What are the Key Differences of fellowship and scholarship

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.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-capbackground-color:#69727d;color:#fff.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-capcolor:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-capmargin-top:8px.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letterwidth:1em;height:1em.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-capfloat:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letterdisplay:inline-block The terms “scholarships” and “fellowships” are quite common in academics. Although one might guess that they are quite similar, it is not the case. In this blog, we are going to discuss about the difference between fellowship and scholarship. It will help students successfully distinguish between the two; students who are aware of the differences in these terms can also avoid any mistakes while applying for them. Let’s look at the difference between the two types of funding (scholarship vs fellowship).

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.elementor-heading-titlepadding:0;margin:0;line-height:1.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>acolor:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-smallfont-size:15px.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-mediumfont-size:19px.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-largefont-size:29px.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xlfont-size:39px.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxlfont-size:59pxScholarship vs Fellowship: Main Differences

Fellowship
Scholarship

Fellowship funding is offered to students who are pursuing doctoral research. There are various criteria that determine the granting of a fellowship.
A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to support their education.

A fellowship is usually merit-based and not need-based.
Although the scholarship is merit-based most of the time, sometimes it is based on other criteria like athletic ability, financial needs, special talents, or other attributes.

A fellowship does not always have to be financial aid. It is basically a status that is given to a person within a university or a research centre.
A scholarship always refers to financial aid. It includes different types of expenses like tuition fees, accommodation, living costs, utilities, traveling, and study materials.

Students getting this funding are free to use it as they deem fit.
The money students receive as scholarships should be used for tuition and other educational purposes.

Fellowships are usually given to students who are pursuing research on some specific curriculum.
Usually students start receiving scholarships from early levels of their education starting from their school years.

Fellowships can be both long-term and short-term.
Scholarships are awarded for the duration of the academic program.

Introduction to Fellowships and Scholarships.

This blog is dedicated to helping you understand the difference between fellowship and scholarship. In this segment, we help you develop a detailed understanding of both these programs.

Scholarship

A scholarship program is a financial aid award designed to help students pay for their education. It covers expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, traveling, study materials, and more. You do not have to repay the scholarship. A scholarship can be awarded by both private and public educational institutions. The criteria vary from one institution to another. Usually the educational institution awards scholarships on the basis of conditions like academic achievement, athletic ability, artistic talent, financial need, or specific characteristics and accomplishments. There are various types of scholarships based on education, sports, and other quotas.

Example of a scholarship

A person receiving a scholarship to study at Caltech University has been given funding to study or conduct research. 

Fellowship

A fellowship is a financial grant that is awarded to support the academic or professional development of an individual at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The fellows taking up courses like PhD are a part of the fellowship program. Fellowships often include a stipend and may cover tuition, travel, and research expenses. That said, in some rare cases a fellowship does not involve financial aid; it is a position that is offered by a university or research facility to a researcher. The basic aim behind designing such a program is to support research, advanced study, or professional development.

An example of a fellowship:

A fellowship is a position; it does not always have to be a financial aid. For example, a student receiving a fellowship position at Oxford or Cambridge might just be entitled to a library desk and a computer. In these cases they are receiving the fellowship for conducting the research under the college name; they do not receive any financial aid, salary, or other benefits. However, Oxford or Cambridge can also offer an educational fellowship position that comes with financial aid. That is, in addition to giving them a status inside the college the institution pays them.

What is the purpose and Goals of Fellowship and Scholarships?

While discussing the difference between fellowship and scholarship we mentioned that both the programs are aimed at promoting education. However, there is more to it. In this segment, we understand the purpose and goals of fellowships and scholarships.

Scholarship: Purpose

Here are some of the possible purposes for offering a scholarship.

Financial Assistance

Most often fellowship comes with financial aid. It supports students by reducing  the burden of tuition fees and other educational expenses. 

Access to education

Another chief purpose of offering scholarships is to ensure that talented and deserving students have access to education regardless of their financial background.

Encouragement of excellence

Sometimes a scholarship is given to reward and encourage high academic, athletic, or artistic performance. These motivate the professionals to keep up the good work

Promote Diversity

University Scholarships are often given to increase the representation of underrepresented groups in higher education

Scholarship: Goals

Some of the chief goals of the program include

Support Education

One of the most important goals of scholarships for college students is to help them complete their degree programs without financial strain.

Foster talent

Recognizing the achievement of a student or a professional encourages them to continue their work. A scholarship acknowledges and rewards their exceptional talent and hard work and motivates them.

Expand Opportunities

It is an amazing tool that helps students who do not have enough means to afford higher education.

Fellowship: Purpose

Support Advanced Study

An important purpose of this program is to provide financial support for graduate and postgraduate students to pursue advanced study and research/.

Professional development

Fellowships enable professionals to gain new skills, knowledge, and experience in their field.

Research funding

Fellowships support specific research projects and innovation in various disciplines

Networking Opportunities

A fellowship program creates opportunities for fellows to connect with peers, mentors and experts in their fields.

Fellowship: Goals

Advanced knowledge

Fellowships aim to foster research and innovation that contributes to the academic and professional fields.

Develop Expertise

It aims to help individuals develop specialized skills and deep expertise in areas of their interests

Global collaboration

Fellowships are often given to help individuals across the globe collaborate and exchange ideas.

Eligibility for Fellowship and scholarship

One of the most important questions that most of you must be having in mind is regarding the eligibility criteria to apply for these programs.In fact, although we are discussing the difference between fellowship and scholarship, the common thing between both the programs is that they require an eligibility criteria to shortlist and finalize the winners. The eligibility criteria for both scholarships and fellowships vary from one institution to another. That said, here we are stating some of the common criteria that are asked for.

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships

Academic Achievement

Many scholarships require students to achieve a minimum GPA or standardized test scores.

Financial need

Need-based scholarships require your income records and other relevant documents to prove that you meet the criteria

Field of Study

Some scholarships are given to students who are pursuing certain fields of study.

Demographic Factors

Scholarships might target specific demographics such as gender, ethnicity, nationality, or first-generation college students.

Extracurricular Activities

Often scholarships are given to students who are participating in community services, sports, or other extracurricular activities. Here, extracurricular activities are the criteria for getting the scholarship.

Eligibility Criteria for Fellowship

Educational level

Fellowships often require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. They are aimed at graduate, postgraduate, or doctoral students.

Research Proposal

Many fellowships require applicants to submit detailed research proposals. The committees grant the status depending on the potential of the research.

Field of study or discipline

Sometimes fellowships can be given to researchers from certain curriculums like science, humanities, medicine, and social sciences.

Professional Expertise

Some fellowships are designed for professionals who have a certain level of experience in their field. So, the applicants having that kind of experience are only eligible to apply for the scholarship.

Academic performance

Often individuals who have showcased an exceptionally good academic performance are considered for a fellowship.

How much time duration and commitment?

Getting a good scholarship or fellowship can be a great push towards a strong and successful career. In this blog, we have discussed the difference between fellowships and scholarships. Although both are quite different, applicants need to devote a lot of time preparing and applying for both  scholarships and fellowships.

Time duration and commitment for a scholarship

Application process

The time taken to apply for a scholarship is between 2 to 6 months. The chief commitments of the student during this time include every activity from researching the scholarships, preparing application materials, meeting deadlines and submissions to interview preparation.

Scholarship award period

The scholarship is awarded throughout the duration of the degree program. A student is required to be more committed during this time. Not only do they have to meet the GPA requirements and complete a certain number of credit hours but they also need to fulfill the other criteria of the scholarship. Additionally, you are required to carry out other formalities like renewing your application and participating in specific events, meetings, and activities as mentioned in the scholarship.

Time duration and commitment for a fellowship

Application process

The time for the application process of a fellowship is from 3 to 6 months; international scholarships usually take a little longer. The chief commitments during this period include researching for fellowships, preparing the required documents (including recommendation letters), meeting deadlines, and preparing for interviews.

Fellowship Award period

The span of fellowship varies from one institution to another. That said, on average the period extends from 6 months to 2 years. The chief commitments during this period include intensive commitment to conducting the research, regular submission of progress reports, participation in certain meetings, conferences, and workshops related to the fellowship, and engaging with mentors for guidance in their research work.

Comparison Fellowship vs scholarship?

The table below shows a comparison of fellowship vs scholarship based on certain factors including their basis, coverage, criteria, purpose, and more.

Basis
Fellowship
Scholarship

Description
For a majority of times fellowship means a financial aid that is awarded to an individual who aspires to carry on research on a specific subject.
Scholarship offers financial help to a student depending on their academic performance and motivates them to perform even better.

Basis
Merit based
Could be needs-based, merit-based, or others

Coverage
Fellowship covers the expenses that are required in research.
Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel.

Criteria
A fellowship is mostly given on the basis of academic criteria.
The criteria can involve academic performance, sports preparation, financial condition, and others.

Funded by
A fellowship is offered by government, research organizations, universities, and other institutions.
A scholarship is usually offered by Government schools, universities, or any other group.

Study type
Awarded for research work.
Awarded for pursuing education.

Coverage
Fellowship often includes stipends, research funding, and covers expenses associated with research or project work.
Scholarships usually cover tuition fees, books, and other education-related expenses.

Difference between Fellowship and Scholarship?

In this blog, we are looking into the difference between a fellowship and a scholarship. Although both seem similar there are a lot of differences between them. The first major difference between scholarship and fellowship is that the former is given to help students continue their studies at a pre-graduate level. Research scholars are awarded fellowships to help them take their research forward. An important thing to note about these two programs is the difference in the process of application between a fellowship and scholarship. In the case of scholarships, students are just required to submit an application. Education fellowships are available through the institutions where the students are studying. Finally, professional associations, businesses, and other institutions offering the scholarship decide their own eligibility and application requirements. Applicants might also be required to meet certain criteria including a degree in a certain curriculum, a specific level of income and so much more. On the other hand, a fellowship from the government or foundation involves several steps. Applicants need to submit important documents such as their letters of recommendation, and research statements. In some cases, they also face interviews before being approved for the funding.

Types of Scholarship and Fellowship.

One of the main points while discussing the difference between fellowship and scholarship is the variations in these programs. Depending on their purpose, scholarships and fellowships have been segmented into different categories. We have listed some of them below.

Different Types Scholarships

Merit-based Scholarships

These are awarded on the basis of academic, artistic, or athletic achievements.

Need-based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student.

Athletic Scholarships

They are awarded to students who excel in sports

Minority Scholarships

These scholarships are designed to support students from underrepresented groups.

Creative Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students with exceptional talents in the arts including music, visual arts, and performing arts.

Gender-based scholarships

Gender-based scholarships are targeted at supporting students of a specific gender.

International Scholarships

An international scholarship is for students who are studying abroad or international students studying in a specific country

Different Types Fellowships

Research fellowships

Research fellowships support independent research projects, typically at the postgraduate or postdoctoral level

Professional fellowships

Provide opportunities for professional development and career advancement in specific fields

Clinical fellowships

This type of fellowship is given to professionals in the medical and healthcare fields. Usually doctors and healthcare professionals are eligible for a clinical fellowship.

Government fellowships

These fellowships provide opportunities to work in government or public policy organizations. They focus on policy research and development.

International fellowships

International fellowships offer opportunities to study, research, and search abroad, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

Academic fellowships

This fellowship program offers funding for advanced academic study, research, or dissertation completion.

Conclusion

Fellowship and scholarship are important programs in the horizon of education and development. Although there are many differences between these programs, they are crucial for students, researchers, and professionals from different domains to move ahead in their respective fields. Any applicant must have full information about scholarship and fellowship programs before applying for them. In this blog, we clearly state the difference between fellowship and scholarship to have a clear understanding of them. Throughout the blog, we have covered important factors concerning both fellowship and scholarship. While a scholarship is certainly a financial aid, a fellowship is a position in a university or a research institute and may or may not be accompanied by monetary aid and facilities. We have also covered several types of scholarships and fellowships that may apply to you. If you are someone who loves academia and wants to pursue it then we recommend reading this blog. Depending on your academic position you can apply for a scholarship or fellowship program and take your career to the next level.

Be it a fellowship or a scholarship you have to focus on studying to be eligible for these. Do you often struggle to find the perfect time for studying?You can consider reading this blog next A Perfect Guide on Best Time to Study for Students.

frequently asked questions (FAQ): Fellowship vs Scholarship

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Are scholarships and fellowships renewable?

Some scholarships and fellowships are renewable depending on the terms set by the awarding institutions. Renewable scholarships often require the recipient to maintain a certain GPA or fulfill certain criteria. Fellowships can be renewable based on the progress and continuation of the project.

Do fellowships and scholarships require repayment?

No, they do not. These programs are not loans; they are usually considered financial aid in most cases.

Can I apply for both scholarship and fellowship at the same time?

Yes, you can apply for both scholarships and fellowships simultaneously. However, you must make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the programs you are applying for.

Are there specific fields or disciplines more suited for fellowship than scholarships?

Fellowships are basically common in fields that require advanced study and research such as science, medicine, humanities, social sciences, and arts. On the other hand, scholarships can be offered across a wide range of disciplines including general undergraduate studies.

How competitive are scholarships and fellowships?

A lot of students and researchers apply for fellowships and scholarships. So, understandably the competition is quite high. The intensity of competition also depends on the amount of funding, eligibility criteria, and other factors. Fellowships are specifically for students at the postgraduate level. The selection process in these programs therefore are more rigorous as compared to scholarship selections.

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