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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Comparison Chart
Criteria
Academic achievement or need
Varied, including performance, contribution, or merit
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Application Process
Often requires application and assessment
May be granted without application
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Obligations
May require maintaining standards
Usually no ongoing obligations
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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.
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Award
A prize or other mark of recognition given in honor of an achievement.
He received an award for his innovative research.
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Scholarship
Financial support granted to a student for education.
She received a scholarship for her outstanding academic record.
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Award
A recognition or prize given for excellence or achievement.
The team won an award for their environmental initiative.
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Scholarship
A grant or payment made to support a student's study.
Her scholarship enabled her to study abroad.
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Award
A mark of distinction or honor, often in the form of a trophy or title.
She was honored with a lifetime achievement award.
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Scholarship
Financial aid for a learner, especially a grant or payment.
His scholarship was essential in pursuing his higher education.
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Award
An honor or prize given for merit in a specific field.
The award for best actress went to her for her outstanding performance.
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Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
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Award
A formal recognition of achievement, often with a physical symbol.
The award he received acknowledged his contributions to science.
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Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
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Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
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Award
To grant an amount or other benefit legally due
Awarded damages to the plaintiff.
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Award
(legal) A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
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Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
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Award
(legal) The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
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Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
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Award
A trophy or medal; something that denotes an accomplishment, especially in a competition. A prize or honor based on merit.
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Award
A negotiated minimum wage that is set for a particular trade or industry; an industrial award.
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Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
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Award
(transitive) To give (an award).
Four or five of these medals are awarded every year.
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Award
(transitive) To give (a person) an award.
He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.
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Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
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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
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Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
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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.
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Scholarship
Monetary assistance awarded to a student based on academic or other achievements.
The scholarship covered her expenses for the academic year.
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Award
A judgment, sentence, or final decision. Specifically: The decision of arbitrators in a case submitted.
An award had been given against.
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Oct 19, 2023
Award
The paper containing the decision of arbitrators; that which is warded.
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Award
A grant made by a law court;
He criticized the awarding of compensation by the court
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Award
A tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction;
An award for bravery
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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
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Award
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can scholarships cover full tuition?
Yes, some scholarships cover full tuition, while others offer partial support.
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Nov 22, 2023
Do scholarships need to be repaid?
No, scholarships are a form of grant and do not require repayment.
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What is an award?
A recognition or honor given for various types of achievements.
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Do awards have obligations?
Generally, no. They are a recognition without ongoing requirements.
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Are scholarships only for academics?
Primarily, but some are awarded for sports, arts, or community service.
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How does one receive a scholarship?
Through application and selection based on criteria like academic performance.
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Can scholarships be renewed?
Some can be, often contingent on maintaining certain standards.
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What is a scholarship?
Financial aid given to students for academic or other achievements.
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Can an award be a scholarship?
Yes, if the award includes financial aid for education.
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Are awards always monetary?
Not necessarily, awards can be trophies, titles, certificates, or cash.
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Are there scholarships for non-academic talents?
Yes, such as those for sports, arts, or community involvement.
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Can anyone receive an award?
Yes, awards are given based on performance or contribution in various fields.
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What's the difference between a scholarship and a fellowship?
Fellowships are usually for advanced study or research, often postgraduate.
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Are awards tax-deductible?
It depends on the nature of the award and local tax laws.
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Can scholarships be used for expenses other than tuition?
Some scholarships also cover living expenses, books, or travel.
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Can organizations receive awards?
Yes, organizations can be recognized for their achievements or contributions.
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Is an award a form of scholarship?
Not typically, but some awards may include a scholarship component.
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Can a scholarship affect financial aid?
Yes, it can reduce the amount of need-based financial aid.
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Do awards improve professional opportunities?
Often, as they can enhance a recipient's reputation and resume.
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Are there awards for community service?
Yes, many awards recognize contributions to community and social causes.
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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.
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