Scholarship vs. Grant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on September 29, 2023
A scholarship is financial aid awarded for academic merit, while a grant is non-repayable funds given often based on financial need.
Key Differences
Scholarship and grant are financial aids provided to individuals, often students, to assist them in pursuing their education. A scholarship is typically awarded on the basis of merit, which can include academic achievement, athletic ability, or other talents. It recognizes and rewards an individual’s accomplishments and potentials. In contrast, a grant is often allocated based on financial need, and it can be used for various purposes, including education, research, and charitable activities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Scholarships are pivotal in promoting education as they remove financial barriers for talented and deserving individuals, enabling them to access learning opportunities and realize their potentials. Grants, on the other hand, empower individuals and organizations to undertake projects and activities that may lack financial feasibility but have significant impact and value. Both scholarships and grants are instrumental in fostering development, innovation, and equality by redistributing resources and opportunities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
While scholarships usually have stringent eligibility criteria and selection processes focusing on individual’s abilities and achievements, grants tend to emphasize the purpose and impact of the funding. The allocation of grants is often linked to the alignment with specific goals, objectives, or areas of interest of the grantor, such as addressing social issues or advancing scientific research.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Though the primary objective of both scholarships and grants is to provide financial support, the implications and expectations differ. Scholarship recipients are generally expected to maintain a certain level of performance or compliance with the terms, reflecting the merit-based nature of the award. Grant recipients, however, are usually required to fulfill the intended purpose of the funding and demonstrate the outcomes and impacts, ensuring accountability and alignment with the grantor’s vision and mission.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
In essence, both scholarships and grants play crucial roles in enabling individuals and entities to pursue their goals and contribute to societal progress. By offering financial support and incentives, scholarships and grants facilitate access to education, encourage innovation, and support initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and creating value in various domains.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Usually awarded based on merit.
Often allocated based on financial need.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Purpose
Primarily intended for educational support.
Can be used for various purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Eligibility
Requires meeting specific criteria or achievements.
More focused on the intended use of funds.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Conditions
May have performance-related conditions.
May require fulfilling intended purpose.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Recipient
Typically individual students.
Can be individuals, organizations, or projects.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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Scholarship and Grant Definitions
Scholarship
It’s a monetary award to support academically outstanding students.
The scholarship covered Mary’s tuition and book expenses.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Grant
A grant is monetary assistance provided for various objectives.
The artist was awarded a grant to complete her innovative project.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
Scholarship
It’s an educational grant for students meeting specific criteria.
The music scholarship allowed Oliver to attend his dream school.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Grant
It’s funding allocated to fulfill certain goals or visions.
The university received a grant to enhance its science department.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Scholarship
A scholarship recognizes and rewards individual accomplishments.
The athletic scholarship was awarded to Emma for her excellence in sports.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 21, 2023
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Grant
To allow or consent to the fulfillment of (something requested)
Grant permission to speak frankly.
Grant a request.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
A scholarship is a merit-based financial aid for education.
John received a scholarship for his exceptional academic achievements.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Grant
To give or confer officially or formally
Grant voting rights to citizens.
Grant diplomatic immunity.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
A scholarship is financial assistance based on merit.
The scholarship enabled Sara to pursue higher education without financial burden.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
To concede; acknowledge
I grant that your plan is ingenious, but you still will not find many backers.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
Something granted, especially a giving of funds for a specific purpose
Federal grants for medical research.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
One of several tracts of land in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont originally granted to an individual or a group.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
(ditransitive) to give (permission or wish)
He was granted permission to attend the meeting.
The genie granted him three wishes
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
(ditransitive) To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.en
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
(transitive) To agree with (someone) on (something); to accept (something) for the sake of argument; to admit to (someone) that (something) is true.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
The thing or property granted; a gift; a boon.
I got a grant from the government to study archeology in Egypt.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
(law) A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government.
A grant of land or of money
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
(informal) An application for a grant monetary boon to aid research or the like.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
To give over; to make conveyance of; to give the possession or title of; to convey; - usually in answer to petition.
Grant me the place of this threshing floor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.
Wherefore did God grant me my request.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
To admit as true what is not yet satisfactorily proved; to yield belief to; to allow; to yield; to concede.
Grant that the Fates have firmed by their decree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government; as, a grant of land or of money; also, the deed or writing by which the transfer is made.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
Scottish painter; cousin of Lytton Strachey and member of the Bloomsbury Group (1885-1978)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
United States actor (born in England) who was the elegant leading man in many films (1904-1986)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
18th President of the United States; commander of the Union armies in the American Civil War (1822-1885)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
A contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business;
He got the beer concession at the ball park
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Grant
A grant is non-repayable funds allocated based on need or purpose.
The research team received a grant to study environmental impacts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 21, 2023
Grant
It’s financial aid given to support specific projects or initiatives.
The non-profit organization got a grant for their community program.
Harlon Moss
Sep 21, 2023
Grant
A grant is allocated money to support endeavors aligned with the grantor’s interests.
The city received a grant to improve public transportation.
Janet White
Sep 21, 2023
FAQs
Can a scholarship be used for things other than tuition?
Yes, some scholarships can be used for other expenses like books, housing, and supplies, depending on the scholarship terms.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is a grant repayable?
No, grants are non-repayable funds provided to support specific needs or projects.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Are all grants need-based?
While many grants are need-based, some are awarded for specific purposes like research or community projects, regardless of financial need.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is maintaining a certain GPA a common requirement for keeping a scholarship?
Yes, many scholarships have GPA requirements to ensure recipients maintain the merit for which they were awarded.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
How is a scholarship different from a grant?
A scholarship is merit-based financial aid, usually for education, whereas a grant is often need-based financial aid given for various purposes.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can anyone apply for a scholarship?
While anyone can apply, scholarships have specific eligibility criteria, often related to academic achievement or talent, that applicants must meet.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can scholarships be renewed?
Some scholarships are renewable, provided recipients continue to meet the renewal criteria, typically related to performance or need.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can grants be awarded to organizations?
Yes, grants can be awarded to individuals, organizations, or projects to support specific objectives or needs.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Do all grants require a proposal?
Most grants require a proposal or application detailing the intended use and purpose of the funds to assess alignment with grantor’s objectives.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Do grant recipients need to report outcomes?
Yes, grant recipients usually need to report outcomes to demonstrate the impact and adherence to the grant's purpose.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Are grants taxable?
The taxability of grants depends on various factors including the use of funds and tax laws; it’s advisable to consult a tax professional.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
Can a student receive multiple scholarships?
Yes, a student can receive multiple scholarships as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Are scholarships available for part-time students?
Some scholarships are available for part-time students, but availability and criteria depend on the scholarship provider.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Are scholarships only for undergraduate students?
No, scholarships are available for different educational levels including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Can grants be used for personal expenses?
Generally, grants are intended for specific purposes and not personal expenses, unless explicitly allowed by the grant terms.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 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.
