What Does Honorary PhD Mean and Who Can Receive This Academic Honour? The honorary PhD meaning refers to an academic distinction awarded to recognise an individual's exceptional achievements or contributions. It may be associated with accomplishments in research, education, business, arts, innovation, public service, or other areas of social and professional impact. An honorary PhD is not the same as an earned doctorate because the recipient does not complete the standard doctoral process involving formal study, original research, thesis submission, and examination. Explore more: https://www.aimlay.com/honorary-doctorate-explained-meaning-criteria