Plain-English definitions of 20+ key scholarship terms — from "fully funded" to "stipend" to "conditional offer". Know exactly what you're applying for.
A fully funded scholarship covers 100% of tuition, accommodation, and living costs. A stipend is a monthly cash allowance for personal expenses. A fellowship is a competitive research or study award. Most scholarships listed on Scholar Africa are fully funded and free to apply. No student fees.
A fully funded scholarship covers 100% of tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs for the full duration of study. Recipients typically also receive a monthly stipend, travel allowance, health insurance, and visa support. No out-of-pocket expenses are required from the student.
Example: DAAD Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships.
A stipend is a regular monthly or annual cash payment provided to scholarship recipients to cover personal living expenses such as food, transport, and books. Stipends are paid in addition to tuition coverage. Typical amounts range from USD 500 to USD 2,000 per month depending on the country and programme.
Example: DAAD scholarships pay approximately €992/month stipend for Masters students.
A conditional offer is a scholarship or university admission offer that requires the applicant to meet specific conditions before the offer is confirmed. Common conditions include achieving a minimum final grade in current studies, submitting proof of English proficiency, or completing a background check.
Example: A student receives a conditional offer pending submission of their final degree certificate.
A postgraduate diploma (PGDip) is an academic qualification above a bachelor's degree but below a full master's degree. It typically takes 9–12 months to complete and is offered by universities to students who complete taught postgraduate coursework without a dissertation.
Example: Some Commonwealth Scholarships support postgraduate diploma programmes.
A fellowship is a competitive award that provides funding for advanced study, research, or professional development. Fellowships often target early-career researchers or professionals and may include mentorship, networking opportunities, and a research or project grant in addition to a living allowance.
Example: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Fellowship, Aga Khan Foundation International Fellowship.
A merit-based scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, leadership ability, professional excellence, or special talent — regardless of financial need. Selection is typically competitive, with a minimum GPA or equivalent academic standard required.
Example: Gates Cambridge Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship.
A need-based scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate financial hardship or limited access to education funding. Applicants typically provide proof of family income, assets, or socioeconomic background. Many programmes combine need with academic merit.
Example: Aga Khan Foundation scholarships, some Mastercard Foundation programmes.
A research grant is funding awarded to support a specific research project, typically at PhD or postdoctoral level. Grants cover research costs, materials, conference attendance, and sometimes a researcher's salary. Research grants are project-specific and competitive.
Example: Royal Society Africa Programme grants, African Academy of Sciences grants.
Some scholarships, particularly government-funded ones, require recipients to return to their home country and work there for a specified period after completing their studies. This is called a bond or service obligation. Failure to meet this requirement may result in repayment of scholarship funds.
Example: The South African Government Bursary programme requires recipients to work in the public sector after graduation.
An academic transcript is an official document issued by a university or school that records all courses taken, grades achieved, and degrees awarded. Almost all scholarship applications require certified or notarised copies of academic transcripts as proof of academic performance.
Example: Most scholarships require transcripts showing a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
A letter of recommendation is a formal letter written by an academic supervisor, employer, or other professional who can vouch for an applicant's abilities, character, and suitability for the scholarship. Most scholarship programmes require 2–3 letters from referees.
Example: Chevening requires three references from professional or academic contacts.
A personal statement is an essay written by a scholarship applicant describing their academic background, professional experience, career goals, and motivation for applying. It is one of the most important components of a scholarship application and must be tailored to each programme.
Example: Chevening requires a 500-word personal statement per essay prompt.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely accepted English language proficiency test for scholarship and university applications. Most scholarships to English-speaking countries require a minimum score of 6.0–7.0. TOEFL and Cambridge English qualifications are also accepted by many programmes.
Example: Chevening requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5.
Erasmus Mundus is a European Union scholarship programme that funds fully funded joint Masters degrees delivered by a consortium of at least two European universities. Students study at multiple European institutions and receive a European scholarship covering tuition, travel, and living costs.
Example: Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees are available in over 150 fields of study.
A postdoctoral fellowship (postdoc) is a temporary research position taken after completing a PhD. Postdocs allow researchers to gain experience, publish research, and develop their academic career before obtaining a permanent position. Postdoctoral fellowships are typically funded for 1–3 years.
Example: African Academy of Sciences postdoctoral fellowships, Royal Society Newton Advanced Fellowship.
See Bond Period. A scholarship bond is a legal commitment that some scholarship recipients must sign, agreeing to work in their home country or a specific sector for a defined period after completing their studies.
Example: Intra-Africa Academic Mobility Scheme participants may have sector placement obligations.
An application portal is the official online platform where scholarship applications are submitted. Each scholarship programme operates its own portal, and applications cannot be accepted by email or other channels. Scholar Africa links directly to each official application portal.
Example: Chevening uses an online portal at apply.chevening.org.
GPA (Grade Point Average) is a standardised measure of academic performance used widely in North America and internationally for scholarship eligibility. The most common scale is 0–4.0. Many scholarships require a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (equivalent to a second-class upper degree in the UK or B average).
Example: A GPA of 3.5/4.0 is equivalent to approximately 70% or First Class Honours in the UK system.
CGPA is the cumulative average of all GPA scores across all semesters of a degree programme. Unlike a single-semester GPA, CGPA reflects overall academic performance throughout the degree. Many African universities use a 5.0 or 7.0 scale. Scholarship requirements often specify a minimum CGPA.
Example: Some scholarships require a CGPA of 4.5/5.0 or 60% average.
The donor or scholarship provider is the organisation funding the scholarship. Providers include national governments (e.g., UK government funds Chevening), international organisations (e.g., European Commission funds Erasmus+), private foundations (e.g., Mastercard Foundation), and universities.
Example: DAAD is the German scholarship provider; the British Council administers Chevening on behalf of the UK government.