honorary degrees honor individuals who have served humanity through philanthropy, activism, or community development.

f. Enhancing University Ceremonies

Honorary degree recipients often speak at graduation events, adding prestige and value to the academic year’s most important day.

Also Read: Difference between a DBA and PhD

Types of Honorary Doctorate Degrees Offered Worldwide

Although the term Honorary Doctorate Degree is often used generally, there are many specific honorary titles awarded globally. Each type reflects the recipient’s area of contribution:

a. Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) – Honorary

Awarded to leaders in law, politics, justice, civil rights, or public service.

b. Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) – Honorary

Given to writers, scholars, educators, journalists, and authors.

c. Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) – Honorary

Recognizes notable accomplishments in scientific research, medicine, technology, and innovation.

d. Doctor of Fine Arts (D.F.A.) – Honorary

Awarded to individuals in visual arts, performing arts, film, or music.

e. Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) – Honorary

Most commonly given to philanthropists, social activists, humanitarian leaders, and NGO founders.

f. Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) – Honorary

Recognizes business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who have transformed industries.

g. Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) – Honorary

Honorary recognition for religious leaders, spiritual mentors, and theologians.

Each honorary degree highlights the unique professional and social contributions of the recipient. These distinctions help universities honor individuals in a more accurate and meaningful way.

Also Read: Honorary Doctorate in India

Eligibility: Who Typically Receives an Honorary Doctorate?

Universities follow selective criteria when awarding an Honorary Doctorate Degree. While the eligibility rules vary from institution to institution, most recipients share similar qualities:

a. Exceptional Contribution

Individuals who have significantly impacted society—locally or globally—are prime candidates.

b. Leadership and Influence

People who have inspired others or led efforts in developing their community, country, or industry.

c. Professional Excellence

Business leaders, scientists, educators, writers, or artists who have reached remarkable levels of achievement.

d. Philanthropy and Social Impact

Donors, activists, and nonprofit founders who have created positive change in society.

e. Lifetime Achievement

Some honorary degrees recognize an individual’s lifelong dedication to a cause or profession.

f. Role Models for Students

Universities often choose people whose stories serve as valuable lessons for graduates.

It’s important to note that an Honorary Doctorate is not something one applies for; most universities do not accept self-nominations. Instead, candidates are nominated by committees, faculty, or governing bodies.

Selection Process: How Universities Choose Honorary Degree Recipients

The selection process for awarding an Honorary Doctorate Degree is typically confidential, structured, and highly selective. Here’s how it usually works:

a. Nomination

Faculty members, trustees, or community leaders nominate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to society.

b. Committee Review

A special honorary degree committee reviews nominations. They evaluate the candidate’s accomplishments, integrity, public reputation, and alignment with the university’s values.

c. Verification

The university conducts background checks to ensure the candidate’s achievements are genuine and credible.

d. Approval by Governing Body

The final approval usually comes from the university’s Senate, trustees, or board of governors.

e. Invitation to Accept the Honor

Once approved, the university formally invites the candidate to accept the honorary degree and attend the convocation ceremony.

f. Award Presentation

The honorary degree is presented during graduation ceremonies, often accompanied by a citation recognizing the individual’s achievements.

This process ensures that the Honorary Doctorate is awarded fairly, transparently, and in alignment with academic values.

Also Read: Honorary Doctorate vs PhD

Benefits of Awarding Honorary Doctorates for Universities

Universities benefit in several ways from awarding Honorary Doctorate Degrees:

a. Enhanced Institutional Prestige

Honoring globally recognized personalities increases the university’s credibility and visibility.

b. Public and Media Attention

Honorary degree ceremonies attract news coverage, interviews, and social media engagement.

c. Stronger Alumni Connections

Students and alumni feel proud when their institution celebrates distinguished figures.

d. Opportunities for Collaboration

Award recipients may contribute to university initiatives, research projects, or mentorship programs.

e. Attracting New Students

A university associated with influential personalities becomes more appealing to prospective students.

f. Donor and Sponsorship Relationships

Prestigious honorary degree programs can attract financial support and partnerships.

Overall, honorary degrees reinforce the university’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and social impact.

Benefits of Receiving an Honorary Doctorate for Individuals

For recipients, an Honorary Doctorate Degree carries immense value—even though it is symbolic rather than academic:

a. Recognition of Achievement

Receiving an honorary doctorate validates a person’s life’s work, dedication, and contributions.

b. Increased Public Respect

Honorees often gain higher visibility and respect from their industry and community.

c. Global Credibility

The association with a respected university adds credibility to the recipient’s professional and social profile.

d. Speaking Opportunities

Honorary doctorate recipients often participate in keynote speeches, academic events, and international summits.

e. Legacy and Influence

An honorary degree becomes part of the recipient’s lifelong legacy, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

f. Networking with Academic Leaders

Recipients get opportunities to engage with scholars, researchers, and global thinkers.

Honorary Doctorate vs Earned Doctorate: Key Differences

Many people confuse an Honorary Doctorate Degree with an earned doctorate such as a PhD, EdD, or DBA. While both carry the word “doctorate,” they differ significantly in purpose, value, and academic requirements.

a. Academic Requirements

Earned Doctorate: Requires advanced coursework, years of research, publication of a dissertation, and defense before an academic committee.
Honorary Doctorate: Requires no academic study or research. It is awarded based on significant contributions to society.

b. Purpose

Earned Doctorate: Indicates academic mastery and contribution to knowledge.
Honorary Doctorate: Symbolic recognition of achievements, leadership, or humanitarian work.

c. Use of the Title “Dr.”

Most universities discourage honorary degree recipients from using the title “Dr.” professionally. The title is honorary, not academic.

d. Career Impact

An earned doctorate qualifies a person for academic, research, or specialized professional roles. An Honorary Doctorate does not qualify recipients for teaching positions or professional roles requiring a doctoral degree.

e. Validation and Recognition

While both degrees offer prestige, the earned doctorate carries academic weight, whereas the Honorary Doctorate Degree offers symbolic honor.

Understanding these differences helps maintain clarity about the purpose and significance of honorary degrees in the academic ecosystem.

Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding Honorary Degrees

Despite their prestige, Honorary Doctorate Degrees have faced criticism over the years. Some of the common concerns include:

a. Political Influence

Occasionally, universities are accused of awarding honorary degrees to political leaders for strategic benefits rather than merit.

b. Celebrity Culture

Some institutions have been criticized for awarding Honorary Doctorates to celebrities simply to attract media attention rather than recognizing genuine contributions.

c. Public Backlash

Certain honorary awards have been revoked due to scandals involving the recipients, such as unethical behavior or legal issues. This raises questions about the selection process.

d. Academic Integrity

Scholars sometimes argue that awarding prestigious titles without academic work diminishes the value of earned doctorates.

e. Ethical Questions

Should individuals with controversial backgrounds receive such a high honor? The debate continues.

Despite these criticisms, most reputable universities maintain strict guidelines to ensure that honorary degrees uphold their dignity and purpose.

Famous Personalities Who Have Received Honorary Doctorate Degrees

Many globally recognized figures have received an Honorary Doctorate Degree for their contributions to art, science, business, and social causes. Some notable examples include:

a. Nelson Mandela

Awarded numerous honorary degrees for his leadership in ending apartheid and promoting human rights.

b. Mother Teresa

Recognized worldwide for her humanitarian service and dedication to the poor.

c. Barack Obama

Honored by multiple universities for political leadership and public service.

d. Sachin Tendulkar

Received honorary doctorates for his contributions to sports and inspiring millions.

e. Malala Yousafzai

Awarded honorary degrees for advocating girls’ education and global peace.

f. Oprah Winfrey

Recognized for her influence in media, philanthropy, and empowering communities.

These examples show that an Honorary Doctorate is not limited to the academic world—leaders from all fields can receive this honor.

Global Trends: How Honorary Degrees Differ Across Countries

Although the idea of an Honorary Doctorate Degree is universal, its application varies from one country to another.

a. United States

Honorary degrees are widely awarded by universities. Institutions often invite recipients to deliver commencement speeches.

b. United Kingdom

Honorary degrees focus more on academic and social contributions. Titles like “Doctor of Letters” or “Doctor of Science” are common.

c. India

Many universities award Honorary Doctorates to artists, scientists, and public figures. The President of India often approves honorary degrees at central universities.

d. Europe

Honorary degrees are highly prestigious and awarded sparingly. Many institutions reserve them for groundbreaking researchers or global leaders.

e. Asia

Countries like Japan and South Korea honor business leaders, educators, and community contributors.

f. Middle East

Honorary doctorates are often awarded to political leaders, scholars, and cultural ambassadors.

These global variations reflect cultural values, academic traditions, and national priorities.

Can You Use the Title “Dr.” with an Honorary Doctorate?

A common question people ask is whether recipients of an Honorary Doctorate Degree can legitimately use the title “Dr.” before their name.

a. General Academic Policy

Most universities discourage the use of the title “Dr.” by honorary degree recipients. Since an honorary degree is not earned academically, using the title in professional settings may be considered misleading.

b. Exceptions

Some universities allow honorary recipients to use the title in informal or ceremonial contexts, but not for professional advancement.

c. Ethical Considerations

Honorees generally avoid using the title out of respect for those who have completed years of study and research to earn a doctorate.

d. Public Perception

Using “Dr.” without an earned doctorate can damage credibility, especially in academic or professional environments.

While the title is symbolic, the honor itself carries immense respect—even without using “Dr.” before one’s name.

How Honorary Doctorate Awards Influence Public Image and Legacy

Receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree has a significant impact on the public image and long-term legacy of recipients.

a. Boosts Public Reputation

The association with a prestigious university enhances credibility and respect.

b. Strengthens Personal Brand

For business leaders, authors, speakers, and philanthropists, an Honorary Doctorate adds an element of prestige and authority.

c. Enhances Media Presence

Honorary degree ceremonies often attract media coverage, increasing public awareness.

d. Inspires Future Generations

The recognition highlights the importance of contribution, leadership, and societal impact.

e. Multiplies Influence

Individuals with honorary degrees are often invited to conferences, summits, and global platforms where they can influence broader audiences.

Overall, honorary degrees help shape a positive and lasting legacy.

Conclusion:

The Honorary Doctorate Degree remains a timeless tradition in the world of higher education. Universities use these awards to honor extraordinary individuals who make a difference in society—whether through science, art, business, humanitarian work, or public service.

Despite occasional controversies, the value of honorary degrees continues to grow. They inspire students, strengthen universities, and celebrate human achievement in all its forms.

Looking ahead, honorary degrees will likely evolve as universities adapt to global changes, digital transformation, and emerging fields of impact. But one thing will remain constant: the world will always recognize and honor those who dedicate their lives to creating positive change.