FELLOWSHIP, SCHOLARSHIP AND ASSISTANTSHIP: Are They The Same?

Academic studies often opens up opportunities for financial support through scholarships, fellowships and assistantships, but are these three forms of aid and their eligibility requirements really the same, or is there something we need to know??

Today, we go on a walk through all three because understanding the differences is a life saver for students in search of funding options for their academic pursuits.

1. FELLOWSHIPS

A fellowship is an award given to postgraduate students to continue their pursuit of an academic focus or interest. They are funded, short-term opportunities, that can last from a few weeks to a few years. They can be focused on professional, academic and/or personal development.

Fellowships are sponsored by a specific association, organization, institution, or government which sets the eligibility requirements. Fellows receive funding but are not considered employees of the organization providing the fellowship.

Fellowships are often designed to support various activities, including:

1. Research, either independent or as part of a larger project
2. Developing new community-based organizations
3. Training within a specific field
4. Opportunities to further explore a particular field of work
5. Graduate Study

Fellowships can provide opportunities for cultural immersion, expanding both professional and personal networks, experiential learning, and professional development – to name just a few. Even the process of applying is beneficial to students, helping them clarify goals and interests, articulate their values and plans for the future, improved presentation and interview skills, and much more.

Example:

A postgraduate student researching climate change might receive a fellowship to study the impact of rising sea levels on coastal communities.

2️⃣ Scholarship

A scholarship is a form of financial aid awarded to students for further education. Generally, scholarships are awarded based on a set of criteria such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need, research experience or specific professional experience.

Scholarships also celebrate academic achievements and provide financial comfort to students. They are usually awarded by universities, private organizations, or government bodies. This is to support students’ education by covering tuition fees, books, and sometimes living expenses.

Though scholarship recipients are not required to repay scholarships, the awards may require that the recipient continue to meet certain requirements during their period of support, such as maintaining a minimum grade point average or engaging in a certain activity (e.g., playing on a school sports team for athletic scholarship holders)

3️⃣ Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantships are academic merit-based awards that recognize outstanding achievement and provide financial support to students as they pursue their degrees. Both the university and the student benefit from the assistantship.

The student receives professional experience and financial support, while the university gains a student assistant dedicated to advancing its mission. The student provides financial support (salary) in exchange for specific work or responsibilities.

✒️ Example:

A graduate student working as a teaching assistant might assist a professor in grading assignments and conducting tutorials.

In Summary:

1. Fellowships are research-focused awards for Graduate Students.
2. Scholarships celebrate achievements and cover educational expenses. Depending on the awarding organization or University, they are open to Undergraduates and Graduate Students.
3. Assistantships involve specific tasks or responsibilities in exchange for financial support. Obviously, graduate assistantships are meant only for Graduate Students.