Stipend vs. Scholarship — What's the Difference?

An allowance to cover expenses.

A grant to assist with educational expenses.

A fixed regular payment, often for work done.

A fund to encourage academic research or study in a particular field.

A set sum paid to professionals, like clergy or teachers.

Monetary support based on need or accomplishment.

Monetary support to ensure participation in beneficial activities.

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.

Compensation often given to trainees or apprentices.

The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.

A stipend is a regular fixed sum of money paid for services or to defray expenses, such as for scholarship, internship, or apprenticeship. It is often distinct from an income or a salary because it does not necessarily represent payment for work performed; instead it represents a payment that enables somebody to be exempt partly or wholly from waged or salaried employment in order to undertake a role that is normally unpaid or voluntary, or which cannot be measured in terms of a task (e.g.

Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.

A fixed and regular payment, such as a salary for services rendered or an allowance.

A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.

(archaic) A regular fixed payment made to someone (especially a clergyman, judge, soldier, or teacher) for services provided by them; a salary. 15

A grant-in-aid to a student.

(by extension)

The character or qualities of a scholar.

Some other form of fixed (and generally small) payment occurring at regular intervals, such as an allowance, a pension, or (obsolete) a tax. 16

The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.

(education) A scholarship granted to a student. 20

(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.

(obsolete)

The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.

Money which is earned; an income.

(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.

A one-off payment for a service provided.

(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.

To provide (someone) with a stipend (an allowance, a pension, a salary, etc.). 16

The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.

Settled pay or compensation for services, whether paid daily, monthly, or annually.

Literary education.

To pay by settled wages.

Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.

A sum of money allotted on a regular basis; usually for some specific purpose

Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit

Profound scholarly knowledge

A financial award for academic merit.

An award recognizing and supporting potential in a particular area.

A stipend can be used for living expenses, work-related costs, or as compensation for a particular role or service.

In the U.S., scholarships used for tuition and required books are often tax-free, but portions used for room and board might be considered taxable income.

Some scholarships are renewable based on maintaining certain academic standards, while others are one-time awards.

Not necessarily. While stipends can be compensation for work, recipients might not be considered regular employees.

Both offer financial aid for education, but grants are often based on financial need, while scholarships might focus more on merit or achievement.

In the U.S., stipends are often taxable income, but specific tax implications can vary based on circumstances.

No, stipends do not need to be repaid as they are considered compensation or allowances.

Stipends are often offered by organizations, institutions, or programs for roles like internships, residencies, or fellowships.

It's possible, depending on the terms of each stipend and the associated roles or activities.

Scholarships often have application processes that require academic transcripts, essays, and sometimes recommendations or interviews.

While both provide monetary compensation, a stipend is usually a fixed, regular amount, whereas a salary might reflect job position, hours worked, or performance.

Scholarship amounts can be based on available funds, the number of recipients, the cost of the educational institution, or the criteria of the award.

No, not all internships are paid. Whether an intern receives a stipend depends on the organization and the nature of the internship.

Yes, many institutions and organizations offer scholarships specifically for international students.

Yes, scholarships exist for a variety of talents, including athletics, arts, and community involvement.