Scholarship vs. Award: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A scholarship is financial aid granted for academic achievement, while an award is a general recognition for various accomplishments.
Key Differences
A scholarship is typically a financial grant given to students based on their academic achievements or financial need. An award, on the other hand, can be any form of recognition, such as a trophy or certificate, given for a variety of accomplishments in different fields.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarships often involve a process of application, where candidates are assessed based on their academic records or financial situations. Awards, however, may be given based on broader criteria, such as performance in a competition, contributions to a field, or even personal achievements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
In the context of education, scholarships are usually aimed at helping students cover tuition or living expenses. Awards in educational settings might recognize achievements like excellence in sports, arts, or community service, not necessarily tied to financial support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarships often carry an obligation for the recipient, like maintaining a certain grade point average or committing to a specific field of study. Awards, conversely, are usually a one-time recognition without ongoing requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
The impact of a scholarship is primarily financial and educational, easing the burden of educational expenses. Awards, while they may sometimes include cash prizes, are more focused on the honor and prestige they confer upon the recipient.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Criteria
Academic achievement or need
Varied, including performance, contribution, or merit
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Application Process
Often requires application and assessment
May be granted without application
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Obligations
May require maintaining standards
Usually no ongoing obligations
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Scholarship and Award Definitions
Scholarship
A fund or payment made to support a student's education.
The university offered him a scholarship to cover his tuition fees.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Award
A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.
He received an award for his innovative research.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarship
Financial support granted to a student for education.
She received a scholarship for her outstanding academic record.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Award
A recognition or prize given for excellence or achievement.
The team won an award for their environmental initiative.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarship
A grant or payment made to support a student's study.
Her scholarship enabled her to study abroad.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Award
A mark of distinction or honor, often in the form of a trophy or title.
She was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarship
Financial aid for a learner, especially a grant or payment.
His scholarship was essential in pursuing his higher education.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Award
An honor or prize given for merit in a specific field.
The award for best actress went to her for her outstanding performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
A formal recognition of achievement, often with a physical symbol.
The award he received acknowledged his contributions to science.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case.
The arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
To give by sentence or judicial determination; to assign or apportion, after careful regard to the nature of the case; to adjudge; as, the arbitrators awarded damages to the complainant.
To reviewThe wrongful sentence, and award a new.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
Monetary assistance awarded to a student based on academic or other achievements.
The scholarship covered her expenses for the academic year.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
Something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery;
The prize was a free trip to Europe
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can scholarships cover full tuition?
Yes, some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial support.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do scholarships need to be repaid?
No, scholarships are a form of grant and do not require repayment.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
What is an award?
A recognition or honor given for various types of achievements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do awards have obligations?
Generally, no. They are a recognition without ongoing requirements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are scholarships only for academics?
Primarily, but some are awarded for sports, arts, or community service.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
How does one receive a scholarship?
Through application and selection based on criteria like academic performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can scholarships be renewed?
Some can be, often contingent on maintaining certain standards.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
What is a scholarship?
Financial aid given to students for academic or other achievements.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can an award be a scholarship?
Yes, if the award includes financial aid for education.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are awards always monetary?
Not necessarily, awards can be trophies, titles, certificates, or cash.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are there scholarships for non-academic talents?
Yes, such as those for sports, arts, or community involvement.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can anyone receive an award?
Yes, awards are given based on performance or contribution in various fields.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
What's the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
Fellowships are usually for advanced study or research, often postgraduate.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are awards tax-deductible?
It depends on the nature of the award and local tax laws.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can scholarships be used for expenses other than tuition?
Some scholarships also cover living expenses, books, or travel.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can organizations receive awards?
Yes, organizations can be recognized for their achievements or contributions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Is an award a form of scholarship?
Not typically, but some awards may include a scholarship component.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Can a scholarship affect financial aid?
Yes, it can reduce the amount of need-based financial aid.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Do awards improve professional opportunities?
Often, as they can enhance a recipient's reputation and resume.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Are there awards for community service?
Yes, many awards recognize contributions to community and social causes.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
