If you’re planning to study abroad in 2027, you’ve likely come across terms such as scholarships, research grants, fellowships, studentships, and research funding. While these funding opportunities all help reduce the financial burden of higher education, they are not the same.
Many students mistakenly apply for research grants when they are only eligible for scholarships, or overlook valuable research funding because they assume it’s only for professors. Understanding the differences can help you identify the right opportunities and improve your chances of securing financial support.
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Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, or postdoctoral research, this guide explains how scholarships and research grants differ, who can apply, what expenses they cover, and how to choose the right funding option.
What Is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is financial assistance awarded to students to support their education. Unlike loans, scholarships generally do not need to be repaid, provided recipients continue to meet the scholarship’s conditions.
Scholarships are commonly awarded based on:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership
- Community service
- Financial need
- Athletic achievement
- Artistic talent
- Research potential
- Specific fields of study
Scholarships may be offered by:
- Universities
- Governments
- International organizations
- Foundations
- Private companies
- Charitable organizations
What Is a Research Grant?
A research grant is funding provided to support a specific research project rather than simply paying for a student’s education.
Research grants are designed to finance activities such as:
- Scientific research
- Laboratory work
- Field studies
- Equipment purchases
- Data collection
- Travel for research
- Research assistants
- Publication costs
Research grants are common for:
- Master’s by Research
- PhD programs
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University research teams
- Academic staff
Scholarship vs Research Grant: Key Differences
| Feature | Scholarship | Research Grant |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Support education | Fund a research project |
| Who Can Apply | Students | Researchers, graduate students, academics |
| Degree Levels | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD | Mostly Master’s (research), PhD, Postdoctoral |
| Covers Tuition | Often | Sometimes |
| Covers Research Costs | Occasionally | Yes |
| Monthly Stipend | Often | Often |
| Equipment Funding | Rare | Common |
| Travel Funding | Sometimes | Frequently |
| Requires Research Proposal | Usually No | Usually Yes |
| Reporting Requirements | Minimal | Often extensive |
Types of Scholarships
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
Awarded for:
- Excellent grades
- Academic achievements
- Standardized test scores
- Outstanding accomplishments
2. Need-Based Scholarships
Designed for students with demonstrated financial need.
Applicants may need to submit:
- Income statements
- Financial declarations
- Sponsor information
3. Government Scholarships
Examples include:
- Chevening Scholarships
- Fulbright Program
- Australia Awards Scholarships
- MEXT Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
These often cover:
- Tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation
- Airfare
- Health insurance
4. University Scholarships
Many universities provide:
- Entrance scholarships
- Departmental scholarships
- Graduate scholarships
- International student awards
Types of Research Grants
Research funding comes in many forms.
Project Grants
Support a defined research project over a specified period.
Laboratory Grants
Provide funding for:
- Laboratory equipment
- Chemicals
- Software
- Technical support
Field Research Grants
Cover:
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Data collection
- Surveys
- Field assistants
Conference Grants
Support researchers attending:
- International conferences
- Workshops
- Academic presentations
Publication Grants
Help cover costs related to:
- Open-access publishing
- Journal fees
- Research dissemination
What Do Scholarships Usually Cover?
Many scholarships include:
- Tuition fees
- Living allowance
- Accommodation
- Health insurance
- Books
- Travel expenses
- Visa application support
- Orientation programs
Some fully funded scholarships cover nearly all major study-related expenses.
What Do Research Grants Usually Cover?
Research grants are often more flexible and may include:
- Research equipment
- Laboratory supplies
- Software licenses
- Research travel
- Survey costs
- Data analysis
- Publication fees
- Research assistants
- Conference participation
- Fieldwork expenses
Some grants also include a stipend for the researcher.
Who Should Apply for Scholarships?
Scholarships are generally best suited for:
- High school graduates
- Undergraduate applicants
- Master’s students
- International students
- Students seeking financial support for tuition and living costs
Who Should Apply for Research Grants?
Research grants are typically intended for:
- Master’s by Research students
- PhD candidates
- Postdoctoral researchers
- University researchers
- Academic staff
- Research teams
Can You Receive Both?
Yes.
Many graduate students receive:
- A university scholarship covering tuition and living expenses.
- A separate research grant to fund laboratory work, field studies, equipment, or conference travel.
Receiving both can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Examples
Example 1
A student receives:
- Full tuition scholarship
- Monthly stipend
- Accommodation support
This is a scholarship package.
Example 2
A PhD student receives funding for:
- Laboratory equipment
- DNA sequencing
- Research travel
- Conference presentations
This is research grant funding.
Example 3
A doctoral student receives:
- Full tuition scholarship
- Monthly stipend
- Research laboratory grant
This student benefits from both forms of funding.
Application Process for Scholarships
Most scholarship applications require:
- Completed application form
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Language proficiency results (if applicable)
Some scholarships also require an interview.
Application Process for Research Grants
Research grant applications often require:
- Detailed research proposal
- Research objectives
- Budget breakdown
- Methodology
- Literature review
- Timeline
- Supervisor endorsement (where applicable)
- Institutional approval
The review process generally focuses on the quality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed research.
Which Is More Competitive?
Both scholarships and research grants can be highly competitive.
Scholarships often receive a large number of applications because they are open to broader groups of students.
Research grants may attract fewer applicants but usually require specialized expertise, strong academic records, and well-developed research proposals.
Advantages of Scholarships
- Reduce or eliminate tuition costs.
- Lower financial stress.
- Allow greater focus on studies.
- Enhance your academic profile.
- Improve future career opportunities.
Advantages of Research Grants
- Support innovative research.
- Provide access to advanced equipment.
- Enable international collaboration.
- Strengthen academic publications.
- Improve prospects for doctoral studies and research careers.
Tips for Winning Scholarships
- Apply early.
- Meet all eligibility requirements.
- Tailor your personal statement.
- Secure strong recommendation letters.
- Highlight leadership and community involvement.
- Proofread all documents carefully.
Tips for Securing Research Grants
- Develop a clear, original research idea.
- Demonstrate the significance of your project.
- Prepare a realistic budget.
- Follow the grant guidelines closely.
- Seek feedback from supervisors before submitting.
- Show how your research will contribute to your field.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants reduce their chances by:
- Confusing scholarships with research grants.
- Applying without meeting eligibility criteria.
- Submitting incomplete applications.
- Ignoring proposal or essay requirements.
- Missing submission deadlines.
- Failing to justify research costs.
- Using generic personal statements for every application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undergraduate students receive research grants?
Some undergraduate students can receive research funding, particularly through university research programs or summer research initiatives. However, most research grants are intended for graduate-level or postgraduate research.
Do research grants pay tuition?
Some do, but many are designed specifically to fund research activities rather than tuition fees. Always review the funding details before applying.
Can I apply for both scholarships and research grants?
Yes. Many graduate students successfully combine scholarship funding with research grants to cover both educational and research-related expenses.
Which is easier to obtain?
There is no universal answer. Scholarships generally have a wider applicant pool, while research grants require specialized research proposals and are often evaluated on academic merit and research impact.
Final Thoughts
Scholarships and research grants both play a vital role in helping students and researchers achieve their academic goals, but they serve different purposes. Scholarships primarily support your education by covering tuition and living expenses, while research grants are designed to finance research projects, equipment, travel, and other research-related costs.
If you’re planning to study abroad in 2027, understanding these differences will help you apply for the right funding opportunities. In many cases, combining a scholarship with a research grant can provide comprehensive financial support, allowing you to focus on your studies, contribute meaningful research, and build a strong foundation for your future academic and professional career.
