What Is The Difference Between Fellowship and Scholarship

Understanding the differences between Fellowships and Scholarships is a crucial aspect for students who intend to study abroad. While both offer financial support, they can cater differently to students’ academic and professional development. Let us dive deeper into this topic:

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FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS: THE DIFFERENCES

Some institutions may interchangeably use the words scholarships and fellowships to refer to grants for higher education, however, there lies key differences. Let us take a look at that:

PREREQUISITESFELLOWSHIPSSCHOLARSHIPS
DescriptionFellowships are a reward for significant research and innovationThe scholarship is a helping aid
Type of GrantMonetary or Non- Monetary grantsOnly monetary grants
Offered toResearchers or trainees (Research graduate, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral level)Undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students
Based onStandalone research expensesTuition fees, living and travel expenses
Offered byGovt. Research Organizations or universities supporting individual research nicheGovernment, private, and public universities/ colleges or other private funding
Application TimeLater stages of studyCan be applied earlier, along with or even before the course admission
RenewabilityCan not be renewedIt can be renewed

WHAT IS SCHOLARSHIP

A scholarship is an aid given financially to students by the government or universities to support them in their academic endeavors of undergraduate, postgraduate, or further studies. It could be one-time monetary support or even continual funds provided each semester or academic year for the welfare of students.

TYPES OF SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY ABROAD

Based on the purpose of aid and the eligibility, we can classify the different types of scholarships:

  • Merit-Based Scholarships/ Academic Scholarships- As the name suggests, merit-based scholarships are provided to students who have proved their academic excellence time and again and are willing to study further by getting aid based on their marks.
  • Need-Based Scholarships/ Bursaries- The students who wish to pursue higher education but are hindered because of financial stability are supported with the help of these need-based scholarships.
  • Scholarships by Major- Scholarships can also be filtered by the major you opt for in your academics. Many universities at the undergraduate or postgraduate level offer opportunities to opt for scholarships based on your chosen major.
  • Legacy Scholarships- Legacy scholarships are offered to students having a familial connection with the university. In simple terms, it provides financial support to the children, spouse, or other family members of the alumni, depending on the university.

Check out the Top 10 Scholarships in Canada for International Students.

HOW TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

The basic application procedure for scholarships generally remains the same everywhere. Let us have a look:

  • Research about suitable scholarships
  • Prepare all the required documents
  • Write Personal Statements
  • Fill out Application forms
  • Make payments and submit applications
  • Follow Up
  • Prepare for Interviews (if any)

Know how to develop a College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.

LIST OF TOP 10 PRESTIGIOUS SCHOLARSHIPS ABROAD

Here is a list of the top prestigious scholarships abroad with deadlines:

Check out this FAFSA aid for international students dreaming to studying in the UK.

WHAT IS FELLOWSHIP

Fellowship is allowed to aid in the pursuit of individuals’ own research and study, provide opportunities for specialized training or delve deeper into a specific sector of work. A fellowship could be an amount of money or things holding different values like research opportunities or recognized status in an academic institution to take forward the education system by promoting research and development works in the field.

TYPES OF FELLOWSHIPS TO STUDY ABROAD

Fellowships at different levels serve different purposes and provide help based on that. The different types of fellowships offered abroad are:

  • Medical Fellowships- A medical fellowship is a period of medical training for physicians who completed their course and are willing to gain expertise in their desired medical field.
  • Graduate Fellowships- Graduate fellowship encompasses different categories of financial support including the fellowship for dissertation, different traineeships, or even predoctoral fellowships providing economic benefits to graduate students.
  • Research Fellowships- A research fellowship could be in the form of a grant, endowment, or various dedicated sources of funding that help you build an independent research career.
  • Post Doctoral Fellowships- Postdoc is a stepping stone towards a full-time professional. It is granted to scholars who have shown significant competence in their Ph.D. and are willing to take their journey of research further.
  • Visiting Fellowships- Visiting fellowships are often offered to doctoral or postdoctoral candidates who are visiting different research centers/institutes to carry out their research work.

Read about the Top Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FELLOWSHIPS

Applying for fellowships abroad could be a daunting task and demands rigorous effort. Here is how to move forward with this:

  • Look out for fellowships that match your eligibility criteria and suit your preferences 
  • Go through the fellowship scheme and application guidelines as it could play an important role in further application procedures.
  • Applying for fellowships is tough, you can attend webinars, application workshops, or even reach out to support services at the host institution.
  • Start with the application by writing a fellowship proposal.
  • Describe yourself, your project proposal, and the reason for that particular institution of choice very clearly and concisely
  • Gather all the necessary documents and submit
  • You will be contacted by the concerned authorities after this step

TOP 10 PRESTIGIOUS FELLOWSHIPS ABROAD

CONCLUSION

You may have recognized the distinct roles of scholarships and fellowships after going through this guide about how scholarships are offered to serve different needs while fellowships are not merely monetary benefits. This could help you make an informed decision of choosing the right support for your academic and professional growth.