Fellowship vs. Membership — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
Fellowship involves a group of people sharing mutual interests or activities, often with a more informal or academic connection, while membership denotes belonging to an organization or group, typically more structured and formal.
Difference Between Fellowship and Membership
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Key Differences
Fellowship often centers around shared interests and common goals, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among its members. Whereas membership usually refers to the formal status of belonging to an organization, which might come with specific responsibilities or benefits.
In many academic or professional settings, a fellowship can include opportunities for research, education, or professional development, emphasizing personal and career growth. On the other hand, membership is often required to access certain facilities, participate in decisions, or benefit from resources provided by the organization.
Fellowships can be temporary, such as a one-year research position or a short-term educational program. Membership, however, typically remains valid as long as the member adheres to the organization’s rules and pays any necessary dues.
The selection for fellowships is usually competitive, based on criteria such as academic achievements or professional potential. In contrast, membership might be open to anyone willing to pay a fee, or it may require meeting certain predefined criteria without a competitive process.
Fellowships often provide financial support, like stipends or grants, to facilitate the activities or research of fellows. Memberships seldom involve direct financial support but might include access to resources, discounts, or exclusive services.
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Comparison Chart
Basis of Association
Shared interests, goals
Formal enrollment, dues
Benefits
Opportunities for growth, often includes funding
Access to resources, voting rights
Duration
Usually temporary (e.g., duration of a project)
Ongoing, as long as conditions are met
Selection
Competitive based on merit
Open or based on set criteria
Financial Support
Often includes stipends, grants
Rarely includes direct financial support
Compare with Definitions
Fellowship
A position of a fellow at a college or university.
She was offered a fellowship in Harvard University's history department.
Membership
The body of members in an organization.
The membership voted in favor of the new policy.
Fellowship
A group of people with shared interests, often in academic or professional fields.
She joined a fellowship of researchers studying climate change.
Membership
A subscription to join a group.
She renewed her membership for another year.
Fellowship
The state of sharing mutual interests, aims, or experiences.
There's a strong sense of fellowship among club members.
Membership
The act of joining or enrolling in an organization.
Membership in the society requires a monthly fee.
Fellowship
A grant given for research or study.
He received a fellowship to complete his postdoctoral studies in biochemistry.
Membership
The state of being a member
Fellowship
A community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience.
They enjoyed the fellowship of a spirited debate club.
Membership
Entitlements that come with being part of an organization.
Membership benefits include access to the gym and library.
Fellowship
The companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms
A voracious reader who found fellowship in a book club.
Membership
The state of being a member.
Fellowship
Friendship; comradeship
A strong fellowship developed among them.
Membership
The total number of members in a group
An organization with a growing membership.
Fellowship
A close association of friends or equals sharing similar interests
A fellowship of photographers.
Membership
The state of being a member of a group or organization.
The terms of membership agreement were vague.
He has memberships in clubs in three cities.
Fellowship
The financial grant made to a fellow in a college or university.
Membership
The body of members of an organization.
The memberships of the state chapters elect delegates to the national convention.
Fellowship
The status or position of one who is awarded such a grant.
Membership
(math) The fact of being a member of a set.
Fellowship
A company of people that share the same interest or aim.
Membership
The state of being a member.
Fellowship
(dated) Company, companions; a group of people or things following another.
Membership
The collective body of members, as of a society.
Fellowship
A feeling of friendship, relatedness or connection between people.
Membership
The body of members of an organization or group;
They polled their membership
They found dissension in their own ranks
He joined the ranks of the unemployed
Fellowship
(education) A merit-based scholarship.
Fellowship
(education) A temporary position at an academic institution with limited teaching duties and ample time for research.
Fellowship
(medicine) A period of supervised, sub-specialty medical training in the United States and Canada that a physician may undertake after completing a specialty training program or residency.
Fellowship
The proportional division of profit and loss among partners.
Fellowship
(transitive) To admit to fellowship, enter into fellowship with; to make feel welcome by showing friendship or building a cordial relationship. Now only in religious use.
The Bishop's family fellowshipped the new converts.
The Society of Religious Snobs refused to fellowship the poor family.
Fellowship
To join in fellowship; to associate with.
The megachurch he attends is too big for making personal connections, so he also fellowships weekly in one of the church's small groups.
After she got married, she stopped fellowshipping with the singles in our church.
Fellowship
The state or relation of being or associate.
Fellowship
Companionship of persons on equal and friendly terms; frequent and familiar intercourse.
In a great town, friends are scattered, so that there is not that fellowship which is in less neighborhods.
Men are made for society and mutual fellowship.
Fellowship
A state of being together; companionship; partnership; association; hence, confederation; joint interest.
The great contention of the sea and skiesParted our fellowship.
Fellowship in pain divides not smart
Fellowship in woe doth woe assuage
The goodliest fellowship of famous knights,Whereof this world holds record.
Fellowship
Those associated with one, as in a family, or a society; a company.
The sorrow of Noah with his fellowship.
With that a joyous fellowship issuedOf minstrels.
Fellowship
A foundation for the maintenance, on certain conditions, of a scholar called a fellow, who usually resides at the university.
Fellowship
The rule for dividing profit and loss among partners; - called also partnership, company, and distributive proportion.
There's neither honesty, manhood, nor good fellowship in thee.
Fellowship
To acknowledge as of good standing, or in communion according to standards of faith and practice; to admit to Christian fellowship.
Fellowship
An association of people who share common beliefs or activities;
The message was addressed not just to employees but to every member of the company family
The church welcomed new members into its fellowship
Fellowship
The state of being with someone;
He missed their company
He enjoyed the society of his friends
Fellowship
Money granted (by a university or foundation or other agency) for advanced study or research
Common Curiosities
What defines a fellowship?
A fellowship is defined by a community sharing specific interests, often providing support for research or study.
Can fellowship include membership benefits?
Yes, fellowships can offer similar benefits such as access to resources, though they are often more focused on academic or professional development.
What are typical membership dues?
Membership dues vary widely depending on the organization but are typically required for continued affiliation and benefit access.
Can membership be revoked?
Yes, membership can be revoked if a member fails to comply with the organization's rules or dues.
What is required for membership in an organization?
Membership typically requires paying dues, meeting specific criteria, and agreeing to the organization’s rules.
How does one become eligible for a fellowship?
Eligibility for a fellowship is usually based on academic or professional achievements and is often competitive.
What are the main differences in the selection process for fellowships and memberships?
Fellowships are typically merit-based and competitive, while memberships might only require meeting certain criteria or payment of fees.
How long can a fellowship last?
Fellowships typically last for a specific period, which can range from several months to several years, depending on the program.
Is fellowship always associated with academia?
While commonly associated with academia, fellowships can also be found in professional and community settings.
Are there fellowships that provide no financial support?
Yes, some fellowships provide non-financial support, focusing instead on professional development and networking opportunities.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
