Need-Based vs Merit-Based Scholarships: Popularity, Eligibility and Criteria
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Most students looking to pursue higher education have an undeniable urge to travel overseas to further their cause. However, studying abroad can be irrefutably an expensive affair. Many aspirants looking to travel abroad for higher education quit mid-way as they are unable to meet the required funds or seldom believe the Return on Investment (ROI) would be worth the big leap of faith. Other times students hesitate to go ahead with their application procedure due to the high processing fees levied by international universities. After all who would want to embark on a journey half prepared?
Students with good academic profiles fail to apply to universities abroad due to a lack of awareness of the availability of scholarships in the education domain. There is a lot of information about scholarships and education grants, available in the education sector for the benefit of students that are muddled and not correctly communicated to them. Broadly speaking, there are two major types of scholarships popular in the national and international domain – Need-Based Scholarships and Merit-Based Scholarships. Let us learn about them in detail.
Also read:
- What are Merit-Based Scholarships?
- What is a Need-based Scholarship?
- Difference between Merit and Need-Based Scholarships
- FAQs
What are Merit-Based Scholarships?
As the name suggests, merit-based scholarships are awarded to aspirants who possess an excellent academic or extracurricular profile. The amount of reward entirely depends on the aspirants’ performance in their overall academics which includes scores of common entrance examinations such as GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE or in the field of extracurricular activities or sports. A merit-based scholarship is also granted to athletic, artistic or musical talents, just to name a few. Aspirants are required to get in touch with each school for benefits like this. Candidates may be required to reach out to their coach or department head after contacting admissions authorities if they think they are a good candidate for a non-academic merit scholarship.
Candidates should keep in mind that a merit-based scholarship is solely awarded to candidates based on their academic performance or other talents or contributions, it is not awarded keeping in mind one’s family financial circumstances. As mentioned, it is common for colleges to look at your academic background, past rankings, scores of international examinations and your overall academic track record before qualifying for a grant.
What is a Need-based Scholarship?
As the name suggests, need-based scholarships are awarded to candidates who belong to financially weaker sections. These kinds of scholarships are awarded to candidates to allow them to complete their education in spite of not being able to meet the financial requirements. Need-based financial aid is primarily awarded to students in the form of grants and it should be the goal of every candidate to maximize this kind of aid before seeking other sources of help or quitting.
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Also Read:
- International Scholarships for Indian Students after 12th
- Scholarship Interview Questions with Answers to Study Abroad
Difference between Merit and Need-Based Scholarships
The following table represents the key components as well as the difference of merit and need-based scholarships.
| Basis |
Merit-Based Scholarships |
Need-Based Scholarships |
|---|---|---|
| Criteria |
Should have a proven track record of excellence in academics or extracurricular skills. |
Should be able to provide proof of financial documents, stating the financial condition of the family. |
| Eligibility |
To be eligible for aid, the candidate is required to excel in academics or extracurricular activities. |
To be eligible for aid, the candidate is required to belong to the financially weaker section of society. |
| Popularity |
Both scholarships are equally popular among their target aspirants. The guidelines for receiving the aid are pre-determined by the funding committee and are available for aspirants to apply online or through the post without any biases. |
|
Common points to keep in mind to applying for Merit and Need-based Scholarships
- Candidates should keep in mind that though the two scholarships differ on the eligibility and popularity scale, however, it is extremely important to keep certain things in mind, common to both. Candidates seeking financial assistance should apply well before the prescribed time format to avoid any last-minute hassle. Hence, it is extremely important for candidates to pay attention to deadlines as colleges would require you to apply well before the regular admission timeline.
- Candidates applying for scholarships would definitely have to go through a rigorous admission procedure, like any institution providing them an opportunity to study on their money would only want to select the best. Hence, candidates should be well prepared to appear for additional tests or provide supplementary documents to be considered for financial aid. It is important for candidates to have their documents well in place and be willing to go through any additional procedures if required.
It is a myth debunked that scholarships are very limited or reserved for a select few. Scholarships be it merit-based or need-based are provided extensively by most education bodies abroad and in India. Scholarships are provided by the country of origin, through private organizations and foundations and through educational institutions.
Related reads:
- Scholarships to Study in Canada
- Scholarships for studying in New Zealand
- Scholarships to pursue UG courses in the US
- Top college-funded scholarships for MBA in the US
FAQs
Q. What do you mean by merit and need based scholarships?
Q. What is the difference between merit and need-based scholarships?
Q. How to apply for need-based scholarships?
Q. Are merit-based scholarships difficult to get?
Q. How can you get a full-ride scholarship?
The application process at the University of Manchester can change depending on course chosen and level of study. The steps to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university are given as follows:
UG Application Process:
- Student must apply through the UCAS common application portal.
- They can go to the website and select the course that they are interested in.
- Students are required to meet the eligibility requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
- Once they have decided on the course, the important documents are to be submitted such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
- You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
- Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
- The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
PG application process:
- Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
- Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
- Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
- Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
- If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2026 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
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Comments
(3)
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3 years ago
R
3 years ago
R
3 years ago
R
5 years ago
Hello Myra. You can check out the top scholarships to study in Canada for International students here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/top-scholarships-to-study-in-canada-articlepage-373 and also check out our list of comprehensive scholarships for study abroad here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com
R
5 years ago
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.