Scholarship vs. Grant: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 29, 2023
A scholarship is financial aid awarded for academic merit, while a grant is non-repayable funds given often based on financial need.
Key Differences
Scholarship and grant are financial aids provided to individuals, often students, to assist them in pursuing their education. A scholarship is typically awarded on the basis of merit, which can include academic achievement, athletic ability, or other talents. It recognizes and rewards an individual’s accomplishments and potentials. In contrast, a grant is often allocated based on financial need, and it can be used for various purposes, including education, research, and charitable activities.
Scholarships are pivotal in promoting education as they remove financial barriers for talented and deserving individuals, enabling them to access learning opportunities and realize their potentials. Grants, on the other hand, empower individuals and organizations to undertake projects and activities that may lack financial feasibility but have significant impact and value. Both scholarships and grants are instrumental in fostering development, innovation, and equality by redistributing resources and opportunities.
While scholarships usually have stringent eligibility criteria and selection processes focusing on individual’s abilities and achievements, grants tend to emphasize the purpose and impact of the funding. The allocation of grants is often linked to the alignment with specific goals, objectives, or areas of interest of the grantor, such as addressing social issues or advancing scientific research.
Though the primary objective of both scholarships and grants is to provide financial support, the implications and expectations differ. Scholarship recipients are generally expected to maintain a certain level of performance or compliance with the terms, reflecting the merit-based nature of the award. Grant recipients, however, are usually required to fulfill the intended purpose of the funding and demonstrate the outcomes and impacts, ensuring accountability and alignment with the grantor’s vision and mission.
In essence, both scholarships and grants play crucial roles in enabling individuals and entities to pursue their goals and contribute to societal progress. By offering financial support and incentives, scholarships and grants facilitate access to education, encourage innovation, and support initiatives aimed at addressing challenges and creating value in various domains.
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Comparison Chart
Basis
Usually awarded based on merit.
Often allocated based on financial need.
Purpose
Primarily intended for educational support.
Can be used for various purposes.
Eligibility
Requires meeting specific criteria or achievements.
More focused on the intended use of funds.
Conditions
May have performance-related conditions.
May require fulfilling intended purpose.
Recipient
Typically individual students.
Can be individuals, organizations, or projects.
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Scholarship and Grant Definitions
Scholarship
It’s a monetary award to support academically outstanding students.
The scholarship covered Mary’s tuition and book expenses.
Grant
A grant is monetary assistance provided for various objectives.
The artist was awarded a grant to complete her innovative project.
Scholarship
It’s an educational grant for students meeting specific criteria.
The music scholarship allowed Oliver to attend his dream school.
Grant
It’s funding allocated to fulfill certain goals or visions.
The university received a grant to enhance its science department.
Scholarship
A scholarship recognizes and rewards individual accomplishments.
The athletic scholarship was awarded to Emma for her excellence in sports.
Grant
To allow or consent to the fulfillment of (something requested)
Grant permission to speak frankly.
Grant a request.
Scholarship
A scholarship is a merit-based financial aid for education.
John received a scholarship for his exceptional academic achievements.
Grant
To give or confer officially or formally
Grant voting rights to citizens.
Grant diplomatic immunity.
Scholarship
A scholarship is financial assistance based on merit.
The scholarship enabled Sara to pursue higher education without financial burden.
Grant
To transfer (property) by a deed.
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
Grant
To concede; acknowledge
I grant that your plan is ingenious, but you still will not find many backers.
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
Grant
The act of granting.
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
Grant
Something granted, especially a giving of funds for a specific purpose
Federal grants for medical research.
Scholarship
A grant-in-aid to a student.
Grant
The document or provision in a document by which a grant is made.
Scholarship
The character or qualities of a scholar.
Grant
One of several tracts of land in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont originally granted to an individual or a group.
Scholarship
The activity, methods or attainments of a scholar.
Grant
(ditransitive) to give (permission or wish)
He was granted permission to attend the meeting.
The genie granted him three wishes
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
Grant
(ditransitive) To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.en
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
Grant
(transitive) To agree with (someone) on (something); to accept (something) for the sake of argument; to admit to (someone) that (something) is true.
Scholarship
(intransitive) To attend an institution on a scholarship.
Grant
(intransitive) To assent; to consent.
Scholarship
(transitive) To grant a scholarship to.
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
Grant
The yielding or admission of something in dispute.
Scholarship
Literary education.
Any other house of scholarship.
Grant
The thing or property granted; a gift; a boon.
I got a grant from the government to study archeology in Egypt.
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
Grant
(law) A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government.
A grant of land or of money
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
Grant
The deed or writing by which such a transfer is made.
Scholarship
Profound scholarly knowledge
Grant
(informal) An application for a grant monetary boon to aid research or the like.
Grant
To give over; to make conveyance of; to give the possession or title of; to convey; - usually in answer to petition.
Grant me the place of this threshing floor.
Grant
To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.
Wherefore did God grant me my request.
Grant
To admit as true what is not yet satisfactorily proved; to yield belief to; to allow; to yield; to concede.
Grant that the Fates have firmed by their decree.
Grant
To assent; to consent.
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
Grant
The yielding or admission of something in dispute.
Grant
The thing or property granted; a gift; a boon.
Grant
A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government; as, a grant of land or of money; also, the deed or writing by which the transfer is made.
Grant
Any monetary aid
Grant
The act of providing a subsidy
Grant
(law) a transfer of property by deed of conveyance
Grant
Scottish painter; cousin of Lytton Strachey and member of the Bloomsbury Group (1885-1978)
Grant
United States actor (born in England) who was the elegant leading man in many films (1904-1986)
Grant
18th President of the United States; commander of the Union armies in the American Civil War (1822-1885)
Grant
A contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business;
He got the beer concession at the ball park
Grant
A right or privilege that has been granted
Grant
Let have;
Grant permission
Mandela was allowed few visitors in prison
Grant
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
Grant
Be willing to concede;
I grant you this much
Grant
Allow to have;
Grant a privilege
Grant
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
Grant
Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
Grant
Transfer by deed;
Grant land
Grant
A grant is non-repayable funds allocated based on need or purpose.
The research team received a grant to study environmental impacts.
Grant
It’s financial aid given to support specific projects or initiatives.
The non-profit organization got a grant for their community program.
Grant
A grant is allocated money to support endeavors aligned with the grantor’s interests.
The city received a grant to improve public transportation.
FAQs
Can a scholarship be used for things other than tuition?
Yes, some scholarships can be used for other expenses like books, housing, and supplies, depending on the scholarship terms.
Is a grant repayable?
No, grants are non-repayable funds provided to support specific needs or projects.
Are all grants need-based?
While many grants are need-based, some are awarded for specific purposes like research or community projects, regardless of financial need.
Is maintaining a certain GPA a common requirement for keeping a scholarship?
Yes, many scholarships have GPA requirements to ensure recipients maintain the merit for which they were awarded.
How is a scholarship different from a grant?
A scholarship is merit-based financial aid, usually for education, whereas a grant is often need-based financial aid given for various purposes.
Can anyone apply for a scholarship?
While anyone can apply, scholarships have specific eligibility criteria, often related to academic achievement or talent, that applicants must meet.
Can scholarships be renewed?
Some scholarships are renewable, provided recipients continue to meet the renewal criteria, typically related to performance or need.
Can grants be awarded to organizations?
Yes, grants can be awarded to individuals, organizations, or projects to support specific objectives or needs.
Do all grants require a proposal?
Most grants require a proposal or application detailing the intended use and purpose of the funds to assess alignment with grantor’s objectives.
Do grant recipients need to report outcomes?
Yes, grant recipients usually need to report outcomes to demonstrate the impact and adherence to the grant's purpose.
Are grants taxable?
The taxability of grants depends on various factors including the use of funds and tax laws; it’s advisable to consult a tax professional.
Can a student receive multiple scholarships?
Yes, a student can receive multiple scholarships as long as they meet the eligibility criteria for each.
Are scholarships available for part-time students?
Some scholarships are available for part-time students, but availability and criteria depend on the scholarship provider.
Are scholarships only for undergraduate students?
No, scholarships are available for different educational levels including undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate studies.
Can grants be used for personal expenses?
Generally, grants are intended for specific purposes and not personal expenses, unless explicitly allowed by the grant terms.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
