Malthusian didn't get this from female graduate (6)

I believe the answer is:

alumna

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'female graduate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for alumna that I've seen before include "Harvard graduate" , "Manual (anag) - old girl" , "Female former pupil" , "Female graduate" , "She studied" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.

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