Scholarship Vs Freeship
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When you go abroad to study, you must plan your finances ahead of time. Many students are concerned about how they will pay for their higher education. Numerous options are available to help you reduce the cost of studying abroad. A scholarship is a financial grant given to academically gifted students to help them pay for their education. Freeship is a financial aid provided to students to help them avoid paying tuition fees. Scholarships and freeships both encourage students to continue their education. They were both created to promote education and are now used to indicate financial aid to students.
Do you know the difference between a scholarship and a freeship? Are you aware that there are a few types of scholarships?
Applying for a scholarship is one of the most coveted options. Another popular option is to obtain a freeship. In this blog, we have decided to help you understand the fundamental difference between a scholarship and a freeship.
What is Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial assistance given to deserving students in recognition of their talent and academic achievements. Scholarships enable candidates to pursue higher education without worrying about the associated costs. Candidates applying for these financial programs must usually meet specific eligibility criteria set by the providers. Most scholarships are merit-based, though some are also need-based. A scholarship, unlike an education loan, does not require repayment. Students can use it to pay for tuition, living expenses, college supplies, and other expenses.
Types of Scholarships
There are a few types of scholarshipsoffered to students by the governments of different countries, universities, and private organisations. A study abroad scholarship for Indian students falls into the following categories.
Types |
Descriptions |
Merit-Based |
Based on the academic or extracurricular performance of the student. |
Destination-Specific |
It varies from country to country. Students from a given country can receive financial assistance from various federal agencies, states, and universities. |
Student-Specific |
Candidates who fulfil the eligibility criteria based on gender, religion, family, and medical history. |
Subject-Speific |
Some universities award grants to students for a specific field of study. |
Need Based |
It is for some students who face financial difficulties due to their parent's financial situation. In some universities, these are referred to as 'freeships'. |
Athletic Scholarships |
These are given to outstanding athletes who can represent the university. |
Private Scholarships |
These are international scholarships given to Indian students by individuals or organisations. |
University-Specific |
Students are given university scholarships to help them afford their overseas education. These grants, unlike admission scholarships, do not require submission. |
Government Scholarships |
Scholarships for studying abroad are available from the Indian government and state governments. Governments in other countries may provide scholarships to international students who wish to study abroad. |
What is Freeship?
The term "freeship" refers to a complete exemption from tuition fees. Freeship is another type of financial aid that encourages students to study abroad. In general, freeships are given to students from financially disadvantaged families. Freeships are equivalent to 100% scholarship in addition to academic excellence. Many international institutions provide need-based scholarships to students.
Difference between Scholarship and Freeship
A scholarship is a financial aid offered to students for their studies, whereas a freeship is a fee exemption. Some institutions provide merit-based freeship, a tuition fee exemption ranging from 50% to 90%. Scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic performance and family income. Some educational institutions also provide free tuition to students based on their family income. Both are technically financial aids provided to students for their studies. The table below will help you understand better.
Scholarship |
Freeship |
A scholarship is a financial grant given to students to assist them in paying for their education. |
Freeship, a financial aid program, reimburses students for all or part of their institution fees. |
Scholarships are awarded to students who are outstanding academically. |
It grants free tuition. |
Students are not required to apply for the scholarships using application forms formally. Scholarships are awarded based on student's academic records. |
Students must adhere to the eligibility terms and conditions of the relevant authority to apply for Freeship. |
How to apply for a scholarship/ Freeship
The application process for a freeship or scholarship may differ from one university to the next. To be eligible, the applicant must earn more than 60% in high school and Undergraduate studies. To be eligible for a merit-based scholarship, you must be able to provide mark sheets that demonstrate academic excellence. Similarly, you should be able to provide supporting documentation for an athletic, regional, or minority scholarship. You must also submit financial documents, proof of your parent's employment, and relevant tax documents if you apply for a need-based scholarship/freeship. The university may also ask you to write an essay or a letter in which you argue your case against the other applicants.
Application Procedure:
These are the steps to apply for a scholarship or freeship.
- To apply for a scholarship, visit the chosen university website.
- While filling out your application form, you can apply for a merit-based scholarship.
- Other specific scholarships can be found separately on the institutions' websites.
- You will be required to submit supporting documentation for your chosen scholarship.
- You might also be asked to write an essay describing your statements.
- Remember to apply before the application deadlines.
Remember that time is of the essence when applying for a scholarship or a freeship. To gain an advantage over your competitors, it's always a good idea to research your options and prepare your application well in advance.
Once you've finalised the courses and study-abroad countries most appeal to you, it's a good idea to look into the available scholarships. To stay ahead of the competition, plan ahead of time and begin applying as soon as possible.
If you need clarification during the process, Contact AECC overseas education specialists, who will walk you through the admissions process FREE of cost.
FAQ
With a career spanning nearly 15 years in the EdTech industry, Payal Chandra Roy is a leading expert in Learning and Development, student counselling, and product management. Her extensive career at industry giants like AECC, Study Group, and IDP Education Ltd has given her a unique, 360-degree view of the international education landscape.
Payal's expertise goes beyond just advising students; as the Head of Learning and Development (South Asia), her primary role is to train and develop the counsellors who guide students every day. This "train the trainer" experience means she has an unparalleled ability to break down complex topics into simple, engaging, and effective advice. Her skills are backed by numerous certifications in areas like "Gamification of Learning," "Increasing Learner Engagement," and "How to Design and Deliver Training Programmes".
Before leading the L&D department, Payal was a Branch Manager and Manager for the USA at IDP, where she directly counselled students and led successful teams. This hands-on experience, combined with her strategic role as a Product Manager for the UK, Europe & North America at Study Group, ensures her advice is not only insightful but also practical and globally informed.
Payal can help you with
- Learning How to Learn: Use her certified expertise in learning design and gamification to find more engaging and effective ways to prepare for your studies abroad.
- Understanding the "Why": Benefit from her "train the trainer" perspective to understand the deeper strategies behind university admissions and how counsellors are taught to evaluate profiles.
- Navigating Multiple Destinations: Leverage her product management experience covering the UK, Europe, and North America to get a broad, comparative view of your study options.