When is a person called a student of knowledge

Question:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The verses and hadiths encourage seeking knowledge and speak of its virtue. But when is a person called a student of knowledge? Must it be in the field of religious and legal studies? The students in universities, with their various specializations, strive to obtain degrees; if it were not for the degrees, they would not go, except for whom Allah has mercy. Are they called students of knowledge? Peace be upon you. Thank you.

Answer:
My brother, the one who seeks knowledge is encouraged, not discouraged. It is said, “You are not just seeking the degree.” He is not encouraged to do only that. Even if at first he intended a job and the degree, Allah will benefit him with the knowledge; He will benefit him with the knowledge. These people are encouraged, and supplication is made for them for assistance. Seeking knowledge is done through the known means: by enrolling in schools, institutes, and colleges, or by sitting with the scholars in the mosques and in the circles of dhikr (remembrance of Allah). These are the ways of seeking knowledge. Yes.