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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 RiazSawaira 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 SaeedSumera 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.
