Difference Between Scholarship and Fellowship
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The scholarship and fellowship both cover a student's expenses related to the cost of living, the cost of studying, study material, and travelling among other things. With the help of these, those with limited financial means can pursue further education in overseas institutes. There is a subtle difference between a scholarship and a fellowship, but both are differently opted for different purposes.
This article will help students understand the difference between fellowship and scholarship and which set of students can choose them.
Also Read: Bursary Vs Scholarship
What is the Difference Between Scholarships and Fellowships?
Check out the difference between scholarships and fellowships and what should be the ideal option for applicants in the table below:
| Scholarship | Fellowship |
|---|---|
| A scholarship is typically a financial grant given to students who show excellent academic proficiency. Broadly speaking, two kinds of scholarships are provided to students, need-based and merit-based scholarships. | A fellowship meaning for students is a monetary/non-monetary grant that is provided to research scholars to continue their research and development in the education sector and bring about holistic growth. Here the fellowship benefits the education sector more than the awardee. |
| Scholarships ideally cover all aspects of the student's expenses. These include but are not limited to tuition cost, cost of living, study material, utilities, and flights to India and back to name a few. | Fellowships are not restricted to just monetary grants. Fellowship can be provided in the form of financial aid, employment, research opportunities and status in an academic institution |
| Scholarships apply to students at all stages of their education. Students are eligible for scholarships while studying in school, when in college for their higher education (UG / PG) or doing research work at PhD level. All individuals are eligible to apply for scholarships irrespective of their education. | Fellowships are grants that are available across courses after graduation. It is applicable for post-graduation, doctoral and post-doctoral courses. Candidates in school or pursuing undergraduate studies will not be able to eligible to apply for fellowships. |
| Scholarships are provided for the benefit of the students receiving them. Academically excellent (merit) and financially constrained students (need-based) are most likely to receive scholarships. | The main aim of a fellowship is to bring about development in research and the welfare of the education system. The main aim of a fellowship is to make the education system better with scholars contributing to the education system. |
| Scholarships are provided by public and private universities. Scholarships are also offered by private and government organizations for the welfare of students. | Fellowships are mostly provided by educational institutions or foundations that are associated with the education sector. |
| Scholarships are confined to monetary benefits and no entailing benefits are provided to students. | Fellowships are not limited to only monetary benefits. Fellowships can be in the form of employment, recognition, or status to help research fellows contribute to the education system. |
This contrast was briefly elaborated to help students understand the meaning of scholarships and fellowship meaning so that they can distinguish between the two easily.
Also Read:
- Difference between Scholarship and Freeship
- Common Expenses Covered in Scholarship
- What is a Good Scholarship Amount?
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a kind of grant given to students for their academic achievement, to encourage them to do better in academics. The scholarship is a financial aid granted by the government, university or any other organization to students to pursue their education. This money can be used to pay for different expenses like books, tuition fees, project work or any other expenses incurred on studies. Students need not repay this money as in the case of an education loan. Students can apply for a scholarship even before their undergraduate or graduate studies.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Famous Scholarships for Indian students: Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program, Chevening Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships, Tata Scholarship, QS Undergraduate Scholarship, Gates Millennium Scholarship in the USA.
Eligibility for a Scholarship
There are various types of Scholarships and are based on many different criteria set by the organization offering the scholarship. The prospective undergraduate and graduate students seeking funds to pursue academics are eligible to apply for merit-based scholarships.
When to apply for a scholarship?
Usually, scholarships are awarded for the upcoming academic year/session. So, students seeking admission in the next academic year to pursue graduate or undergraduate degrees should apply for the scholarship as early as possible.
How to apply for a scholarship?
The application process for scholarships can vary. You need to visit the website of the organization/college/agency offering the scholarship and check the eligibility criteria and the application process of applying for the scholarship. Some popular scholarships require nomination from the candidate's educational institution. Read in detail how to apply for a scholarship here.
Also Read: What are the Chances of Receiving a Scholarship?
What is a Fellowship?
Fellowship meaning in education is that it is a financial aid awarded to students who are going to do research on a specific subject after clearing the qualifying exam. A fellowship can be a grant given to students or scholars from various disciplines like finance, management, science, etc. for pursuing research in a specific area.
Under the Fellowship, the student/scholar doesn't need to receive financial aid, it can be any other benefits which the research fellow will receive under the fellowship. It can be granted as a status in an academic institution and nothing is provided to the scholar, no financial aid, no salary, etc. However, the scholar may be provided with certain benefits like access to the library or any other research facility as a fellow of a certain college.
Usually, a Fellowship is provided while pursuing a graduate degree or above for doing research in any specific area. Financial aid of other benefits provided for research activities is called fellowship.
Famous fellowships for Indian students: Fulbright-Kalam Climate Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships, Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowships, Akhtarali H. Tobaccowala Fellowship, and The Indian Trust Fellowship.
Read about one of the most illustrious scholar programmes, the Fullbright Fellowship here
Eligibility for a Fellowship
Every institution may have different eligibility criteria for a fellowship along with its objectives and focus. You need to meet the set requirements and display outstanding capabilities to be considered eligible for a fellowship. You should also demonstrate a strong interest in the research area for which you need a fellowship, leadership skills and some work experience. You also need to be proficient in the language in which you plan to carry out your research.
When to Apply for a Fellowship?
Deadlines for fellowships are already set by the agency or organisation providing them. Keep track of all the important dates on the official websites of those fellowships and apply timely. Some of the fellowships accept applications once annually, therefore commencing their application process a few months before the set application submission date.
How to Apply for a Fellowship?
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Difference Between Fellowship and Scholarship FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a scholarship, grant and fellowship?
A. The differences between scholarship, fellowship and grant based on several parameters are given below.
| Difference between a scholarship, grant and fellowship | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Parameters | Scholarship | Grant | Fellowship |
| Focus | Primarily for undergraduate studies (but provided for PG courses as well), awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. | Supports a specific project, research, or creative endeavour. Can be open to individuals, organizations, or institutions. |
Often for graduate studies, awarded based on academic excellence and potential for future research contributions. |
| Level of Study | Primarily for undergraduate studies, though some exist for graduate programs. | Applicable across various levels, from research projects to creative endeavours. | Mostly for graduate studies (Master's, PhD), but some support postdoctoral research. |
| Monetary vs. Non-Monetary | Typically offer financial aid to cover tuition and living expenses. | Can be monetary to support a project or non-monetary, providing resources or access to facilities. | Typically offer financial aid to cover tuition and living expenses. |
Q. Are stipends and fellowships the same?
A. No, despite having some similarities, stipends and fellowships are not the same. Both the fellowships and stipends are forms of financial support for individuals in academic settings but neither is always considered regular employment compensation. Both can be included in fellowship programs, with stipends often being a component of fellowship funding.
Let us learn about the differences between a fellowship and a stipend below.
| Fellowship | Stipend |
|---|---|
| Support educational experiences | Support living expenses or costs |
| Enhance academic experience and career growth | Provide basic financial support |
| Some may include work expectations | Generally don't expect work in return |
| Can be considered compensation in some cases | Not considered compensation for services |
| Often funded by foundations, NSF, and NIH | Common in fellowships and training grants |
Q. What is the purpose of a fellowship?
A. Fellowships offer several benefits to their recipients. Below are the key purposes of fellowships:
- Financial Support: Fellowships provide funding to cover educational expenses (tuition, fees) or research costs, allowing scholars to focus on their studies or research without financial constraints.
- Professional Development: Fellowships often include workshops, conferences, or networking opportunities, promoting professional growth and career advancement.
- Research and Innovation: Fellowships can support groundbreaking research by providing resources and mentorship to pursue innovative ideas.
- Recognition: Receiving a fellowship is a prestigious honour, acknowledging academic excellence and research potential.
Q. What is the difference between scholarship and stipend?
A. Scholarship is a type of award that is either awarded on a merit basis or a need basis. Students who are good at studies and need financial aid to support their studies are generally considered for scholarships. Scholarships often include a fixed amount of funds/stipend that is provided either once or in different instalments directly/indirectly to the educational institutions. This amount of scholarship can only be used towards university/school expenses requested for. Only a few scholarships also include expenses to cover the living expenses of students putting up in a foreign country.
Stipend on the other hand is a fixed income that is paid regularly to students working on projects or internships.
Q. Is fellowship an award?
A. Yes, fellowships are awards awarded based on merit, either internally or externally. Fellowships are generally awarded to graduate students to support their postgraduate studies or research without having them the need to pay any service (teaching/research assistantship) to the university/institution where they are enrolled.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: How to download UK Board 12th date sheet 2024?
Following are the steps to download the UK 12th date sheet 2024.
- Open the Uttarakhand Board's official website at ubse.uk.gov.in
- Click on 'Examination Scheme' available on the homepage
- A new window will appear on the screen containing a link of the UK Board 12th date sheet 2024
- Click the link and download the Uttarakhand 12th date sheet 2024
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