Scholarships, Fellowships, Grants and Internships: What's the Difference?

Scholarships

A scholarship is money (or a tuition waiver) to help you study. It is usually awarded to students for a degree or course, based on merit, financial need, a specific background, or a combination. Some cover only part of the tuition; others are "full" and also include living costs.

Typical audience: school leavers, undergraduates, master's and PhD students. Typical requirement: you are admitted to, or applying to, a study program.

Fellowships

A fellowship supports a person to carry out a defined activity, such as research, a professional placement, public service or leadership training, often for a period between a few months and a few years. It commonly includes a stipend, and sometimes travel, health insurance and access to a network or mentoring. Some fellowships are for students (for example, a doctoral fellowship), while others are for working professionals or early-career researchers.

Typical audience: graduates, researchers and professionals. Typical requirement: a proposal, a track record, or a project that fits the fellowship's theme.

Grants

A grant is funding given for a purpose, usually a project, research or the work of an organization, and it does not need to be repaid. Individuals can receive grants (for example, a research grant or a small project grant), and so can nonprofits, schools or community groups. A grant normally comes with conditions: you must use it as described and often report on results.

Typical audience: researchers, nonprofits, social entrepreneurs and artists. Typical requirement: a clear project plan, a budget and an explanation of the expected impact.

Internships

An internship is a short-term work placement that gives you experience in a field or organization. It can last from a few weeks to a year, and may be paid, partly paid, or unpaid. Some are required as part of a degree; others are open to graduates. Always check whether a stipend, housing or travel is included, and what the visa and work permit rules are for international candidates.

Typical audience: students and recent graduates. Typical requirement: a CV, a cover letter, and usually relevant study or a clear interest in the field.

What does 'fully funded' really cover?

"Fully funded" is one of the most common phrases in opportunity announcements, and it does not always mean the same thing. When you see it, check which of these items are explicitly included:

• Tuition and mandatory university fees
• A monthly stipend or living allowance, and how large it is compared with local living costs
• Flights or travel costs, including return travel
• Health insurance
• Visa fees, and a settling-in or relocation allowance
• Books, research or conference costs
• Accommodation, if it is provided or arranged

Choosing the right type of opportunity

• If you want to study for a degree and need financial help, look for scholarships, and check whether you must be admitted before you can apply.
• If you want research time, professional development or leadership experience, look at fellowships.
• If you have a specific project or you run an organization that needs funding, look for grants and prepare a detailed plan and budget.
• If you want to try out a field and build a CV, look at internships, and be clear about pay, visa and housing before you accept.

Read the fine print

Every program sets its own rules. Check the eligibility (nationality, age, level of study), the deadline, what is covered, any obligations afterwards (for example returning to your home country for a period, or working with a sponsor), and whether the award can be combined with other funding. The listing pages on this site summarize this information and link to the official announcement, which is always the final authority.