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Some families may not have the financial resources to give their children the education they need. While at other times, a child may have exceptional merit. In such cases, the discussion of educational funding comes up.
This leads to the debate of scholarship vs fellowship. The two are not the same. So, which one should you apply for?
This blog discusses the difference between scholarship and fellowship. This will help you make an informed decision and choose the best for your future.
Between fellowship vs scholarship, both are extremely beneficial. However, only the right one will help you flourish in your academics. Keep reading to find out more!
So, what is the meaning of scholarship? It’s a financial award given to students. It takes away the burden of academic fees, tuition, or other educational expenses. It helps them pursue education without any stress.
Hence, what is meant by scholarship?
It’s financial aid for your education that does not need to be paid back. You can simply enjoy your learning experience with an all-expenses-paid education.
A scholarship is usually offered to a student based on their academic performance, financial need, talent in sports or arts, or even community background.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what a scholarship is, it’s time to answer more questions!
India primarily recognises two types of scholarships, and one of them is the pre-matric scholarship. It supports students from classes 1 to 10.
This scholarship encourages basic education across all sections of society! The other one is a post-matric scholarship.
These scholarships are available to students in class 11 and above. They can extend through college and even postgraduate education!
These two scholarships in India ensure that a promising young learner is not limited by a lack of financial resources.
The question that immediately follows is: What is a fellowship?
It’s a form of academic funding that is usually awarded to individuals who are pursuing postgraduate studies, doctoral research, or specialised professional work.
However, a fellowship is not mere financial support. Instead, it often includes research support, mentorship opportunities, access to global academic networks, and, sometimes, a monthly stipend.
What is a fellowship program, and who is it offered to?
When you complete your undergraduate degree, you may need additional support to continue. In such cases, a fellowship program is offered to a student who will be engaged in advanced work that contributes to their field.
However, qualifying for a fellowship program is not easy. You will be required to submit detailed project proposals or research plans to qualify.
Thus, in the scholarship vs fellowship debate, let’s discuss the difference between scholarship and fellowship first!
As discussed before, scholarships are available for school as well as college students! This can significantly help them complete their education and pursue higher studies.
On the other hand, a fellowship program is only applicable for postgraduate students, researchers, and scholars.
Thus, anybody from an educational setting can apply for different types of scholarships and fellowships.
Scholarship and fellowship eligibility are quite different from each other.
If you’re applying for the former, your academic performance, financial need, community category, or co-curricular achievements will be considered. You will be required to submit academic records, income certificates, or proof of talent.
However, the eligibility criteria for a fellowship are more complicated, difficult, and competitive. You will need a detailed research proposal, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and sometimes even work experience or published work.
Candidates for a fellowship program are not merely selected based on their past achievements. Instead, they are judged on their future potential, interview performance, and their probable contributions to their field.
Your tuition fees, books, or living expenses will be covered if you’re eligible for a scholarship. It can be a one-time payment or renewable annually. This allows students to flourish in their academic endeavours without any financial constraints.
However, a fellowship program does not just offer financial support. Instead, it offers monthly stipends, research funding, travel grants, fieldwork costs, and conference sponsorships.
Some of these benefits can only be available if the student is conducting their research abroad.
Lastly, in fellowship vs scholarship, the latter expects the student to maintain a good academic performance.
However, a fellowship program has higher expectations for its beneficiaries.
They need to actively work on their project or research and produce something relevant, effective, and useful. This can be a research paper, a social impact project, or policy recommendations.
While there’s a clear difference between scholarship and fellowship, the contributions of both in a student’s career are undeniable.
Hence, the discussion should not be scholarship vs fellowship; instead, it should be about which one is suitable for your current academic level, career goals, and interests.
Scholarships remove all financial constraints and make education accessible and stress-free for the student. On the other hand, a fellowship program opens the door to higher and deeper education and research opportunities.
So, instead of debating fellowship vs scholarship, contemplate your goals, explore your options, and apply confidently!
JBM Global School is not your conventional educational institution that simply imparts bookish knowledge. Instead, we mentor, guide, and prepare your child for the future. Our dedicated and skilled team of teachers ensure that every student is offered the best possible education. If you want your child to have the best education, a healthy growth, and a successful future, enrol now!
Ans: A scholarship is a financial award given to students. It helps them cover all their educational expenses. However, students can only be eligible for a scholarship based on merit, need, or specific talents.
Ans: A fellowship is a structured funding program. It is usually offered to postgraduate students, researchers, or scholars. It offers monthly stipends, research funding, travel grants, fieldwork costs, and conference sponsorships.
Ans: Yes, but this can only be done at different academic levels. Scholarships are common at the school or college level. However, fellowship programs are only granted during or after postgraduate studies.
Ans: A post-matric scholarship is offered to students in Class 11 and above. It allows them to access higher secondary or college education without any financial burden.
Ans: Not necessarily! Many fellowships support research. However, other fellowship programs may also focus on education, public policy, or arts-based community work!
