Scholarship vs. Fellowship — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 15, 2024
Scholarships typically provide financial aid for academic achievements, while fellowships offer funding for advanced research or study in a specialized field.
Difference Between Scholarship and Fellowship
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on criteria such as academic merit, athletic skill, or financial need, aiming to cover tuition fees or other educational expenses. On the other hand, fellowships are generally aimed at graduate students, researchers, or professionals who are looking to undertake specific research or projects, often providing a stipend and sometimes covering living expenses or travel.
Scholarships often require recipients to maintain certain academic standards, like a minimum GPA, to continue receiving the benefit. Fellowships, whereas, might focus more on the completion of a particular project or research, with progress often monitored through reports or presentations to the granting organization.
Many scholarships are designed to be accessible to undergraduates at various educational levels, from high school to college. Fellowships are usually more specialized, targeting individuals at the postgraduate level or professionals in specific fields seeking to advance their expertise.
The application process for scholarships can vary widely, from simple forms to detailed essays and letters of recommendation. In contrast, fellowship applications might require a detailed proposal of the project or research intended, along with professional references that can attest to the applicant’s expertise and suitability for the fellowship.
Scholarships are often funded by educational institutions, charitable foundations, or corporate sponsors as part of broader educational support programs. Fellowships are frequently funded by academic institutions, research organizations, or endowments that support specific fields of study or areas of research, reflecting a deeper level of investment in specialized knowledge.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Primarily to support tuition and living costs for academic study.
To fund advanced research or specialized projects.
Recipients
Mostly undergraduates and sometimes graduate students.
Primarily graduate students, researchers, or professionals.
Funding
Covers educational expenses like tuition and books.
Often provides a stipend for personal and project expenses.
Selection Criteria
Academic achievement, financial need, or specific talents.
Research proposals, professional experience, or specific achievements.
Duration
Typically aligned with academic terms or years.
May last for the duration of a project or a fixed term for research.
Compare with Definitions
Scholarship
Award for academic achievement.
His high GPA earned him a prestigious scholarship.
Fellowship
Grant for advanced study or research.
He was awarded a fellowship to continue his research in microbiology.
Scholarship
Aid based on criteria other than financial need.
Scholarships for artistic talents are also offered at her college.
Fellowship
Opportunity for professional development.
The fellowship offered a chance to work with leading scientists in her field.
Scholarship
Assistance that does not require repayment.
Unlike loans, his scholarship provided funds that he did not need to repay.
Fellowship
Program supporting professionals in specific fields.
The fellowship program at the museum supports emerging curators.
Scholarship
Support for educational pursuits.
The scholarship allowed her to study abroad for a semester.
Fellowship
Term-limited financial and academic support.
The two-year fellowship provided both funding and access to special archives.
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further their education at a private elementary or secondary school, or a private or public post-secondary college, university, or other academic institution. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, financial need, among others.
Fellowship
The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms
A voracious reader who found fellowship in a book club.
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Fellowship
Friendship; comradeship
A strong fellowship developed among them.
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Fellowship
A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests
A fellowship of photographers.
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Fellowship
The financial grant made to a fellow in a college or university.
Scholarship
A grant-in-aid to a student.
Fellowship
The status or position of one who is awarded such a grant.
Scholarship
The character or qualities of a scholar.
Fellowship
A company of people that share the same interest or aim.
Scholarship
The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.
Fellowship
(dated) Company, companions; a group of people or things following another.
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Fellowship
A feeling of friendship, relatedness or connection between people.
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Fellowship
(education) A merit-based scholarship.
Scholarship
(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.
Fellowship
(education) A temporary position at an academic institution with limited teaching duties and ample time for research.
Scholarship
(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.
Fellowship
(medicine) A period of supervised, sub-specialty medical training in the United States and Canada that a physician may undertake after completing a specialty training program or residency.
Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
Fellowship
The proportional division of profit and loss among partners.
Scholarship
Literary education.
Any other house of scholarship.
Fellowship
(transitive) To admit to fellowship, enter into fellowship with; to make feel welcome by showing friendship or building a cordial relationship. Now only in religious use.
The Bishop's family fellowshipped the new converts.
The Society of Religious Snobs refused to fellowship the poor family.
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Fellowship
To join in fellowship; to associate with.
The megachurch he attends is too big for making personal connections, so he also fellowships weekly in one of the church's small groups.
After she got married, she stopped fellowshipping with the singles in our church.
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Fellowship
The state or relation of being or associate.
Scholarship
Profound scholarly knowledge
Fellowship
Companionship of persons on equal and friendly terms; frequent and familiar intercourse.
In a great town, friends are scattered, so that there is not that fellowship which is in less neighborhods.
Men are made for society and mutual fellowship.
Scholarship
Financial aid granted to a student.
She received a scholarship to cover her tuition at the university.
Fellowship
A state of being together; companionship; partnership; association; hence, confederation; joint interest.
The great contention of the sea and skiesParted our fellowship.
Fellowship in pain divides not smart
Fellowship in woe doth woe assuage
The goodliest fellowship of famous knights,Whereof this world holds record.
Fellowship
Those associated with one, as in a family, or a society; a company.
The sorrow of Noah with his fellowship.
With that a joyous fellowship issuedOf minstrels.
Fellowship
A foundation for the maintenance, on certain conditions, of a scholar called a fellow, who usually resides at the university.
Fellowship
The rule for dividing profit and loss among partners; - called also partnership, company, and distributive proportion.
There's neither honesty, manhood, nor good fellowship in thee.
Fellowship
To acknowledge as of good standing, or in communion according to standards of faith and practice; to admit to Christian fellowship.
Fellowship
An association of people who share common beliefs or activities;
The message was addressed not just to employees but to every member of the company family
The church welcomed new members into its fellowship
Fellowship
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Fellowship
Money granted (by a university or foundation or other agency) for advanced study or research
Fellowship
Funding with a focus on specific projects.
Her fellowship was to develop community-based art programs.
Common Curiosities
What is the main purpose of a scholarship?
To provide financial support primarily for students to cover educational costs.
Who typically qualifies for a fellowship?
Graduate students, researchers, and professionals focusing on specific projects or research.
What might a fellowship application require?
A detailed project proposal, academic transcripts, and professional references.
How do scholarships benefit students?
They reduce the financial burden of education, allowing students to focus on their studies.
Do you need to repay a scholarship?
No, scholarships do not need to be repaid.
Is there a typical duration for fellowships?
Fellowships typically last from a few months to several years, depending on the project or program.
Are fellowships tax-free?
It depends on the nature of the fellowship and local tax laws, but many are taxable.
How often do you apply for a scholarship?
Applications can typically be submitted annually or by semester, depending on the scholarship.
Are fellowships available to undergraduate students?
While less common, there are fellowships aimed at undergraduates, particularly those involved in research.
Can scholarships cover full tuition?
Yes, some scholarships cover full tuition and other related academic expenses.
What is a unique aspect of fellowships?
Fellowships often provide support for practical experience in advanced research or specialized fields.
Can international students receive scholarships?
Yes, many scholarships are available to international students.
Can you have more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, students can often combine multiple scholarships if they meet the criteria.
What kind of support does a fellowship offer besides financial?
Many fellowships offer mentoring, professional development, and networking opportunities.
What differentiates scholarships from fellowships in terms of impact?
Scholarships generally support broader educational needs, whereas fellowships are designed to advance knowledge and expertise in specific areas.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Byway vs. Highway
Next Comparison
Focus vs. VisionAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
