What Is the Difference Between a Bursary and a Scholarship?
When it comes to funding your education, two common terms often pop up: bursary and scholarship. While many people use them interchangeably, they actually have distinct meanings, criteria, and implications. Understanding the difference between a bursary and a scholarship can help you make better decisions about your academic future and financial planning.
Understanding Financial Aid in Education
Before diving into definitions, it’s crucial to understand the purpose of financial aid. Financial aid aims to make education accessible by reducing the financial burden on students and their families. This aid can come in various forms—grants, student loans, work-study programs, scholarships, and bursaries. Scholarships and bursaries are particularly appealing because, unlike loans, they do not need to be repaid.
What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award given to students based on merit. This could be academic excellence, athletic performance, artistic talent, leadership ability, or other achievements. Scholarships are often funded by universities, private organizations, governments, or philanthropic individuals.
Types of Scholarships
Academic Scholarships: Given to students with high academic performance.
Athletic Scholarships: Awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate sports excellence.
Artistic Scholarships: For talents in music, visual arts, dance, theater, etc.
Leadership or Community Service Scholarships: For those involved in social impact work or student leadership.
Eligibility and Application
Eligibility often depends on GPA, standardized test scores, portfolios, or other documented achievements. Students usually have to apply, submit references, and sometimes go through an interview process.
What Is a Bursary?
A bursary, in contrast, is a financial grant based primarily on financial need. It is designed to assist students who might not otherwise be able to afford tuition, books, or other school-related expenses.
Types of Bursaries
Need-Based Bursaries: Awarded to students from low-income families.
Emergency Bursaries: For students facing sudden financial hardships.
Targeted Bursaries: Offered to students from specific demographics (e.g., single parents, Indigenous students, etc.).
Eligibility and Application
The application process usually requires proof of income, such as tax documents or a letter outlining financial challenges. Some institutions may automatically consider students for bursaries based on financial information submitted through FAFSA or similar financial aid platforms.
Key Differences Between Scholarships and Bursaries
Feature Scholarship Bursary
Basis Merit-based Need-based
Eligibility Based on achievements Based on financial need
Application Requirements GPA, extracurriculars, achievements Financial documents, income proof
Competition Usually high Can vary, but often less competitive
Renewal Often renewable with continued performance May require ongoing proof of need
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding this distinction can guide your strategy for applying to post-secondary institutions. If you have a strong academic or extracurricular record, you should aim for scholarships. If your barrier is financial, bursaries can provide critical support. Some students even qualify for both, significantly reducing their out-of-pocket expenses.
How to Find Scholarships and Bursaries
Finding the right financial aid can be overwhelming, but with a bit of research and organization, students can uncover opportunities suited to their background and goals.
Where to Look
University Financial Aid Offices: Most institutions offer their own lists of scholarships and bursaries.
Online Databases: Websites like Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Yconic provide search tools for thousands of awards.
Government Portals: Many countries have centralized websites (e.g., StudentAid.gov in the U.S., or Student Finance in the UK).
Community Organizations: Local clubs, churches, unions, and businesses often offer smaller, less-competitive bursaries.
Employers: Some companies offer scholarships or bursaries to employees or their children.
Tips for Searching
Use keywords that relate to your field, location, or background.
Check deadlines and requirements regularly.
Set calendar reminders to keep applications on track.
Common Mistakes When Applying
Applying for scholarships and bursaries isn’t just about eligibility—your presentation and strategy matter, too.
Avoid These Pitfalls
Missing Deadlines: Even a single day late can disqualify your application.
Generic Applications: Tailor each application to the award’s values and mission.
Not Following Instructions: Ignoring word limits or submission formats can cost you the opportunity.
Skipping Smaller Awards: Many students go for the big awards, leaving smaller ones with fewer applicants.
Inadequate Proofreading: Typos or grammar mistakes can reflect poorly on your application.
Country-Specific Examples
Canada
Scholarships: Canada Graduate Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.
Bursaries: Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) offers both loans and bursaries.
United States
Scholarships: Gates Millennium Scholars, Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
Bursaries (often referred to as grants): Federal Pell Grant, state-specific grants.
United Kingdom
Scholarships: Chevening Scholarships, Rhodes Scholarships (for international students).
Bursaries: NHS Bursary, university-specific hardship funds.
Australia
Scholarships: Australia Awards, university-based merit awards.
Bursaries: Centrelink Student Start-up Loan and university financial assistance programs.
Financial Aid Officer Insight: A Mini Interview
Q: What’s one thing students overlook when applying for bursaries?
“Many students underestimate their eligibility. You don’t have to be completely broke to qualify. Some bursaries are also awarded for part-time jobs, dependents, or even geographic location.”
Maria Chen, Financial Aid Officer, University of British Columbia
Q: What’s your #1 scholarship application tip?
“Treat it like a job application. Customize your essay, back it with solid references, and proofread like your future depends on it—because in a way, it does.”
Real-Life Student Success Stories
Amara, 19, UK
Amara, a single parent and nursing student, secured a bursary through the NHS and local council. “Without the bursary, I would’ve had to drop out in my first term. It covered childcare and transport—things many don’t consider.”
Jacob, 22, USA’
A track-and-field athlete, Jacob maintained a GPA above 3.8 and won an athletic scholarship combined with a Pell Grant. “The scholarship was for my speed. The bursary was for my situation. I needed both.”
FAQs: Scholarships vs. Bursaries
Can I receive both a bursary and a scholarship?
Yes! Many students receive both forms of aid, especially if they meet the merit criteria and demonstrate financial need.
Do I have to pay taxes on scholarships or bursaries?
It depends on your country. In the U.S., scholarship funds used for tuition and supplies are often tax-free. In the UK and Canada, most scholarships and bursaries are non-taxable.
Can bursaries be revoked?
In some cases, yes—if your financial situation changes drastically or you no longer meet the requirements.
Myths Debunked
Myth #1: Only top students get scholarships.
Not true. Many scholarships focus on leadership, community work, or even niche hobbies like gaming or skateboarding.
Myth #2: Bursaries are only for the extremely poor.
False. Bursaries often go to middle-income families who don’t qualify for major government aid but still need help.
Myth #3: You only need to apply once.
Many scholarships and bursaries are not renewable. You may need to reapply each year or semester.
How to Write a Winning Scholarship or Bursary Essay
The essay portion of your application is often your only chance to stand out in a sea of candidates. Whether it’s for a bursary based on need or a scholarship based on merit, a well-crafted essay can set you apart.
Step-by-Step Essay Guide
Understand the Prompt
Always begin by reading the instructions. Are they asking about your goals, your financial need, or how you’ve overcome obstacles? Tailor your story accordingly.
Start With a Hook
Open with a personal anecdote or a compelling statement. Example:
“At 14, I worked 20 hours a week to help my mother cover rent. That experience taught me resilience beyond the classroom.”
Connect Your Experience to the Opportunity
Whether it’s leadership, perseverance, or academic ambition, link your story to the purpose of the award.
Be Honest and Specific
Avoid vague generalities like “I’ve always worked hard.” Instead, say:
“In high school, I balanced AP coursework with a part-time job and raised my GPA from 2.5 to 3.9 within two years.”
Proofread and Get Feedback
Grammar errors or unclear writing can cost you points. Ask teachers or mentors to review your essay.
Timelines and Application Planning
One of the smartest ways to improve your chances is through early and consistent planning. Here’s how to structure your scholarship and bursary search over a year:
Month Tasks
August – September Research scholarships/bursaries; build a spreadsheet
October – November Draft essays; request letters of recommendation
December – January Finalize applications; submit early deadlines
February – March Submit regular deadlines; follow up with references
April – May Apply for late-cycle awards; respond to offers
June – July Prepare documents for next year’s cycle or renewals
Comparison With Other Forms of Aid
Financial Aid Type Repayable? Based On Key Pros Key Cons
Scholarship Merit Recognizes achievement, boosts resume Competitive
Bursary Financial Need Often underutilized May require sensitive disclosures
Grant Need or project-based Government or research-funded Limited to specific groups
Loan yes Anyone Easy access Must repay with interest
Work-Study Need + availability Earn while studying Time-consuming
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between a bursary and a scholarship isn’t just about semantics—it’s about knowing your options and unlocking opportunities that could shape your academic and personal future. Both scholarships and bursaries serve essential, yet distinct purposes. While scholarships reward merit, bursaries provide a lifeline for those in financial need.
Don’t make the mistake of assuming you won’t qualify. Whether you’re a top-performing student, someone juggling school and work, or navigating complex personal circumstances, there’s likely financial support available for you. The key lies in research, preparation, and persistence.
Start early, stay organized, and don’t shy away from telling your story authentically. You don’t need to be a perfect applicant—you just need to be a prepared and honest one.
In conclsion, financial aid—whether it’s in the form of a scholarship or bursary—is more than just money. It’s an investment in your potential and a recognition of your determination to succeed.
