Difference Between Scholarship and Fellowship

The difference between scholarship and fellowship is that scholarships fund education costs (tuition, fees, living expenses), while fellowships fund advanced research, specialised study, or professional projects. If you’re pursuing higher education and are looking for financial aid, scholarship and fellowship are the two words you’ll hear often. 

This article provides a clear picture of the difference between scholarship and fellowship. You’ll learn the key differences and learn their types with examples.

What is the Difference Between Scholarships and Fellowships?

The fundamental difference between scholarship and fellowship lies in their purpose, target audience, duration, and requirements. Here’s a detailed comparison table:

What is a Scholarship?

A scholarship is a financial award given to students based mostly on merit, need, achievements, or special characteristics. Scholarships aren’t loans, so you don’t have to pay them back. Scholarships reduce education costs and make studies affordable.

Scholarships are provided by universities, government bodies, non-profits, private companies, and more. They support students at every level — undergraduate, graduate, or even high school.

If you’re planning to study in the US, you might also want to check out some of the top scholarships available for Indian students in the US

What are the Types of Scholarships?

Scholarships aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different types of scholarships help students with different backgrounds, interests, and strengths. Here’s an overview:

• Merit-Based Scholarships: Awarded for outstanding academic achievement. Example: Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships, Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship.
• Need-Based Scholarships: For students with financial need. Example: Inlaks Scholarship.
• Athletic Scholarships: For those excelling in sports. Example: NCAA Scholarships.
• Minority/Category-Based Scholarships: For underrepresented groups. Example: Gates Millennium Scholars Program.

If the UK is your preferred study destination, don’t miss out on these scholarships for Indian students in the UK

What is a Fellowship in Education?

Now, let’s explore fellowship meaning in education. In academia, a fellowship is typically a merit-based funding award for advanced study, research, or professional projects. Unlike scholarships, fellowships often support graduate students and professionals working on specialised studies, research projects, teaching, or leadership development.

Fellowships are provided by universities, research centres, foundations, and governments. Recipients or fellows get financial aid plus mentorship, dedicated training, and a network of peers in their field. 

What are the Types of Fellowships in Education?

There are dozens of unique fellowship programs covering different needs:

• Research Fellowships: For conducting specific scientific or academic projects. Example: DAAD Research Fellowships.
• Postdoctoral Fellowships: For those who’ve earned a PhD and are continuing research. Example: Harvard Postdoctoral Fellowships, Erasmus Mundus Scholarship.
• Teaching Fellowships: For developing educators, often offering classroom experience. Example: Teach For India Fellowship.
• International Fellowships: For cross-border work or study, fostering global talent. Example: Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship, Fulbright-Nehru Master’s Fellowships.

Many Indian students also apply for the JN Tata Endowment Scholarship to fund their postgraduate or PhD studies.

Scholarship Opportunities with The WorldGrad

The WorldGrad’s strong academic partnerships with top global universities and unwavering commitment empower exclusive scholarships tailored to your achievements, diversity, leadership, and financial needs. Besides the generous university scholarships, The WorldGrad offers 2 scholarships for its students:

The SmartGrad Scholarship

• Financial Reward: Up to 20% scholarship on The WorldGrad tuition fees
• Applicable Programs: All American Undergraduate Program, All American Graduate Program, Global Year 1 Program, and Global Online Accelerator Program.
• Number of Scholarships: 22 Limited Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

• For UG Programs: Achieve 75% or above in Class 12 (CBSE or equivalent) / 80% for State Boards. No academic gap.
• For PG Programs: Achieve 75% or above, equivalent to undergraduate studies without any backlogs.

Director’s Merit Award

• Financial Reward: INR 50,000 per student
• Applicable Programs: All American Graduate Program, Global Online Accelerator Program, and Global Year 1 Program
• Number of Scholarships: 22 Limited Scholarships

Eligibility Criteria:

Minimum Score

• Global Year 1 Program: Attainment of an overall “Distinction” grade
• Global Online Accelerator Program: Achieve an impressive overall score of 75% or above across the four subjects combined
• All American Graduate Program: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher across all subjects

Successful candidates should have completed all stipulated subjects on the first attempt without any failed subjects.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between scholarship and fellowship is vital for anyone serious about funding their education or advancing their career. Scholarships make education accessible for undergraduates and postgraduates, covering tuition and basic needs, often with minimal obligations. Fellowships, by contrast, are gateways to advanced research, professional growth, and deep specialisation, typically reserved for graduate students, researchers, and professionals.