Scholarships and fellowships have almost similar characteristics to the extent that people tend to use both terms interchangeably. Meanwhile, both “scholarships” and ” fellowships” could be said to have some distinctive features.
This article will provide questions to your yearning on what Scholarships and fellowships are, as well as their differences.
What Are “Scholarships” And “Fellowships”
Scholarships can be said to be funded programs provided for eligible students while fellowships are financial assistance rendered to graduate students for a short-term period.
The two above terms provide financial assistance to students, they are both considered important to students’ academic development.
Every year, students have an opportunity of getting financial assistance through various bursaries, scholarships, fellowship schemes, etc. Students can receive scholarship or fellowship benefits from their respective Universities, international organizations, research facilities, and much more.
Key Difference Between Scholarship And Fellowships?
The following are the differences between Scholarships and fellowships:
Eligibility:
Although the application process is similar to each other, scholarship programs are available to students irrespective of their academic level while fellowships only support postgraduate students.
For example, a student at the high school level can be awarded scholarship benefits up until his postgraduate level, but a fellowship does not fund students below the MSC level.
In essence, students in their early stage can use scholarship programs to sponsor their academics at the high school or undergraduate level but, it is not the same with fellowship programs.
Disbursement of funds:
It is no news that some students usually require financial assistance to further their education, which is usually for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Both fellowships and scholarships provide financial assistance, but funds allocated to fellowship programs are usually higher than that of scholarship programs.
This is because fellowship benefits are primarily meant for students who have completed their bachelor’s degree program and are looking to advance their studies or make research in their respective fields.
Time frame:
Scholarship benefits can be received for a long time while fellowship benefits are short time-based. Undergraduate students have the opportunity to receive a scholarship throughout their entire four-year or longer program. In contrast, postgraduate students typically receive fellowship benefits for less than three years.
Source of funding:
Any private or governmental organizations can offer scholarships to students as well as clubs and associations, while fellowships funding can only come from renowned organizations such as an institution of learning, governments as well as foundations.
Can a Student Benefit From Scholarships and Fellowships Programs Simultaneously?
The answer is Yes, a student can receive money from a scholarship program as well as fellowship programs. However, some scholarship programs may restrict students from benefiting from multiple awards. To avoid losing on both, ensure you make the necessary research on your offer.
