Grant vs. Scholarship — What's the Difference?
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=40)
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on September 28, 2023
A grant is financial aid often based on need, while a scholarship is typically awarded based on merit, achievements, or specific criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/images/grant-vs-scholarship-29567.webp)
Difference Between Grant and Scholarship
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A grant is a sum of money provided to individuals or organizations for a specific purpose, such as research, business development, or financial assistance. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid. They might be allocated based on financial need or to encourage specific activities or outcomes. In contrast, a scholarship is a financial award given to students to help fund their education. These are often based on academic achievements, talents, or other criteria set by the awarding body.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
When considering higher education financing, grants, often stemming from governmental sources, assist students based on their financial situation. Scholarships, however, frequently reward students for their academic or extracurricular accomplishments and can be provided by schools, private organizations, or individuals.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Although both grants and scholarships provide financial assistance without the need for repayment, the eligibility criteria can vary significantly. For a grant, eligibility might hinge on the nature of a project or an individual's financial circumstances. Scholarships typically rely on student performance or the fulfillment of certain conditions.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Notably, while the term "grant" is broad and can be applied in various sectors outside of education, "scholarship" is almost exclusively tied to the educational domain. For instance, a researcher might receive a grant for scientific exploration, whereas a high school student might receive a scholarship for college based on outstanding academic achievements.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Financial aid for specific purposes.
Financial award for students based on merit or criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Based On
Need, purpose, or project.
Academic achievements, talent, or specific criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Application Fields
Education, research, business, etc.
Almost exclusively education.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Typical Providers
Governments, institutions, private entities.
Schools, private organizations, individuals.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Definitions
Grant
Legal conveyance or transfer.
The king made a grant of land to his loyal knight.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Scholarship
A financial award for students.
Based on his outstanding grades, he received a scholarship to his top-choice university.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
To allow or consent to the fulfillment of (something requested)
Grant permission to speak frankly.
Grant a request.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Funds to support academic pursuits.
Through the scholarship, her entire master's program was covered.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
To give or confer officially or formally
Grant voting rights to citizens.
Grant diplomatic immunity.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Aid provided based on merit or set criteria.
Her prowess in the violin earned her a full scholarship.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Scholarship
Recognition of academic or talent-based achievements.
The national science competition winners all received scholarships.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
To concede; acknowledge
I grant that your plan is ingenious, but you still will not find many backers.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Monies to offset educational expenses.
The scholarship reduced the financial burden of college.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Scholarship
A scholarship is an award of financial aid for a student to further their education at a private elementary or secondary school, or a private or public post-secondary college, university, or other academic institution. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, financial need, among others.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
Something granted, especially a giving of funds for a specific purpose
Federal grants for medical research.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
The methods, discipline, and attainments of a scholar or scholars.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Knowledge resulting from study and research in a particular field.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
One of several tracts of land in New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont originally granted to an individual or a group.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
A grant of financial aid awarded to a student, as for the purpose of attending a college.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
(ditransitive) to give (permission or wish)
He was granted permission to attend the meeting.
The genie granted him three wishes
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
(ditransitive) To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.en
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
(transitive) To agree with (someone) on (something); to accept (something) for the sake of argument; to admit to (someone) that (something) is true.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
(uncountable) The sum of knowledge accrued by scholars; the realm of refined learning.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
The first year of high school, often accompanied by exams that needed to be passed before advancement to the higher grades.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
The thing or property granted; a gift; a boon.
I got a grant from the government to study archeology in Egypt.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
(law) A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government.
A grant of land or of money
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
The character and qualities of a scholar; attainments in science or literature; erudition; learning.
A man of my master's . . . great scholarship.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
(informal) An application for a grant monetary boon to aid research or the like.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Maintenance for a scholar; a foundation for the support of a student.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
To give over; to make conveyance of; to give the possession or title of; to convey; - usually in answer to petition.
Grant me the place of this threshing floor.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Scholarship
Financial aid provided to a student on the basis of academic merit
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
To bestow or confer, with or without compensation, particularly in answer to prayer or request; to give.
Wherefore did God grant me my request.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
To admit as true what is not yet satisfactorily proved; to yield belief to; to allow; to yield; to concede.
Grant that the Fates have firmed by their decree.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
The act of granting; a bestowing or conferring; concession; allowance; permission.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
A transfer of property by deed or writing; especially, an appropriation or conveyance made by the government; as, a grant of land or of money; also, the deed or writing by which the transfer is made.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
Scottish painter; cousin of Lytton Strachey and member of the Bloomsbury Group (1885-1978)
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
United States actor (born in England) who was the elegant leading man in many films (1904-1986)
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
18th President of the United States; commander of the Union armies in the American Civil War (1822-1885)
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
A contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business;
He got the beer concession at the ball park
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
Give on the basis of merit;
Funds are granted to qualified researchers
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
Bestow, especially officially;
Grant a degree
Give a divorce
This bill grants us new rights
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
Give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 21, 2021
Grant
A sum of money given for a specific purpose.
The scientist received a grant to fund her groundbreaking research.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
Financial assistance that doesn't need to be repaid.
After the hurricane, families received grants to rebuild their homes.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
An allocation of funds based on need or objective.
Small businesses can apply for grants to expand their operations.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
Grant
Approval or permission given.
The city council will grant the permit after reviewing the application.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 14, 2023
FAQs
How does a Scholarship differ from a Grant?
A scholarship is typically a merit-based financial award for students, while a grant can be based on need or purpose.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is every Grant related to education?
No, grants can be awarded for various purposes, including research, business, and community projects.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
What is a Grant?
A grant is financial aid often provided for a specific purpose and doesn't need to be repaid.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can Grants be provided by private entities?
Yes, grants can come from governments, institutions, and private entities or individuals.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
How are Scholarship amounts determined?
It varies, but amounts can be based on tuition costs, student needs, or funds available from the awarding body.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Who can apply for a Grant?
Individuals, organizations, or institutions, depending on the grant's criteria and purpose.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
What might disqualify someone from keeping a Scholarship?
Not meeting ongoing criteria, like a minimum GPA, or violating terms of the scholarship agreement.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can Grants support artistic projects?
Yes, many grants are available specifically for artists, writers, and other creatives.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Do all Scholarships focus on academic achievement?
No, scholarships can also be awarded for talents, community service, and other specific criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Can a person receive both a Grant and a Scholarship?
Yes, depending on eligibility and the criteria set by the providers.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Do you have to repay a Scholarship?
Typically, no. However, some scholarships might have conditions, like maintaining a certain GPA.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is financial need always a criterion for Grants?
Not always. Some grants are awarded based on project objectives or other criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Are Scholarships only for university students?
No, scholarships can be awarded to students at various educational levels, including high school and postgraduate studies.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
How often are Scholarships awarded?
Some are one-time awards, while others might be renewable annually based on continued eligibility.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Is there a limit to how many Grants or Scholarships one can receive?
No fixed limit, but each grant or scholarship will have its own eligibility and application criteria.
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=32)
Tayyaba Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Author Spotlight
![](https://www.askdifference.com/avatar/e71d67b1aba47c9e5bd8eb22e21c1ed5.webp?s=64)
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.