You would not study at the university or academic institution prior to receiving the honorary doctorate. The institution awards it to you in recognition of the contribution you have made to society.
There are three types of doctorate degrees: research, professional and honorary doctorate. The doctorate degree is the highest degree in education and the program normally takes three to six years to complete. The institution presenting the honorary degree may offer several types of honorary doctorate degrees and present the recipient with a degree related to their field of work.
Nomination for the honorary degree is often required but some institutions ask you to apply. While universities may recognize their own former graduates, many recipients of the degree have never attended the institution. Candidates must usually submit a biography and nomination form, which a selection committee reviews; they then pass on their recommendation to the governing authority. Institutions often expect a sizable donation from the chosen candidate.