Honorary doctorate is a high-level academic recognition granted by a university to a recipient without completion of the normal academic requirements for that degree.

The title of honorary doctor, doctor honoris causa, may be conferred upon academics, primarily from abroad, who have established ties with the university’s academic researchers or other individuals who have not taken a doctorate through academic studies but should clearly be inducted into the research community. The policies or guidelines directing the practice regarding what achievements should be honored depends on the awarding institution.

However, different rules apply from institution to institution and in most cases, it is always the faculties that confer honorary doctorates, not the vice-chancellor or the university management. It also depends on the size of the country of award.