Crossword Genius

Student deserved to become erudite (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

learned

'erudite' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'student deserved' is the wordplay.
'student' becomes 'l' (as in L-plates for learner drivers).
'deserved' becomes 'earned' (I've seen this before).
'l'+'earned'='LEARNED'

'to become' is the link.

(Other definitions for learned that I've seen before include "Having great knowledge" , "Got to know" , "Well-educated" , "Gained understanding" , "Picked up - well-read" .)

I've seen this clue in The Everyman puzzle in The Observer.
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