# bursary

/bˈɜːsəɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bursary
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

money given to a student to help pay for school or university, usually because the costs are hard to afford or the student studies very well.

For teachers: a grant of money awarded to a student to support continued study, typically based on financial need or academic merit. Unlike a loan, it does not require repayment.

## Examples

- She gets a bursary to help pay for university.
- He applied for a bursary to cover his tuition because his family could not afford the full fees.
- The university awarded her a means-tested bursary that covered accommodation costs, allowing her to complete her degree without taking on part-time work during term.

## Synonyms

scholarship, Grant

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.