The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word STUDIOUS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
U
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More clues leading to the result STUDIOUS
- Boss promises to reimburse academic
- Cramming lots from university into apartments
- Bookish boss with evidence of debts
- Painstaking bosses store debtor’s note
- I love you interrupting bosses of a hard-working bent
- Learning well, horse breeder promises to pay
- Academic rooms for recording university dons
- Hard-working boss promises to pay back money
- Keen to research place that breeds debts
- Keen on learning in workshop with American
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STUDIOUS mean?
STUDIOUS adjective- Given to thought, or to the examination of subjects by contemplation; contemplative.
- Dedicated to study; devoted to the acquisition of knowledge from books
- (usually followed by an infinitive or by "of") Earnest in endeavors; attentive; diligent
- Planned with study; deliberate; studied.
- Favorable to study; suitable for thought and contemplation