explore fellowships

What’s the difference between Scholarships and Fellowships?

“Fellowship” and “Scholarship” are often interchangeable terms for financial awards given by institutions to fund students. We use the word “fellowship,” from the National Association of Fellowship Advisors, to describe competitive awards that help students achieve their goals. While “scholarships” often refer to need-based aid to help cover basic educational and tuition costs, “fellowships” often imply a variety of opportunities in addition to funding, such as specialized training or leadership programs, mentorship, study abroad, or research. For more information about FAU tuition scholarships, click here.

Why should I pursue a fellowship?

Fellowship recipients receive international recognition and financial benefits that allows them to pursue their passions. Fellowships awarded for first- and second-year students often serve as springboards to subsequent opportunities and avenues to aspirational academic and career goals.

Benefits of Applying

Many prestigious fellowships are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and the benefits begin before a student is awarded. Students who engage in the fellowship application process typically gain:

  • a better understanding of how their strengths and talents, professional interests, career goals and future career path all connect.
  • stronger speaking and interviewing skills.
  • experience in presenting and defending ideas in writing and orally before panels of reviewers.
  • improved ability in preparing applications for graduate school and future competitive opportunities.
  • individual guidance and mentorship from faculty.
  • recognition from FAU for outstanding efforts and accomplishments.

Who is eligible? What fellowships are offered?

Although many of FAU's fellowship advisors are based out of the Honors College, all FAU students and recent alumni are eligible and can take advantage of fellowship advising. Be sure to check out our Fellowship List for information about opportunities available to you. Additionally, the FAU departments below have webpages with specific Prestigious/Merit-Based Fellowships.