When you’re planning your higher-education journey, one of the biggest questions is: how will I pay for it? The financial burden of tuition, fees, books and living costs can be significant. Fortunately, there are three powerful types of free student aid that you don’t need to repay: scholarships, grants, and bursaries. But they are not all the same. Understanding the differences can significantly improve your ability to qualify and apply wisely and position you for the most favourable financial-aid outcome.
In this article we’ll break down:
What each of these means
How they differ (eligibility, criteria, source, purpose)
Key overlaps and what to watch out for
Practical tips to apply (especially if you’re in Kenya / Africa)
FAQs & final take-aways
What is a Scholarship?
A scholarship is a financial award given to a student to help cover the cost of study – that may include tuition fees, books, living costs or other education-related expenses. Importantly, a scholarship generally does not need to be repaid.
Key attributes
Usually awarded on the basis of merit such as high grades, talent (academic, athletic, artistic), special achievement, leadership.
May also incorporate need-based criteria (family income, financial hardship) though the primary driver tends to be merit.
Can be offered by a variety of sources: universities, private companies, foundations, government agencies, non-profits.
No repayment required. The recipient doesn’t take on a debt-obligation.
Often competitive: many applicants, limited slots.
May come with conditions: maintaining a certain GPA, or participating in certain activities.
Why scholarships matter
From the student perspective, scholarships reduce the amount you need to borrow (or rely on debt). They free you up to focus on study rather than having to work too many hours. From the donor’s perspective, scholarships are a way of rewarding excellence, fostering future leaders, or fulfilling a philanthropic mission. Over time, scholarships have become key tools in promoting access, equity and social mobility globally.
Example scenario
Imagine a Kenyan student who has achieved top marks in high school and is applying to a university in Eldoret or Nairobi. A university scholarship may be offered that covers full tuition for the 4-year degree, plus a stipend for books, conditioned on maintaining a 3.5 GPA and participating in a mentoring programme.
What is a Grant?
A grant is also a free financial award (i.e., you don’t repay it) but the typical criteria and source differ from a scholarship.
Key attributes
Usually need-based: awarded because the student or family has demonstrated financial need, limited capacity to pay.
Frequently supported by government programmes (federal/state), institutions or non-profits.
The terms “grant” and “scholarship” are sometimes used interchangeably, but many aid-offices treat them differently: grants = need, scholarships = merit.
May carry fewer conditions regarding merit or performance, but may still require certain eligibility (income thresholds, field of study, etc.).
Why grants matter
For students from low-income households, grants can make the difference between being able to attend university or not. They serve to level the playing field. Because grants are focused on need, they often come with more straightforward application processes (especially government-based ones).
Example scenario
A Kenyan student from a rural background applies for a national grant from the Kenyan government (or county scholarship fund) that covers a portion of tuition because their family falls below a certain income threshold. The award is granted primarily on financial hardship rather than grades.
What is a Bursary?
The term “bursary” is more commonly used in the UK, Canada, South Africa and other Commonwealth countries (and sometimes in Kenya) to refer to a financial award for students based primarily on financial need rather than merit.
Key attributes
Non-repayable financial assistance, often short-term, explicitly to support students who cannot otherwise afford education.
Eligibility largely based on financial circumstances: low household income, first-generation attendance, etc.
May be offered by the educational institution itself, trusts, charities or government bodies.
Often less competitive (in the sense of merit) because it is based on need. But may still be limited by funds.
The value sometimes smaller than big merit scholarships, may cover a portion of fees or living costs.
Why bursaries matter
Bursaries provide a safety-net for students who may not have achieved top grades (so might miss merit-based scholarships) but whose financial need is pressing. In many developing-country contexts they are critical. They can allow students to enrol who otherwise would be priced out.
Example scenario
A university in Nairobi offers a bursary to students whose parents’ combined income is below a certain level and who demonstrate the inability to pay tuition. The bursary covers part of tuition and may include a small stipend for living expenses, awarded automatically after the student completes a needs-assessment form.
Comparing Scholarships, Grants & Bursaries
Below is a side-by-side comparison to help clarify the differences and overlaps between scholarships, grants and bursaries.
Feature Scholarship Grant Bursary
Primary basis Merit (grades/talent/achievement) Financial need (income/financial hardship) Financial need (income/household status)
Source Private donors, institutions, companies Government, institutions, non-profits Institutions, trusts, charities, government
Repayment required No No No
Eligibility typical High academic or talent standard Income/need threshold Income/need threshold
Competition level High Varies Varies but often less about merit
Typical value Can be large (even full tuition + stipend) Can be large, though often directed at need Often smaller, covers portions of cost
Conditions (maintenance) Often require minimum GPA/activities May require maintenance of enrolment May require proof of ongoing need
Global usage of term Universal Universal More common in UK/Canada/Commonwealth
Overlaps & nuances
A scholarship might also include a financial-need component (i.e., merit + need). Thus it sometimes looks like a grant.
A grant might be awarded for merit in some jurisdictions (though less common).
Bursary definitions vary by country and institution sometimes used almost interchangeably with “grant”. For example, you’ll find that in the UK “bursary” may simply mean a student hardship fund.
In many developing countries, the terminology may blur: what is called a “bursary” may actually function like a grant or scholarship. Always check the specific criteria and definition in your context.
Why It Matters, Practical Implications
Knowing the differences isn’t just academic; it has real-world consequences:
1. Application strategy
If you focus only on merit-based scholarships but your grades are good but not exceptional, you may miss out on need-based grants or bursaries that you qualify for. Conversely, if you assume everything is purely need-based, you might neglect scholarship opportunities you would qualify for.
2. Knowing the source and criteria
Understanding whether an award is likely merit-based or need-based allows you to tailor your application: for scholarships highlight achievements, leadership, talents; for grants/bursaries emphasise financial need, background circumstances.
3. Budgeting & career planning
If you receive a scholarship that covers full tuition + stipend, you may have more flexibility in choosing a lower-paid field (e.g., public service) or volunteering. If you rely on a bursary that only covers partial costs, you may need to plan for additional funding or part-time work.
4. Conditions & obligations
Some awards come with additional obligations (e.g., maintain GPA, complete certain work after graduation, or service the donor). Make sure you understand these especially in international programmes. For example, some scholarships may require you to work for the donor company after graduation.
5. Government / regional specificities
In Kenya and many African countries, funds may come from national government, county bursary schemes, universities’ internal bursary funds, companies’ corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes. Knowing the local ecosystem matters.
How to Maximise Your Chances
Here are some smart steps to boost your success:
1. Start early – Many awards have early deadlines; being organised gives you the edge. As one source says: “Start your research early”.
2. Know your category – Are you applying for a merit-based scholarship? Or a need-based bursary/grant? Understanding helps tailor your materials.
3. Gather documents – For bursaries/grants you’ll need proof of income, household details, etc. For scholarships you’ll need transcripts, letters of recommendation, essays.
4. Read eligibility carefully – Some awards are restricted by field of study, citizenship/residence status, institution, or GPA. For example: “Residency status holds importance when it comes to qualifying for scholarships”.
5. Apply for multiple awards – Don’t rely on a single application. The odds improve when you cast a wide net.
6. Maintain your award conditions – If you’re awarded a scholarship or bursary that requires maintaining a GPA or enrolment status, make that a priority.
7. Use local resources – Check your university’s financial‐aid office, national bursary portals (in Kenya, the county bursary system), scholarship databases.
8. Prepare for context – In Kenya you may need to provide attachments like KCSE results, recommendation letters, proof of county of origin, family income.
9. Beware of scams – Legitimate awards will not ask you to pay a fee to access them.
10. Keep track of deadlines and follow up – Once you apply, follow up to check status, ensure you accept the award formally, and conform to any reporting or renewal requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I apply for a scholarship and a bursary at the same time?
Yes. Many students apply for multiple awards. For instance, you may be eligible for a need-based bursary and a merit-based scholarship, you might qualify for both. Just check the rules of each award regarding stacking (i.e., receiving more than one).
Q2: Do these awards have to be paid back?
In general, no. Scholarships, grants and bursaries are viewed as gift aid, not loans. They do not typically require repayment. However, if you fail to meet conditions (e.g., drop out, fail to maintain GPA, violate rules) some awards may ask repayment or termination of support always read the fine print.
Q3: Are scholarships always better than bursaries or grants?
Not necessarily. “Better” depends on your situation. If you have excellent academic credentials, a scholarship may give you more money or prestige. If you come from low-income circumstances, a bursary or grant may be more realistic and equally valuable. The key is matching the award to your profile.
Q4: What’s the difference in terminology in Kenya / Africa?
In many African countries, the term bursary is used for government or regional financial support programmes for needy students (for example, county bursaries). This may function akin to a “grant”. Scholarship is used similarly to international usage (merit-based). It’s important to check local definitions and eligibility.
Q5: Can my scholarship/grant be taxed?
In many jurisdictions, educational awards used for tuition, required fees, books and equipment are tax-free. For example, in the US: “Scholarships, fellowship grants, and other grants are tax-free if … the amounts you receive are used to pay for tuition and fees required for enrollment … books, supplies, etc.” Always check the tax rules in your country.
In the battle against education costs, scholarships, grants, and bursaries offer powerful ammunition. While they all share similarities (non-repayable funds to support education), the distinctions matter:
Scholarships = merit/talent oriented (though sometimes need-based)
Grants = primarily need-based, often from government sources
Bursaries = need-based, often institution- or region-specific and in Commonwealth/Canadian/UK contexts
By understanding these differences you can more strategically target the right awards, improve your application success rate, and reduce your reliance on debt. Whether you’re in Kenya or studying internationally, the opportunity to secure free aid is real; act early, apply broadly, and stay organised.
Remember: the best-funded students aren’t always the ones with the highest marks; they’re the ones who know where to look, meet the criteria, submit strong applications, and follow through. Good luck as you pursue your education and unlock financial-aid support that can transform your future.