Are you a student looking for financial assistance to pursue your education? Do you find yourself confused between the terms bursary and scholarship? Let’s clear up the confusion and understand the difference between these two terms.
Bursary and scholarship are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. Bursary is a monetary award that is given to a student based on financial need or academic achievement. On the other hand, a scholarship is a monetary award given to a student based on academic achievement, talent, or other criteria.
Both bursaries and scholarships are designed to help students pay for their education, but they have different eligibility criteria. Bursaries are typically awarded to students who come from low-income families or who are experiencing financial hardship. Scholarships, on the other hand, are usually awarded to students who have exceptional academic records or who have demonstrated talent in a particular area.
Now that we have a basic understanding of what bursaries and scholarships are, let’s dive deeper into the differences between them and how to determine which one is right for you.
Define Bursary
A bursary is a type of financial aid that is awarded to students based on financial need. It is typically awarded to students who come from low-income families and may not have the financial means to pay for their education. Bursaries are often provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.
Bursaries can cover a variety of expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses. Unlike loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid, which makes them an attractive option for students who are struggling to finance their education.
Bursaries can be awarded for a variety of reasons, including academic achievement, community involvement, and athletic ability. Some bursaries are also targeted towards specific groups of students, such as women, minorities, or students with disabilities.
Define Scholarship
A scholarship is a type of financial aid that is awarded to students based on academic or other achievements. Scholarships are typically awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership skills, or other talents.
Scholarships can cover a variety of expenses, including tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be repaid, which makes them an attractive option for students who are looking to finance their education.
Scholarships can be awarded by a variety of organizations, including educational institutions, government agencies, and private foundations. Some scholarships are also targeted towards specific groups of students, such as women, minorities, or students pursuing specific fields of study.
| Bursary | Scholarship | |
|---|---|---|
| Criteria for Award | Financial Need | Academic or Other Achievements |
| Repayment | Not Required | Not Required |
| Targeted Groups | Low-income Families, Women, Minorities, Students with Disabilities | Exceptional Academic Performance, Leadership Skills, Other Talents, Women, Minorities, Students Pursuing Specific Fields of Study |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to discussing financial aid for students, the terms “bursary” and “scholarship” are often used interchangeably. However, they do have distinct meanings and usage in a sentence. Here’s how to properly use each word in a sentence:
How To Use Bursary In A Sentence
A bursary is a type of financial aid that is awarded based on financial need. Here are some examples of how to use “bursary” in a sentence:
- She received a bursary to help pay for her tuition.
- The university offers bursaries to low-income students.
- He applied for a bursary to cover his living expenses while studying abroad.
Notice that “bursary” is typically used in the context of financial assistance for students who demonstrate financial need. It is not typically used to refer to academic achievement or merit-based awards.
How To Use Scholarship In A Sentence
A scholarship is a type of financial aid that is awarded based on academic achievement or other merit-based criteria. Here are some examples of how to use “scholarship” in a sentence:
- She was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding academic performance.
- The scholarship covers the full cost of tuition and fees.
- He received a scholarship for his athletic abilities.
Notice that “scholarship” is typically used in the context of academic or merit-based awards. It is not typically used to refer to financial assistance based on financial need.
By properly understanding the meanings and usage of “bursary” and “scholarship,” you can communicate more effectively about financial aid for students.
More Examples Of Bursary & Scholarship Used In Sentences
In this section, we will provide you with some examples of how bursaries and scholarships are used in sentences. It will help you understand the context in which these terms are used and how they differ from each other.
Examples Of Using Bursary In A Sentence
- She was awarded a bursary to study at the prestigious university.
- The bursary will cover her tuition fees and living expenses.
- He applied for a bursary to attend the summer program.
- The bursary is only available to students who demonstrate financial need.
- She was delighted to receive a bursary from the local charity.
- The bursary allowed her to pursue her dream of studying abroad.
- He was grateful for the bursary as it helped him pay for his textbooks.
- The bursary committee was impressed by his academic achievements.
- She was relieved to receive the bursary as she was struggling to pay for her education.
- The bursary application process was straightforward and easy to follow.
Examples Of Using Scholarship In A Sentence
- She was awarded a scholarship for her outstanding academic achievements.
- The scholarship will cover her tuition fees and provide a stipend for living expenses.
- He applied for a scholarship to study at the Ivy League university.
- The scholarship is only available to students who excel in their field of study.
- She was honored to receive a scholarship from the national foundation.
- The scholarship allowed her to pursue her research interests.
- He was thrilled to receive the scholarship as it gave him the opportunity to study abroad.
- The scholarship committee was impressed by his research proposal.
- She was overjoyed to receive the scholarship as it relieved her financial burden.
- The scholarship application process was rigorous and competitive.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to funding your education, the terms bursary and scholarship are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to understand the differences between the two and avoid making common mistakes.
Using Bursary And Scholarship Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using bursary and scholarship interchangeably. While both provide financial assistance for education, there are significant differences between the two. A bursary is typically awarded based on financial need, while a scholarship is awarded based on academic or other achievements.
Another common mistake is assuming that bursaries and scholarships are only available for undergraduate students. In fact, there are many opportunities for graduate students and even professionals to receive funding through bursaries and scholarships.
Not Understanding Eligibility Requirements
Another mistake to avoid is not understanding the eligibility requirements for bursaries and scholarships. Each program will have its own set of criteria, such as academic achievement, financial need, or community involvement. It is important to carefully read the requirements before applying to ensure that you meet all of the necessary criteria.
Missing Deadlines
Finally, missing deadlines is a common mistake that can cost you the opportunity to receive a bursary or scholarship. Many programs have strict deadlines for applications, and missing them could mean missing out on funding. It is important to keep track of deadlines and submit your application well in advance.
Tips To Avoid These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, there are several tips to keep in mind. Take the time to research and understand the differences between bursaries and scholarships. This will help you determine which programs you are eligible for and increase your chances of receiving funding.
Second, carefully read the eligibility requirements for each program before applying. Make sure you meet all of the necessary criteria and provide any required documentation.
Finally, create a schedule to keep track of application deadlines. Set reminders for yourself well in advance of the deadline to ensure that you have plenty of time to complete and submit your application.
Context Matters
When it comes to funding post-secondary education, students have several options available to them, including bursaries and scholarships. However, the choice between these two options can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
One context in which the choice between a bursary and scholarship might change is the student’s financial situation. Bursaries are typically awarded based on financial need, while scholarships are often awarded based on merit. Therefore, if a student comes from a low-income family and does not have impressive academic achievements, they may be more likely to receive a bursary than a scholarship.
Another context in which the choice between a bursary and scholarship might differ is the type of institution the student is attending. For example, a community college may offer more bursaries than scholarships, as they tend to have a higher proportion of low-income students. In contrast, a prestigious university may offer more scholarships than bursaries, as they attract high-achieving students who may not have financial need.
Additionally, the field of study can also impact the choice between a bursary and scholarship. Some fields may have more funding available for scholarships, while others may have more funding available for bursaries. For example, a student pursuing a degree in the humanities may be more likely to receive a bursary, while a student pursuing a degree in science or engineering may be more likely to receive a scholarship.
Overall, the choice between a bursary and scholarship can depend on various contexts, including the student’s financial situation, the type of institution they are attending, and the field of study they are pursuing. It is important for students to research and understand the different options available to them in order to make an informed decision about how to fund their education.
Exceptions To The Rules
While bursaries and scholarships are generally used to provide financial assistance to students, there are some exceptions to the rules. Here are a few instances where the traditional definitions of bursaries and scholarships might not apply:
1. Athletic Scholarships
Athletic scholarships are a type of scholarship that is awarded to student-athletes based on their athletic abilities. These scholarships are often awarded by colleges and universities to help recruit top athletes to their sports teams. Athletic scholarships are not based on financial need, but rather on the student’s athletic abilities.
2. Merit-based Bursaries
While bursaries are typically awarded based on financial need, there are some cases where bursaries are awarded based on merit. These types of bursaries are often awarded to students who have achieved high academic or extracurricular accomplishments. Merit-based bursaries are not based on financial need, but rather on the student’s achievements.
3. Work-study Programs
Some colleges and universities offer work-study programs as a way to help students pay for their education. These programs allow students to work part-time on campus while they are attending school. The money earned from the work-study program can be used to pay for tuition, fees, and other educational expenses.
4. Grants
Grants are another type of financial aid that is often used to help students pay for their education. Unlike bursaries and scholarships, grants do not have to be repaid. Grants are typically awarded based on financial need, but there are some cases where grants are awarded based on merit or other criteria.
5. Fellowships
Fellowships are a type of financial aid that is typically awarded to graduate students. These awards are often based on academic merit and are designed to support the student’s research or other academic pursuits. Fellowships may provide funding for tuition, fees, and living expenses.
| Exception | Description |
|---|---|
| Athletic Scholarships | Scholarships awarded based on athletic abilities, not financial need |
| Merit-Based Bursaries | Bursaries awarded based on academic or extracurricular accomplishments, not financial need |
| Work-Study Programs | Programs that allow students to work part-time on campus to help pay for their education |
| Grants | Financial aid that does not have to be repaid, typically awarded based on financial need |
| Fellowships | Financial aid awarded to graduate students based on academic merit, designed to support research or other academic pursuits |
Practice Exercises
It’s crucial to understand the proper usage of bursary and scholarship in sentences. Here are some practice exercises to help you improve your understanding:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the appropriate word (bursary or scholarship) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:
- The university awarded him a __________ to cover his tuition fees.
- She applied for a __________ to study abroad next semester.
- He received a __________ for his outstanding academic performance in high school.
- The organization provided her with a __________ to attend the conference.
Answer key:
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 | scholarship |
| 2 | bursary |
| 3 | scholarship |
| 4 | bursary |
Exercise 2: Identify The Correct Term
Identify whether the following sentences use bursary or scholarship correctly:
- He received a bursary for his athletic achievements.
- The scholarship helped her pay for her textbooks.
- She received a scholarship for her community service work.
- The bursary covered his living expenses while he studied abroad.
Answer key:
| Sentence | Correct term |
|---|---|
| 1 | Incorrect (should be scholarship) |
| 2 | Correct |
| 3 | Correct |
| 4 | Correct |
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between bursaries and scholarships, it is clear that both offer financial aid to students, but the key differences lie in their eligibility criteria, funding sources, and intended purposes.
While bursaries are typically awarded based on financial need, scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit or other achievements. Additionally, bursaries may be funded by government or private organizations, while scholarships may be funded by universities or other institutions.
It is important for students to understand the differences between these two types of financial aid in order to make informed decisions when applying for funding. By carefully considering their own financial situation and academic achievements, students can determine which type of aid is most appropriate for their needs.
Key Takeaways
- Bursaries and scholarships both offer financial aid to students, but have different eligibility criteria, funding sources, and intended purposes.
- Bursaries are typically awarded based on financial need, while scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit or other achievements.
- Bursaries may be funded by government or private organizations, while scholarships may be funded by universities or other institutions.
- Students should carefully consider their own financial situation and academic achievements when deciding which type of aid to apply for.
Overall, understanding the differences between bursaries and scholarships is an important part of navigating the world of financial aid for students. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, students can improve their chances of success in academic and professional settings.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.