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Scholarship Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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scholarship

[ˈskɒləʃɪp ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

education

A scholarship is a financial aid award for students to further their education. Scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, athletic ability, or other criteria set by the scholarship provider.

Synonyms

bursary, fellowship, grant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
scholarship

Usually used to refer to a financial award given to a student based on academic or other achievements. It's often merit-based or need-based and is commonly associated with educational institutions.

  • She received a scholarship for her outstanding performance in sports.
  • He applied for a scholarship to cover his tuition fees.
grant

A sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose, such as education, research, or community projects. It often doesn't need to be repaid.

  • The school received a grant to improve its science facilities.
  • Researchers secured a grant to study climate change impacts on agriculture.
fellowship

Refers to a financial grant awarded to a scholar for advanced study or research. It's often associated with postgraduate or specialized programs and can also include opportunities for professional development.

  • She was awarded a fellowship to conduct research in environmental science.
  • His fellowship provided him with the funds needed to complete his PhD.
bursary

Typically used in British English to refer to financial aid provided to students, often based on financial need. It's often associated with schools, colleges, and universities.

  • The university offers a bursary to students from low-income families.
  • He received a bursary to help with living expenses while studying abroad.

Examples of usage

  • Jane received a scholarship to help pay for her tuition.
  • The scholarship covered all of Mark's expenses for his study abroad program.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'scholar' comes from the Latin 'scholaris', which means 'of a school'.
  • In the medieval era, scholarships were often awarded by churches or monasteries to encourage education.
  • The concept evolved in the 20th century, where governments and private entities began funding education to promote intellectual development.

Types of Scholarships

  • Academic scholarships are typically based on a student's grades and test scores.
  • Athletic scholarships reward students for talents in sports, providing incentives for both education and competition.
  • Need-based scholarships are provided to students who demonstrate financial difficulty, aiming to make education accessible to all.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, scholarships are seen as a way to honor students and their potential contributions to society.
  • Scholarships can play a significant role in increasing diversity in higher education by supporting underrepresented groups.
  • Many universities and institutions promote scholarships as a means to encourage lifelong learning and intellectual curiosity.

Contemporary Issues

  • Many students face challenges in obtaining scholarships due to rising tuition costs and increased competition.
  • There is a growing debate over whether scholarships should consider socioeconomic status or purely academic merit.
  • Online platforms have emerged to connect students with scholarship opportunities, diversifying the sources of funding available.

Famous Scholarship Programs

  • The Rhodes Scholarship, established in the early 1900s, is one of the oldest and most prestigious international scholarship programs.
  • The Gates Millennium Scholars Program funds thousands of minority students across the United States to achieve their college dreams.
  • Fulbright Scholarships allow students and professionals to study, teach, or conduct research in over 140 countries, promoting international exchange.

Origin of 'scholarship'

The word 'scholarship' originated from the Old French word 'scholastique' and the Latin word 'scholasticus', both meaning 'of a school'. The concept of scholarships has been around for centuries, with early examples found in ancient Greece and Rome. Scholarships have played a crucial role in providing access to education for individuals who may not have the financial means to pursue higher learning.

See also: scholarly, scholars.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,138 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.