Need vs. Merit: Which Scholarships Should You Be Applying For?

Not all scholarships are created equal — and not all of them are meant for you.

If you've ever read through a scholarship and thought, “Wait… am I even the kind of person they’re looking for?” — you’re asking the right question.

The truth is, most scholarships fall into one of two categories: need-based or merit-based. And understanding the difference can save you hours of applying to things that were never a good fit to begin with.

Let’s break it down — and help you figure out where to focus your energy.

1. What Are Need-Based Scholarships?

These scholarships are awarded based on financial need. They’re designed to support students who couldn’t otherwise afford to study.

Common criteria include:

• Household income level
• Country or region of origin
• Number of dependents
• First-generation student status
• Personal or family hardship

🟢 Who should apply?

Students who may not have high grades but have a strong financial need and can demonstrate how the scholarship would change their life.

🟢 What they care about most:

• Your background
• Your story
• Your motivation
• Evidence of financial hardship (bank statements, income forms, etc.)
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2. What Are Merit-Based Scholarships?

These are awarded based on your achievements — academic, extracurricular, or even leadership. They’re not about financial need, but about rewarding excellence.

Common merit indicators:

• High GPA or academic ranking
• Strong CV or resume
• Leadership in clubs or projects
• National or international awards

🟣 Who should apply?

Students with strong academic or extracurricular records, regardless of income level.

🟣 What they care about most:

• Grades or performance
• Potential to represent the scholarship program well
• A clear connection between your goals and the scholarship's mission
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3. Can a Scholarship Be Both?

Absolutely — and many are. Some programs consider both your achievements and your financial situation.

Examples include:

• You must meet a GPA threshold and come from a low-income background
• First-round selection is based on merit, final selection based on need

So don’t assume it’s one or the other — read the eligibility section carefully.
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4. How to Tell Which One Fits You Best

Ask yourself:

• Am I applying because I need the financial help — or because I’ve earned recognition for something I’ve done?
• Do I have documents to prove either one?
• Which part of my story is strongest: my achievements or my personal background?

🎯 You can apply for both types — but tailor your motivation letter accordingly.
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5. Avoid the Common Mistake: Applying Blindly

If you send the same generic motivation letter to both types of scholarships, you’re lowering your chances.

✅ For need-based: Tell your story. Be personal.

✅ For merit-based: Highlight your accomplishments. Show how you stand out.

Always match your application to the type of scholarship. It's not one-size-fits-all.
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Takeaway

Understanding the difference between need-based and merit-based scholarships isn’t just useful — it’s strategic.

It helps you:

✔️ Stop wasting time

✔️ Apply where you have a real shot

✔️ Customize your story to fit the audience

So the next time you're about to click "Apply", take 2 minutes to ask:

Is this scholarship made for someone like me?

If yes — go all in. If not — save your energy for the ones that are.