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Scholarship vs. Fellowship: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 12, 2023
Scholarship usually refers to a financial grant for a student's education, while Fellowship often pertains to a financial grant for advanced study or research.

Key Differences

Scholarship and Fellowship are both financial aids intended to support individuals in their academic pursuits. While a Scholarship is commonly awarded to students based on their academic achievements, financial need, or other criteria, a Fellowship is typically given to individuals, often postgraduate, to support advanced study, research, or professional training.
Both Scholarship and Fellowship help to alleviate the financial burden associated with education and research. However, while Scholarships are generally awarded to undergraduate or high school students, Fellowships are typically reserved for those pursuing postgraduate studies, research, or specialized training.
In terms of application, receiving a Scholarship might require maintaining a certain grade point average or participating in extracurricular activities. On the other hand, a Fellowship often demands recipients to contribute in some manner to the granting institution, perhaps through teaching or research.
Furthermore, Scholarships are usually associated with recognition of academic achievement or potential, while Fellowships are more aligned with opportunities for career advancement or deep academic exploration.
Lastly, while both Scholarship and Fellowship can come from various sources like institutions, organizations, or individuals, the intent is always to further one's education or research in their respective fields.
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Comparison Chart

Purpose

To support a student's basic education.
To support advanced study or research.

Recipients

Undergraduate or high school students.
Postgraduate students or professionals.

Based On

Academic achievement, financial need, etc.
Research, study, or professional training focus.

Requirements

Often requires maintaining grades or other criteria.
May require contributions like teaching or research to the grantor.

Association

Linked with recognition of academic potential.
Linked with career advancement or deep academic exploration.
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Scholarship and Fellowship Definitions

Scholarship

Scholarship can mean a characteristic quality, flair, or ability recognized and brought out in an individual.
His scholarship in the arts was unparalleled.

Fellowship

Fellowship pertains to the act of bonding or uniting in mutual interests and goals.
Their fellowship over the years led to many successful ventures.

Scholarship

Scholarship is the sum of knowledge within a particular subject.
Her books added to the scholarship of ancient civilizations.

Fellowship

Fellowship is a grant of money awarded for advanced study or research.
After graduation, she secured a fellowship in astrophysics.

Scholarship

Scholarship denotes the foundation or creation of a study.
The scholarship on the topic has expanded greatly in recent years.

Fellowship

Fellowship signifies companionship or mutual sharing among members of a group.
They gathered for a night of fun and fellowship.

Scholarship

Scholarship is a monetary award for students to further their education.
She received a scholarship to attend the prestigious university.

Fellowship

Fellowship is the status of being a fellow in a college or society.
After years of contribution, she achieved fellowship in the academy.

Scholarship

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

Fellowship

The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms
A voracious reader who found fellowship in a book club.

Scholarship

Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.

Fellowship

Friendship; comradeship
A strong fellowship developed among them.

Scholarship

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

Fellowship

A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests
A fellowship of photographers.

Scholarship

A grant-in-aid to a student.

Fellowship

The financial grant made to a fellow in a college or university.

Scholarship

The character or qualities of a scholar.

Fellowship

The status or position of one who is awarded such a grant.

Scholarship

The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.

Fellowship

A company of people that share the same interest or aim.

Scholarship

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

Fellowship

(dated) Company, companions; a group of people or things following another.

Scholarship

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

Fellowship

A feeling of friendship, relatedness or connection between people.

Scholarship

(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.

Fellowship

(education) A merit-based scholarship.

Scholarship

(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.

Fellowship

(education) A temporary position at an academic institution with limited teaching duties and ample time for research.

Scholarship

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

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

Literary education.
Any other house of scholarship.

Fellowship

The proportional division of profit and loss among partners.

Scholarship

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

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

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

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

Profound scholarly knowledge

Fellowship

The state or relation of being or associate.

Scholarship

Scholarship refers to the academic study or achievement; learning of a high level.
His work is a testament to years of rigorous scholarship.

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.

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

Fellowship refers to a group of people or an organization with the same purpose or interest.
He was welcomed into the fellowship of the scientific community.

FAQs

Do all Scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA?

Not all, but some Scholarships have GPA or other criteria for retention.

Are Fellowships only for postgraduate studies?

Mostly, but Fellowships can also be for professionals seeking specialized training.

What is a Scholarship?

A Scholarship is a financial grant awarded to students to support their education, often based on academic achievement or need.

How is a Fellowship different from a Scholarship?

While a Scholarship typically supports basic education, a Fellowship is for advanced study or research.

Do Fellowships require recipients to contribute to the granting institution?

Some do, often in the form of teaching or research.

Can one apply for multiple Fellowships simultaneously?

Yes, unless the specific Fellowship restricts it.

How long does a typical Scholarship last?

Many Scholarships are for one academic year but can be renewable.

How competitive are Scholarships?

It varies widely, from highly competitive national awards to more accessible local ones.

Are Scholarships only for academic achievers?

No, Scholarships can be based on various criteria including financial need, talents, or community service.

Can professionals, not in school, receive Fellowships?

Yes, some Fellowships target professionals for research or specialized training.

Do Fellowships cover living expenses?

Some do, but it varies based on the Fellowship's terms.

Can high school students get Scholarships?

Yes, high school students can receive Scholarships based on academic or extracurricular achievements.

Are Fellowships available internationally?

Yes, many institutions and organizations worldwide offer Fellowships.

How are Fellowship amounts determined?

Amounts can be based on research needs, cost of living, or the granting institution's budget.

Is a Fellowship considered employment?

It can be, especially if there are work requirements like teaching or research.

Can one hold both a Scholarship and Fellowship simultaneously?

Yes, if the terms of each allow it and there's no overlap in the purposes they cover.

Can Scholarships cover non-tuition expenses?

Some can, including room, board, or travel expenses.

Are there Scholarships for non-traditional students or adult learners?

Yes, many Scholarships cater to non-traditional students returning to school.

Can international students get Scholarships in the U.S.?

Yes, many U.S. institutions offer Scholarships for international students.

Are Scholarships taxable?

In the U.S., Scholarship funds used for tuition and books are often tax-free, but other uses may be taxable.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon Moss
Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.

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