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Scholarship vs. freeship – What’s the difference?

Ele Alınan Konular

Find out if you are eligible to study abroad for free

When you are going abroad to study, you need to plan your finances in advance. There are a lot of options available to help you cut down on the expense of studying abroad. One of the most coveted options is applying for a scholarship. While another popular option is getting a freeship. As you can get confused between the two options, so we decided to help you understand the basic difference.

What is a scholarship?

Think of a scholarship as a financial aid which typically covers a pre-decided part of your tuition fees. This is financial support awarded to you based on your application. So, you are not required to pay it back. Usually, a student gets a scholarship based on merit.

Different types of scholarships

Merit-based: Depends on student’s academic or extracurricular performance.
Student specific: Applicants who meet the criteria based on gender, race, religion, family, and medical history
Destination specific: Bursaries and funds granted to students from a particular country. For instance, the UK Government’s Chevening fellowship
Subject-specific: Certain universities award grants to students for a specific field of study
Need-based: Targeted towards students facing financial constraints owing to parent’s financial background. Also known as ‘freeships’ in some universities.
Athletic scholarships: Provided to top-notch sportsmen, who can represent the university

What is a freeship?

Freeship is a complete exemption from paying tuition fees. This, too, is a financial aid that helps you with your education abroad. Freeships are typically offered to students who come from a financially weak background. But when it is combined with academic excellence, it can be thought of as a type of scholarship (100% scholarship).

Some US universities, freeships are also known as need-based scholarships.

How do I apply for a freeship/scholarship?

The application process for a freeship or a scholarship may vary from university to university. Usually, the applicant is required to have scored more than 60% marks at the school and/or undergraduate level to be eligible.

For you to get a good amount of merit-based scholarship, you should be able to provide marksheets that display academic excellence. Similarly, for an athletic, region, or minority scholarship you should be able to show supporting documents.

For a need-based scholarship/freeship, too, you will need to turn in your financial documents, parents’ employment proof, and relevant tax documents.

The university may also require you to write an essay or a letter to make a case for yourself against the other applicants.

Does a freeship/ scholarship come with terms and conditions?

Certain scholarships and universities require that you maintain a standard grade point or keep making Satisfactory Academic Progress or SAP to keep receiving the aid. Failing to meet these requirements, you run the risk of the aid being taken away.

Whether you choose to apply for a scholarship or freeship, remember that time is of the essence. To get an edge over your peers, it’s always wise to explore your options and prepare your application well in advance.

Once you shortlist the courses and study-abroad country that attracts you the most, it is always a good idea to explore the scholarships you are eligible for. Plan well and start applying early to get ahead of the competition.

If you feel confused at any point in the process, just connect with IDP’s international education specialists and they will guide you through the admission process.