Scholarship, grant, bursary and tuition waiver are often used as if they mean the same thing—but they can cover very different costs. Understanding the label is important for international students because an award that removes tuition may still leave housing, food, insurance, travel and visa-related financial requirements unpaid.
Scholarship vs grant vs bursary vs tuition waiver
| Funding type | How it is commonly awarded | What it may cover |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship | Academic merit, talent, leadership, background, need or a combination | Anything from a small tuition discount to tuition, living costs and travel |
| Grant | Usually financial need, research purpose or a defined project | Education expenses, research costs or a fixed cash amount |
| Bursary | Often financial need or personal circumstances | Partial or full fee support, living costs or specific expenses |
| Tuition waiver | Merit, need, institutional policy or a special category | Only the stated percentage of tuition unless the policy explicitly includes other fees |
| Fellowship | Graduate study, research, professional development or service | May include tuition, stipend, research budget and insurance |
| Loan | Credit, guarantor, government eligibility or institutional rules | Borrowed funds that normally must be repaid |
These are common meanings, not universal legal definitions. One university may call a 25% tuition discount a scholarship, while another programme may use “scholarship” for a package that includes tuition, accommodation, flights and a monthly allowance.
Why the percentage can be misleading
A “100% scholarship” may mean 100% of tuition only. It may exclude admission fees, laboratory charges, examinations, accommodation, meals, transport, insurance, visa costs, deposits, retaken courses and personal expenses. Some institutional policies also cap the award at a fixed amount or allow only one discount at a time.
This is visible in real university policies. AIUB explicitly describes its scholarships as tuition-fee waivers, while World University of Bangladesh states that one of its 100% waivers does not cover several ancillary costs. United World Colleges, by contrast, separates partial, full, up-to-fully-funded and all-inclusive support according to the expenses covered.
Seven questions to ask before accepting funding
- What is the exact monetary value? Ask for the value per term and for the full programme.
- Which charges are included? Check tuition, compulsory fees, housing, meals, books, insurance, travel and visa expenses separately.
- Is it renewable? A first-year award can leave a major funding gap later.
- What are the renewal conditions? Look for minimum grades, credit load, attendance, conduct and progression rules.
- Can it be combined with other funding? Some institutions apply only the largest award.
- How is it paid? It may be deducted from tuition rather than transferred to the student.
- What happens if you defer, change course or withdraw? The award may be cancelled or recalculated.
Does a scholarship satisfy student visa financial requirements?
Not necessarily. Immigration authorities evaluate the amount and evidence, not just the word “scholarship.” Canada requires students to show funds for tuition, living expenses and transportation; if an award covers only tuition, separate evidence is needed for the other costs. UK guidance similarly requires course fees and living funds, subject to the applicant’s circumstances and current rules.
Your award letter should ideally identify the provider, your name, the exact amount, duration, covered costs and any conditions. Compare it line by line with the destination’s official visa financial checklist.
A practical way to compare offers
Create one row for every cost and compare the remaining amount you must pay, not the headline scholarship percentage:
- Tuition after award
- Mandatory university fees
- Housing and utilities
- Food and local transport
- Health insurance and healthcare
- Visa, biometrics and residence-permit costs
- Flights and initial setup
- Emergency reserve
A smaller scholarship at a lower-cost institution can produce a lower final cost than a larger percentage at an expensive institution.
Next, compare the actual benefits in our fully funded vs full-tuition scholarship guide, then use the study abroad cost calculator method to estimate your funding gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is a tuition waiver the same as a fully funded scholarship?
No. A tuition waiver normally reduces tuition only. Fully funded support should cover tuition and provide meaningful support for major living and study expenses, but you must confirm the written terms.
Is a bursary only for domestic students?
No universal rule says so. Eligibility depends on the provider; some bursaries accept international students and others are restricted by residency or fee status.
Can I receive two scholarships?
Sometimes. Check each award’s rules on combining or “stacking” funding before calculating your final budget.
Official and primary references
- United World Colleges: fees and scholarship coverage
- Canada: proof of financial support
- UK Student visa: money required
- AIUB scholarship and financial-aid policy
Last reviewed: 9 September 2026. Funding and visa rules can change. Confirm every amount and condition with the official provider before applying or paying.