Funding terminology

Fully funded, scholarship, assistantship, fellowship and waiver are not interchangeable.

Use the exact term published by the funding body, then inspect what costs are actually covered.

Fully funded

This label should only be used when the published package genuinely covers the major costs it claims to cover. The exact components can include tuition, stipend, accommodation or living support, travel, insurance and other benefits — but not every “full” award covers every category.

Scholarship

A scholarship is an award. It may be partial or substantial. The presence of a scholarship does not tell you the funding amount, whether living costs are covered, or whether the award is open to your nationality or degree level.

Tuition waiver

A tuition waiver reduces or removes tuition. It can be extremely valuable, but by itself it does not pay rent, food, transport, insurance or other living costs.

Assistantship

Graduate assistantships may be connected to research, teaching or departmental work. They can include a stipend, tuition support or other benefits, but terms vary by institution and appointment. The official department or graduate-school source should control the claim.

Fellowship

A fellowship can fund study or research without being identical to an assistantship. Some are institutional and others are government or foundation awards.

Scholar rule

Do not ask only “Is there funding?” Ask: who provides it, who is eligible, what does it cover, how long does it last, what is the deadline, whether a separate application is required, and which official source supports those facts.