It is common for students to worry about the high cost of studying in another country, as studying abroad is expensive and not all students can afford it, but the good news is that many organizations and governments around the world run several programs to help underprivileged and deserving students with their education. Scholarship and fellowship are examples of two types of schemes and there is a lot of difference between scholarship and fellowship. But most of the students often have misunderstood this. They think that scholarship and fellowship are the same, but this is not true.

In this blog you will learn about the difference between scholarship and fellowship, how you get it, which one is better, you will also learn about its application process, eligibility criteria and tips to improve your chances of getting financial aid.

What are the scholarships?

Scholarships are free financial aid that does not need to be paid back. It is provided to talented students who don't have enough resources to pursue higher education. Scholarships provide financial grants and support to students who want to pursue higher-education but are unable due to weak financial conditions. Scholarships usually cover students' visa expenses, stipends, tuition fees, travel expanses, accommodation, cost of living and many more.

What are the fellowships?

Fellowship is a competitive program and a set of support provided to students for research that provides funding, training, and guidance to the students. This program is offered to scholar students who are looking for opportunities and positions in an institution. It provides funding, payment of fees, and stipend to the students. Additionally, employment and research opportunities are also a part of this program.

Fellowship vs Scholarship: Key Differences

Scholarships and fellowships both look similar but are quite different from each other. Scholarships are awarded to students up to the undergraduate level and fellowships are for those doing research work, so the difference between the two is quite clear. However, you can check the table below to know more in detail.

Classification of Scholarships and Fellowships

There are different types of scholarships and fellowships available for Indian candidates. These scholarships are of different types and based on different criteria. These are mentioned below:

Scholarships Based on Grantor

This scholarship depends on the institution or organization providing this scholarship grant, there are the following types of scholarships:

1. Private Scholarship 
2. Government Scholarship 
3. Community Scholarship  
4. Educational institution scholarship 

Scholarships Based on Purpose

Here are the different categories of scholarships based on the purpose:

1. Merit-based Scholarship
2. Talent-based Scholarships
3. Need-based Scholarships
4. Merit cum Need-based Scholarship

In the case of fellowships, these are:

1. Teaching Fellowship
2. Medical Fellowship
3. Research Fellowship
4. Fellowship for training programs
5. Fellowship in the form of special memberships

Types of Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad

There are many types of scholarships available for both Indian and International students. These scholarships help students from different backgrounds. These are the different types of scholarships for Indian students:

1. Merit-Based Scholarships
2. Need-Based Scholarships
3. Degree Specific Scholarships
4. Equity Scholarships
5. Government Scholarships
6. University Scholarships
7. Fully Funded Scholarships
8. Partially Funded Scholarships
9. Sports Scholarships
10. Research Scholarships

Additionally, along with academic excellence, students must also show their work experience. Here you can check more details about each type of scholarship below.

1. Merit-Based Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships are awarded to students who have good academic marks. These scholarships require a history of excellent academic performance from the students. Both fellowships and scholarships are merit-based. Merit is primarily assessed based on the marks obtained by the student in the previous class or degree. Scoring good marks in all fields of education gives you preference in competitions.

2. Need-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded based on the financial needs of the students and are given to those students who are unable to afford their studies. These are best suited for those students who have less opportunities and more financial challenges. Moreover, these scholarships ensure that every student who has a brilliant mind gets the right to study and many students are already availing this scholarship.

3. Degree Specific Scholarships

These scholarships are available for those students who wish to study any specific degree. For example, if you wish to pursue a master's degree, you can only apply for scholarships that support a PG programme. The number of seats for each scholarship is limited, so students do not have to compete with students from other degree levels.

4. Equity Scholarships

These scholarships are provided to those students who are financially weak and unable to pursue higher education because these types of students often do not get the same opportunities to travel and study like any other students.. Many organizations and governments have created programs to help them study in India and abroad.

5. Government Scholarships

The government offers a number of scholarships to encourage young, talented students to pursue higher education and research and help them financially. Most scholarships vary depending on the provider. These programs are meant to find the most talented students in the country, and students are usually selected based on their academic achievements.

6. University Scholarships

Colleges and universities often provide scholarships to students which are like a financial award and help students pay their tuition fees and other school fees. These scholarships are like stipends so that students can easily manage their fees and expenses. Additionally, it is available only to those students who fulfil the criteria, and it is also provided as per the merit and need of the students.

7. Fully Funded Scholarships

This scholarship is designed to meet every need of the students for their education abroad, including tuition fees, travel and living expenses. Additionally, these provide students with scholarships and stipends also provide students with a regular allowance for things like rent and food.

8. Partially Funded Scholarships

These are the selective financial aid scholarships and these are available and this type of aid focuses on a portion of the tuition fees. Also, many scholarships provide a fixed amount regardless of the fees. These are intended to help students who can afford the expense, but not completely.

9. Sports Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to students who have a high sports profile. Sports scholarships help talented students to pursue higher education. Many of these scholarships require a good academic record as well as a high sports profile. Moreover, these scholarships get a waiver in tuition fees, and many scholarships also offer a fixed stipend to students.

10. Research Scholarships

There are scholarships available for students who wish to pursue research. Many of these scholarships support a particular study or research area. Therefore, the scholarships offered for students in that particular field. This is for the best scholarships as many of these scholarships cover fees, expenses, travel expenses, and even accommodation for 4 to 6 years.

Famous Scholarships for Indian Students

Below you can find the most popular scholarships for Indian students wishing to pursue education abroad:

1. CCSE Graduate Scholarship

CCSE Graduate Scholarship stands for Centre for Cyber ​​Security and Education (CCSE). The aim of this scholarship is to assist students in pursuing a PG or PhD degree. It is valid for students studying abroad including Singapore, USA and Canada. This scholarship is awarded once and cannot be renewed, so you have to apply every year.

Expenses Covered:

This scholarship covers certain expenses and the maximum amount awarded per student is up to USD 5,000 at a time, which only covers the tuition fees of the students. Additionally, this grant is given to 20 students and the amount goes directly to the college.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is awarded to students who have a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and have an offer letter from a university, along with passion, ability, and financial need. Moreover, the best part is that students can attend classes from anywhere in the US or the world, online or offline, full-time or part-time.

2. JN Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship

This is one of the best Tata scholarships and has helped more than 5,700 students across India to study abroad. The aim of this scholarship is to provide financial aid to students who wish to study abroad. However, it is only for students pursuing PG or PhD.

Expenses Covered:

The award amount of this scholarship can range between Rs 1 to 10 lakh and only some students are eligible to receive the maximum amount of this scholarship.

Eligibility:

This award is given to students who have completed a bachelor's degree and have secured at least 60% marks in the previous degree.

3. Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarship

This scholarship is given on the basis of merit and is provided by the NGO, please find the more details about this scholarship below.

Expenses Covered:

This scholarship is provided in the form of loan and it is an interest free scholarship loan and its repayment will start one year after the completion of the course.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is only awarded to students who have Indian citizenship and are residents of India. And the age of the students must be below 30 years and must have a graduation degree.

4. K.C. Mahindra Scholarships

KC Mahindra Scholarships are provided by KC Mahindra Education Trust and these scholarships are awarded to students who have good academic performance but are unable to afford their studies abroad. Also, these scholarships help students to pursue higher education.

Expenses Covered:

This scholarship will be given to all eligible students and they will be given a minimum amount of Rs 5 lakh. Apart from this, the top 3 students will be given Rs 10 lakh.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is given to those students who have an admission letter from an abroad university and this is one of the best scholarships for Indian students who have a first class degree.

5. Inlaks Shivdasini Foundation Scholarship

This scholarship is given on the basis of merit and available for scholars who do not have a master's degree from abroad. It provides scholarships for research scholars, arts students, and others.

Expenses Covered:

Students will receive USD 100,000 (Rs 83,21,790) and there will be no renewal.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 65% average marks in social science subjects and at least 70% marks in mathematics or science subjects. And the age of the students must be below 30 years.

How to Apply for a Scholarship to Study Abroad?

Here are the steps to apply for a scholarship to study abroad:

1. Research the scholarship program that best suits you. You can do the research yourself and get good advice from your fellow students and mentors.

2. Once you have selected the scholarship program you wish to apply for, visit the official website of the scholarship and fill out the application form.

3. Collect all your academic records and documents and be ready to upload them with your application. Also, collect all your achievements that you can mention in the application.

4. Then collect all your government ID cards and proofs to upload for verification.

5. After this, if any application fee is applicable then pay it and submit the form.

What are the Eligibility Criteria for a Scholarship?

There are many top scholarships available for international and Indian students. Which helps to make students' studies easier and also reduce their financial burden. However, each scholarship has its own criteria that every student needs to fulfil. Below you can check the required criteria that you must fulfill.

1. You must have good grades in your school and previous university or college.

2. You must have the required documents and papers to apply for the scholarship. These documents are:

• LOR (Letter of Recommendation) 
• SOP (Statement of Purpose)
• Government IDs 
• Academic Records 
• Income proof (Required for need based scholarship) 
• Residential proof 
• Certificate of extracurricular activities (If any)

3. You must have an offer letter from a recognized university. However,  the criteria for each scholarship vary, in many cases this is a requirement.

4. Many scholarships also require English proficiency test scores, which show how well you are in the English language.

5. All submitted documents must be valid and attested by the Government.

6. If your scholarship is subject-specific, make sure you select the specific subjects the scholarship applies to.

Famous Fellowships for Indian Students

There are many fellowship grants and awards available for scholar students. Below is a list of the most popular fellowships for Indian students.

1. Fulbright Nehru Doctoral Research Fellowship

This fellowship program helps students to study in the US and it allows eligible Indian scholars to do research in the US for 6 to 9 months.

Expenses Covered:

The program provides students with J-1 visa assistance and a monthly stipend. It also provides return tickets in economy class and pays allowances and affiliation fees.

Eligibility:

An LOR (letter of recommendation) from a supervisor who has observed and approved the student's research and has been a continuing researcher for at least one year period to apply for the scholarship.

2. Fulbright Kalam Climate Fellowships

This program is another great fellowship for PhD scholars from India. It selects students and provides them with an opportunity to do research at a US institution.

Expenses Covered:

The fellowship provides students with a monthly stipend along with J-1 visa assistance and economy class travel. Apart from this, allowances are also given for dependents.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is awarded to a PhD student who has started their PhD on or before 1 November 2023 and their thesis submission date is 3 months after the closing date of this scholarship.

3. AAUW International Women's Fellowships

This fellowship program is a beneficiary one that was launched in 1917 and as you might have guessed by reading the name it is only for women.

Expenses Covered:

Under this program, students are given assistance of USD 50,000 for one year.

Eligibility:

It is awarded to those who do not have US citizenship and are available to work full-time as a member of the fellowship. Additionally, preference will be given to students from weaker sections of society.

Steps to Apply for Study Abroad Fellowship

There are many fellowships offered to Indian students, however the fellowships are not that famous in India. But you can apply for fellowships by getting information from this blog. The steps to apply for fellowships for Indian students to study abroad are given below.

1. Before applying to a fellowship program, first research the fellowship that may meet your needs and requirements.

2. Then score good marks in academics and maintain consistency with good marks in previous degrees.

3. Demonstrate your passion and enthusiasm for research through projects.

4. Then be sure to check out the official website of the programs.

5. Then submit an excellent research proposal along with the application.

Conclusion

Since there is a lot of difference between scholarships and fellowships, students who have good academic grades or who are unable to afford higher education should apply for the program that suits their needs and expectations. Whether you are studying abroad or in the country, both aid options play a major role in a student's life, but most students don't  know about these schemes in detail.

At Jagvimal Consultants, we help students find the best scholarship and fellowship programs and help them achieve their desired goals and pursue their careers. For any advice and guidance contact our expert consultants, they will advise you on the best options.