Bursary: meaning, definitions and examples

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bursary

 

[ˈbɜːrsəri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

education

A monetary grant given by an institution to support a student's education. It is often awarded based on financial need or academic achievement.

Synonyms

fellowship, grant, scholarship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bursary

In the UK and some other Commonwealth countries, it's used to describe financial aid given to students based on their financial need.

  • Helen applied for a bursary to help cover her tuition fees
  • The university offers several bursaries for low-income families
scholarship

Money awarded to students based on academic or other achievements to help pay for their education.

  • She earned a full scholarship for her outstanding academic performance
  • The school offers several scholarships for students with athletic talent
grant

Financial aid given for a particular purpose such as a project, research, or specific academic pursuit, often without the expectation of repayment.

  • The scientist received a grant to study climate change
  • They applied for a grant to fund the community project
fellowship

Typically refers to a merit-based scholarship that often includes a stipend and is awarded for graduate or postgraduate study, research, or professional development.

  • He was awarded a research fellowship for his groundbreaking work in chemistry
  • The fellowship enabled her to spend a year researching in Germany

Examples of usage

  • She was able to attend university thanks to a bursary she received from the government.
  • The bursary covered her tuition fees and living expenses for the academic year.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'bursa', which means purse or bag, representing the financial support provided.
  • It first entered the English language in the late 15th century, originally referring to funds for students.
  • The term has roots in medieval European universities, where funds were set up to help scholars.

Educational Systems

  • In many countries, bursaries are awarded based on financial need, allowing students from less privileged backgrounds to attend school.
  • Different institutions have various bursary programs, often funded by the government, charities, or the universities themselves.
  • Some bursaries are specific to fields of study, promoting education in areas like science, arts, or technology.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Bursaries are an essential part of higher education systems in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • In some cultures, receiving a bursary is a significant achievement and greatly enhances the recipient's status within their community.
  • Certain bursaries are named after prominent figures, making them prestigious and sought after by students.

Social Impact

  • Bursaries play a crucial role in reducing educational inequalities, helping those who may not afford tuition to pursue higher studies.
  • Research suggests that students who receive financial aid are more likely to graduate and have better career prospects.
  • Bursaries can help reduce student debt, allowing graduates to start their professional lives with less financial burden.

Translations

Translations of the word "bursary" in other languages:

🇵🇹 bolsa de estudo

🇮🇳 छात्रवृत्ति (chhatravritti)

🇩🇪 Stipendium

🇮🇩 beasiswa

🇺🇦 стипендія

🇵🇱 stypendium

🇯🇵 奨学金 (しょうがくきん, shōgakukin)

🇫🇷 bourse d'étude

🇪🇸 beca

🇹🇷 burs

🇰🇷 장학금 (janghakgeum)

🇸🇦 منحة دراسية (minha dirasiyya)

🇨🇿 stipendium

🇸🇰 štipendium

🇨🇳 奖学金 (jiǎngxuéjīn)

🇸🇮 štipendija

🇮🇸 styrk

🇰🇿 стипендия

🇬🇪 სტიპენდია (stipendia)

🇦🇿 təqaüd

🇲🇽 beca

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,861 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.