Bursary vs. Scholarship — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 6, 2023
A bursary is a monetary award based on financial need, while a scholarship is typically merit-based financial support for education.
Difference Between Bursary and Scholarship
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A bursary is usually granted on the basis of financial need and does not typically require repayment. It is a form of financial assistance designed to help students who may not have the means to pay for their education. A scholarship, on the other hand, is often awarded based on academic or other forms of achievement or excellence and may cover the full or partial cost of tuition.
Bursaries are often funded by universities or educational institutions to ensure that students from less advantaged backgrounds can afford to attend. Scholarships may come from various sources including schools, private organizations, or individuals and they often carry prestige, acknowledging the recipient's talents or accomplishments.
Recipients of bursaries may be asked to provide proof of their financial circumstances as part of the application process. Scholarship recipients are usually selected based on criteria such as grades, athletic ability, artistic skills, or community service, without the need to demonstrate financial hardship.
While a bursary is intended to alleviate financial barriers to education, a scholarship serves to reward and encourage exceptional performance or potential in a particular field. Both forms of aid aim to enable students to pursue their educational goals, but they address different aspects of student support.
The terms bursary and scholarship are sometimes used interchangeably, but the key distinction lies in the basis for awarding them: financial need versus merit. Regardless, both types of awards play a vital role in expanding access to education and supporting student success.
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Award
Financial need.
Merit, such as academics, sports, arts.
Repayment
Not required.
Not required.
Source
Usually institutions or governments.
Institutions, private donors, organizations.
Proof Required
Financial status documentation.
Evidence of merit (grades, portfolios).
Aim
To ensure access to education.
To reward and incentivize excellence.
Compare with Definitions
Bursary
A financial award given to students based on need.
She was relieved to receive a bursary that covered her tuition fees.
Scholarship
Financial support awarded to a student, typically to support high academic performance.
Her scholarship covered all four years of university.
Bursary
An economic assistance program for students with demonstrated financial need.
Her academic ambitions were made possible by a generous bursary from the foundation.
Scholarship
A grant or payment made to support a student's education, awarded on the basis of academic or other achievement.
He earned a scholarship for his outstanding performance in mathematics.
Bursary
A sum of money provided by an institution to support a student’s education.
The bursary helped him buy the textbooks he needed for his courses.
Scholarship
A merit-based financial award for students to further their education.
She received a full scholarship from the university for her athletic talents.
Bursary
Non-repayable financial aid targeting those with financial constraints.
The university’s bursary program assists hundreds of students each year.
Scholarship
An achievement award recognizing exceptional talent or accomplishments.
The scholarship awarded to the young artist allowed her to study abroad.
Bursary
Chiefly British A scholarship granted to a university student in need.
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further their education at a private elementary or secondary school, or a private or public post-secondary college, university, or other academic institution. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, financial need, among others.
Bursary
A bursary is a monetary award made by any educational institution or funding authority to individuals or groups. It is usually awarded to enable a student to attend school, university or college when they might not be able to, otherwise.
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Bursary
A treasury, especially of a public institution or religious order.
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Bursary
A monetary award to university students that allows them to continue their studies.
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Bursary
(dated) The treasury of a religious order or public institution.
Scholarship
A grant-in-aid to a student.
Bursary
The treasury of a college or monastery.
Scholarship
The character or qualities of a scholar.
Bursary
A scholarship or charitable foundation in a university, as in Scotland; a sum given to enable a student to pursue his studies.
Scholarship
The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.
Bursary
The treasury of a public institution or religious order
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Bursary
A grant, especially one awarded to someone to enable them to study at school or university.
The college offers a bursary to students who excel in their entrance exams.
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Scholarship
(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.
Scholarship
(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.
Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
Scholarship
Literary education.
Any other house of scholarship.
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Scholarship
Profound scholarly knowledge
Scholarship
Monetary assistance for students who demonstrate potential or excellence.
His community service work earned him a prestigious scholarship.
Common Curiosities
Do scholarships consider financial need?
Scholarships are typically merit-based, though some may also consider financial need.
Do you need to pay back a bursary?
No, bursaries do not need to be repaid.
Can scholarships be used for expenses other than tuition?
Some scholarships allow for coverage of living expenses, books, and supplies, in addition to tuition.
Can the same student receive both a bursary and a scholarship?
Yes, a student can receive both if they meet the criteria for each.
Are bursaries taxable income?
In many cases, bursaries are not taxable, but this can vary by jurisdiction.
What is a bursary?
A bursary is financial aid given to students based on financial need.
What makes a scholarship competitive?
High demand, limited availability, and stringent selection criteria make scholarships competitive.
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a merit-based financial award to support a student’s education.
How do you apply for a bursary?
Applications usually require financial information and are submitted to the granting institution.
How do you qualify for a scholarship?
Qualification is based on merit, such as academic achievement, athletic skill, or artistic talent.
Is a bursary a loan?
No, a bursary is not a loan; it is a grant that does not require repayment.
Can scholarships be renewed?
Some scholarships are renewable, contingent upon meeting ongoing criteria.
Can scholarships cover full education costs?
Some scholarships are full-ride, covering all education costs, while others may cover only a portion.
Who funds bursaries?
Bursaries are typically funded by educational institutions, governments, or charitable organizations.
Can international students receive bursaries?
Yes, some bursaries are available to international students.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
