Choosing between an undergraduate and a postgraduate scholarship is one of the most important financial and academic decisions a student can make, yet the differences between the two are often misunderstood. While both provide vital support by easing tuition and living costs, they target students at very different stages of their educational journey and come with distinct expectations.
This article explains what each type of scholarship involves, how eligibility and funding structures vary, and what students can expect in terms of application demands, duration, renewal conditions, competitiveness, and professional outcomes, helping applicants align the right scholarship with their long-term goals.
What does a postgraduate scholarship mean?
A postgraduate scholarship is a form of financial support awarded to students who have already completed an undergraduate degree and wish to pursue advanced studies, such as a master’s or doctoral programme. These scholarships are designed to reduce financial barriers, making it possible for students to focus on specialised coursework, research, or professional development without the burden of tuition and related expenses.
Postgraduate scholarships can vary in scope and coverage, often including tuition fees, research costs, study materials, and sometimes living allowances. They are typically awarded based on academic merit, research potential, professional achievements, or financial need. The primary goal is to support students in achieving higher-level qualifications, gaining expertise in their chosen field, and enhancing their career prospects in both academia and industry.
What is an undergraduate scholarship?
An undergraduate scholarship is a financial award given to students who are pursuing their first university degree, typically a bachelor’s programme. The scholarship helps cover tuition fees, study materials, and, in some cases, living expenses, allowing students to focus on their education without the stress of financial constraints.
Undergraduate scholarships can be based on academic merit, financial need, talent, or a combination of factors. They are intended to reward achievement, promote access to higher education, and support students in developing the knowledge and skills needed for their future careers. By easing the financial burden, these scholarships enable students to take full advantage of educational opportunities and prepare for professional success.
What are the differences between a merit-based scholarship and a need-based scholarship?
Merit-based and need-based scholarships are the two main forms of student financial aid, each with a different purpose and selection method. Merit-based awards recognise strong academic results, leadership, or special talents, while need-based awards prioritise students whose financial circumstances would otherwise limit their access to higher education.
Both types of scholarship are available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, but how they are structured and awarded changes with the level of study. The following paragraphs compare postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships across key areas—eligibility, funding, application process, duration, renewal, competitiveness, and professional expectations—to show how these awards work in practice and what students need to secure them.
1. Eligibility criteria differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships require applicants to already hold an undergraduate degree and to meet minimum academic standards, often expressed through GPA thresholds. They may also expect relevant professional or research experience, as well as a clear research proposal or study plan for master’s and doctoral programmes.
Undergraduate scholarships, on the other hand, focus on secondary school achievement and potential, evaluating factors such as school grades, standardised test scores (where applicable), extracurricular activities, and evidence of readiness to succeed in a bachelor’s programme.
2. Funding structure differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships often provide more comprehensive funding, reflecting the higher costs and intensity of advanced study. They may cover full tuition fees, research expenses, specialised equipment, conference or fieldwork costs, and, in some cases, a stipend or living allowance.
Undergraduate scholarships tend to vary more in scope: some cover full tuition, others offer partial tuition reductions or fixed financial awards, and living expenses are less frequently included or may be supported only through separate grants or bursaries.
3. Application process differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Applications for postgraduate scholarships are usually more demanding and detailed. Candidates may need to submit academic transcripts, a CV, a research proposal or study plan, multiple letters of recommendation, and a tailored motivation or scholarship essay that explains their academic goals and potential contributions.
By contrast, undergraduate scholarship applications generally place greater emphasis on high school transcripts, recommendation letters from teachers or school counsellors, personal statements, and, where required, standardised test scores. Overall, postgraduate applications tend to focus more heavily on research interests and professional trajectory.
4. Duration differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
The duration of a postgraduate scholarship usually mirrors the length of the programme it supports. Master’s awards typically fund one to two years of study, while doctoral scholarships commonly span three to four years, with the possibility of extensions when students demonstrate satisfactory academic and research progress. In many cases, funding is structured in stages or reviewed annually, allowing providers to confirm that recipients are meeting required milestones.
Undergraduate scholarships, by contrast, can be structured in several ways. Some cover a single academic year, others are renewed on a yearly basis, and a smaller number are granted for the full length of a bachelor’s degree, which is usually three to four years. Continued support almost always depends on the recipient maintaining the required academic performance and complying with any additional scholarship conditions, such as full-time enrolment or ongoing financial-need verification.
5. Renewal differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarship renewal is usually tied to clear evidence of ongoing academic and research progress. Recipients are often required to meet specific milestones, such as successfully completing taught modules, passing upgrade or confirmation reviews, submitting progress reports, or producing interim research outputs like presentations or draft chapters. In some cases, supervisors must formally confirm satisfactory performance before funding is continued for the next year.
The renewal of undergraduate scholarships is more commonly based on maintaining a minimum GPA or grade threshold, remaining enrolled full-time in an eligible programme or institution, and complying with any behavioural or conduct standards set by the provider. For need-based undergraduate awards, students may also have to submit updated financial information each year—such as income statements or funding forms—to prove that their financial circumstances still justify continued support.
6. Competitive landscape differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships typically sit in a tighter and more selective competitive landscape, largely because there are fewer awards and applicants usually present strong academic records, clear research interests, and, in some cases, prior publications or professional experience. Selection panels often look closely at research potential, alignment with institutional priorities, and the candidate’s capacity to contribute to their field.
Undergraduate scholarships tend to be more numerous and widely promoted, with competition levels varying significantly by institution, subject area, scholarship value, and whether the award is merit-based, need-based, or a blend of both. Some high-value or prestigious undergraduate schemes attract very large applicant pools, while others—especially smaller, niche, or locally targeted awards—may be less competitive and offer higher chances of success for well-matched candidates.
7. Professional expectation differences between postgraduate and undergraduate scholarships
Postgraduate scholarship recipients are generally expected to contribute more directly to their academic field or institution. This can involve conducting independent research, publishing or presenting their work, contributing at conferences or seminars, and sometimes taking on teaching, mentoring, or project-based responsibilities within their department.
Undergraduate scholarship holders are usually asked to maintain strong grades and to stay actively involved in campus life through extracurricular, leadership, or community engagement activities. While formal research or professional output is less central at this level, these expectations are designed to help students develop transferable skills, build networks, and lay the groundwork for future academic or career opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships allows students to make more strategic decisions about their academic and career paths.
By recognising how eligibility, funding structures, application expectations, duration, renewal conditions, competitiveness, and professional responsibilities shift between these levels, applicants can target opportunities that genuinely match their profile and goals.
Rather than viewing scholarships as one-size-fits-all, treating them as tailored tools for each stage of study helps students plan ahead, build a stronger application narrative over time, and maximise both financial support and long-term professional benefits.
