# What Are Competitive Scholarships and Fellowships?

Competitive scholarships and fellowships are prestigious grant awards and funding opportunities for student research, study, teaching, and travel.

The terms *fellowship* and *scholarship* are sometimes used interchangeably to describe a funding grant for academic achievement. Fellowship grants may include living expenses, travel or research funds, or a service commitment in addition to covering tuition costs, often for a period of one or more years. Scholarship grants may help pay for your undergraduate or graduate educational expenses.

Being awarded a scholarship or fellowship is a distinguishing honor that will help you throughout your career…

- A fellowship on your **resume** identifies you as a superstar!
- The **application process** helps you focus your goals, hone your writing, and utilize feedback.
- A fellowship provides you with a built-in **networking community** of other winners.
- A fellowship gives you **valuable experience** beyond the classroom.
- Fellowships **fund your research or grad study** and get your work out there for the world to see.
- Fellowships are a great way to **travel** the globe for free!

A prestigious fellowship or scholarship opens doors for you to go on to even greater success when you leave A-State!