Some universities offer merit-based scholarships and the government offers need-based aid. Can these be stacked, or is it usually one or the other?
Yes, in many cases, you can combine a university merit-based scholarship with a government need-based aid, but it depends on the specific rules of the scholarships involved. Some scholarships explicitly state that they cannot be combined with other funding, while others allow it, especially if one covers tuition and the other supports living expenses.
For example:
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University merit-based scholarships often cover part or full tuition based on academic or extracurricular achievements.
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Government need-based aid usually considers your financial situation and may help cover living costs, accommodation, or other expenses.
If both awards don’t have restrictions, you can typically use one for tuition and the other for living costs, effectively reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s always important to check the terms and conditions of each scholarship and inform the university or scholarship provider if you’re applying for multiple sources of funding.
