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Bursary vs. Scholarship: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 4, 2023
Bursary vs. Scholarship: A bursary is financial aid based on need, while a scholarship is typically based on merit.

Key Differences

Bursaries and scholarships are both financial aids granted to students, but they are distinguished by their criteria. A bursary is predominantly awarded due to financial need. Conversely, scholarships are typically bestowed upon students based on their academic achievements, talents, or other merits.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
When students receive a bursary, it means that their financial circumstances have been taken into account. It doesn't necessarily reflect their academic prowess or extracurricular activities. However, with a scholarship, the reward is typically a recognition of excellence, whether in academics, sports, arts, or other fields.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Bursaries might be considered as more of a helping hand to ensure that financial challenges don't hinder a student's education. Scholarships, on the other hand, are accolades that commend a student's proficiency or potential in a specific domain.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
Many institutions have both bursaries and scholarships available. While applying for a bursary, a student might need to provide evidence of financial need, like family income. For scholarships, students might be asked for academic transcripts, portfolios, or to participate in competitions.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
To put it succinctly, while both bursaries and scholarships aim to lessen the financial burden on students, bursaries emphasize financial need, and scholarships highlight merit or talent.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Primary Criterion

Financial need.
Merit (academic, athletic, artistic, etc.).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Representation

Financial assistance.
Recognition of excellence.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Typical Application Requirements

Proof of financial circumstances.
Academic records, portfolios, or performances.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Purpose

Ensure finance doesn't impede education.
Reward and encourage talent or achievement.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Ties to Performance

Not directly tied to academic or extracurricular merit.
Directly tied to some form of merit or achievement.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023
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Bursary and Scholarship Definitions

Bursary

Financial assistance to ensure students can pursue education.
She applied for a bursary after her parents lost their jobs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Scholarship

Funds granted to students to recognize and encourage talent.
He received a scholarship for his outstanding performance in the state chess championship.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Bursary

A monetary grant for students based on financial need.
Due to his family's financial situation, he received a bursary to attend college.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Scholarship

Monetary recognition of potential or achievement.
His incredible athletic skills landed him a full-ride scholarship to a Division I school.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023

Bursary

Aid that doesn't necessitate repayment.
The best part about the bursary was that he didn't have to pay it back.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023
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Scholarship

A reward for excellence in various fields.
For his innovative project, he was granted a research scholarship.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023

Bursary

Monetary support not necessarily tied to academic achievement.
Even without top grades, he qualified for a bursary based on his financial need.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023

Scholarship

Financial aid that doesn't require repayment.
She was relieved to get a scholarship, eliminating the need for student loans.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023

Bursary

A fund provided by institutions to aid students with monetary challenges.
The university has a bursary program to help those in financial distress.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Scholarship

The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

A treasury, especially of a public institution or religious order.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

Chiefly British A scholarship granted to a university student in need.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

A monetary award to university students that allows them to continue their studies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

A grant-in-aid to a student.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

(dated) The treasury of a religious order or public institution.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

The character or qualities of a scholar.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

The treasury of a college or monastery.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

A scholarship or charitable foundation in a university, as in Scotland; a sum given to enable a student to pursue his studies.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Bursary

The treasury of a public institution or religious order
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

Literary education.
Any other house of scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

Profound scholarly knowledge
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 15, 2022

Scholarship

A financial award based on academic or other forms of merit.
Her excellent grades earned her a scholarship to a top university.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023

FAQs

Do scholarships require repayment?

No, scholarships are grants that don't require repayment.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Is a bursary based on academic performance?

Not primarily; a bursary is mainly based on financial need.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Can a student receive both a bursary and a scholarship?

Yes, a student can receive both a bursary for financial need and a scholarship for merit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Is every bursary amount the same?

No, bursary amounts can vary based on the institution and the student's financial need.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

How competitive are scholarships?

Scholarships can be highly competitive, especially those with significant rewards or prestige.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

What do scholarships typically reward?

Scholarships reward academic excellence, talent, or other forms of merit.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 04, 2023

Do all institutions offer bursaries?

Not all, but many institutions offer bursaries to assist students in financial need.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

What might a bursary application require?

A bursary application might require proof of income or other evidence of financial need.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Is a bursary a loan?

No, a bursary is a grant that doesn't require repayment.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Are scholarships only for university students?

No, scholarships can be offered at various educational levels, including high school and postgraduate studies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Can one apply for multiple bursaries?

Yes, students can apply for multiple bursaries to cover their financial needs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Are scholarships only for academics?

No, scholarships can be for academics, sports, arts, or other talents.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Who funds bursaries?

Bursaries can be funded by educational institutions, governments, or private organizations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023

Can a student's bursary be revoked?

Yes, if a student's financial situation changes or if there are other conditions tied to the bursary that aren't met.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023

Can a scholarship cover full tuition?

Yes, some scholarships can cover full tuition or even additional expenses.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023

What can a scholarship be used for?

A scholarship typically covers tuition, but some also cover books, living expenses, or research costs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Are scholarships only offered by educational institutions?

No, scholarships can be offered by institutions, private organizations, nonprofits, and other entities.
Sara Rehman
Oct 04, 2023

Are there scholarships for specific fields of study?

Yes, some scholarships are designated for specific fields or areas of study.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 04, 2023

Can international students receive scholarships?

Yes, many institutions offer scholarships specifically for international students.
Harlon Moss
Oct 04, 2023

Can a bursary cover non-tuition expenses?

Some bursaries can cover books, transportation, or other school-related expenses.
Janet White
Oct 04, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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