Scholarship vs. Stipend: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A Scholarship is a form of financial aid provided for education, based on merit or financial need. A Stipend, conversely, is a regular payment given for services rendered or to cover living expenses, typically in academic or professional settings.
Key Differences
A Scholarship is a form of financial aid granted to students, often based on academic achievement or financial need, to support their education. A Stipend, on the other hand, is a fixed, regular payment given typically to interns, apprentices, or students for their services or to cover living expenses during their education or training.
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Nov 24, 2023
Scholarships are often awarded by educational institutions, foundations, or government bodies and do not require repayment. Stipends, however, are usually associated with work or research positions and are given as compensation for work, though often not at the same level as a full salary.
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Nov 24, 2023
The purpose of a Scholarship is primarily to reduce the financial burden of education costs, such as tuition fees and books. In contrast, a Stipend is intended to provide financial support for living expenses, allowing recipients to focus on their academic or professional development without the need for part-time employment.
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Eligibility for Scholarships often involves academic performance, extracurricular activities, or specific talents. Stipends are usually linked to the performance of certain duties, such as research or teaching assistantships, and may also require maintaining a certain level of academic performance.
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Scholarships can cover a range of expenses directly related to education, while Stipends are typically a predetermined amount paid at regular intervals, providing a steady income stream for recipients.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
Financial aid for education expenses.
Regular payment for services or living expenses.
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Basis of Award
Merit, need, talent, or specific criteria.
Association with a job, internship, or research position.
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Repayment Requirement
Not required to be repaid.
Not a loan, so no repayment, but tied to work or duties.
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Typical Providers
Educational institutions, foundations, governments.
Universities, research institutions, organizations.
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Main Benefit
Covers tuition, books, and education-related expenses.
Covers living expenses, allowing focus on studies/work.
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Scholarship and Stipend Definitions
Scholarship
A grant to aid a student's educational expenses.
His scholarship covered the tuition fees for his undergraduate degree.
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Stipend
A fixed regular payment for services, often to students or interns.
His monthly stipend from the internship helped cover his living expenses.
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Scholarship
A form of educational funding that does not require repayment.
Her art scholarship allowed her to attend the prestigious art school without financial worry.
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Nov 10, 2023
Stipend
Payment provided to cover living expenses during training or research.
The PhD students received a stipend to support themselves during their research.
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Scholarship
Awarded based on various criteria like academic performance or need.
The scholarship was given to students who excelled in the sciences.
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Stipend
Often associated with academic positions like teaching assistants.
As a teaching assistant, she received a stipend from the university.
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Nov 10, 2023
Scholarship
Often linked to specific educational institutions or fields of study.
The university offered scholarships specifically for engineering students.
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Stipend
Not a salary, but a subsidy to support professional development.
The artist's stipend allowed him to focus fully on his creative work.
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Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
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Oct 19, 2023
Stipend
A predetermined amount paid at regular intervals.
The research fellowship included a yearly stipend for the duration of the project.
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Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
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Stipend
A fixed and regular payment, such as a salary for services rendered or an allowance.
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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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Oct 19, 2023
Stipend
(archaic) A regular fixed payment made to someone (especially a clergyman, judge, soldier, or teacher) for services provided by them; a salary. 15
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Stipend
Some other form of fixed (and generally small) payment occurring at regular intervals, such as an allowance, a pension, or (obsolete) a tax. 16
Pocket money
My stipend for doing public service is barely enough to cover living expenses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
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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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Stipend
To provide (someone) with a stipend (an allowance, a pension, a salary, etc.). 16
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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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Oct 19, 2023
Stipend
Settled pay or compensation for services, whether paid daily, monthly, or annually.
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Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
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Oct 19, 2023
Stipend
A sum of money allotted on a regular basis; usually for some specific purpose
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Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
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Oct 19, 2023
Scholarship
Financial support awarded to students based on merit.
She received a full-ride scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can anyone get a Scholarship?
Eligibility for scholarships varies and can depend on academic performance, financial need, or specific talents.
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Nov 24, 2023
What is a Scholarship?
A Scholarship is financial aid granted to students based on criteria like merit or need, to support their education.
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Nov 24, 2023
Do you have to pay back a Scholarship?
No, scholarships do not require repayment.
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What is a Stipend?
A Stipend is a regular payment given to individuals, often students or interns, for services or to cover living expenses.
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Is a Stipend the same as a salary?
No, a stipend is typically lower than a salary and intended to cover basic living expenses or as a subsidy.
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Are Scholarships only for tuition?
Scholarships can cover tuition, books, and sometimes living expenses related to education.
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Who typically receives a Stipend?
Stipends are often given to students, interns, or individuals in training or research positions.
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Can you get a Scholarship for extracurricular activities?
Yes, some scholarships are awarded for excellence in extracurricular activities like sports or music.
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Is a Stipend taxable income?
Stipends may be taxable depending on the country's tax laws and the nature of the stipend.
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Are Scholarships competitive?
Many scholarships are competitive, with numerous applicants vying for limited funding.
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Can Scholarships cover full college expenses?
Some scholarships, known as full-ride scholarships, cover all college expenses.
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Can Stipends vary in amount?
Yes, the amount of a stipend can vary based on the institution, program, or specific role.
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How often are Stipends paid?
Stipends are usually paid at regular intervals, such as monthly or quarterly.
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Are there Scholarships for graduate students?
Yes, there are scholarships available specifically for graduate students.
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Can you have a job while receiving a Stipend?
Yes, but it depends on the terms of the stipend and the time commitments of the job.
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What responsibilities come with a Stipend?
Stipends often come with responsibilities like conducting research, teaching, or interning.
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Can a Stipend cover travel expenses?
Some stipends, especially for research or fieldwork, may cover travel expenses.
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How do you apply for a Scholarship?
Applying for a scholarship typically involves submitting an application, academic records, and sometimes essays or recommendations.
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Do Scholarships have academic requirements?
Many scholarships require maintaining a certain GPA or academic standing.
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Can you receive multiple Stipends?
It's possible, but often stipends are tied to specific roles or programs with time commitments.
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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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