closed scholarship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Academic, Administrative
Quick answer
What does “closed scholarship” mean?
A scholarship for which applications are not publicly solicited or accepted.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A scholarship for which applications are not publicly solicited or accepted; award typically granted through nomination, invitation, or selection from a pre-defined, restricted group.
It can also refer to a scholarship fund or programme that is no longer accepting new applications because it has been discontinued, fully allocated, or its terms have frozen eligibility.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is used in both varieties within university and foundation administrative contexts.
Connotations
Connotes exclusivity, limited access, or finality. In a UK context, might be slightly more associated with traditional, endowed college awards at older universities.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. Slightly more likely to be encountered in written administrative documents than in spoken language.
Grammar
How to Use “closed scholarship” in a Sentence
The [named] scholarship is a closed scholarship.They received the award through a closed scholarship.Applications are not accepted; it's a closed scholarship.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “closed scholarship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee decided to close the scholarship to new applications.
- They have closed that scholarship scheme.
American English
- The foundation closed the scholarship program last year.
- They are closing applications for the scholarship.
adverb
British English
- [Not typically used as an adverb for this phrase]
American English
- [Not typically used as an adverb for this phrase]
adjective
British English
- It's a closed-scholarship system.
- He benefited from a closed-award process.
American English
- It was a closed-scholarship competition.
- The closed-selection model is traditional.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in corporate social responsibility reports regarding educational funds.
Academic
Primary context. Used in university financial aid offices, postgraduate admissions, and fellowship descriptions.
Everyday
Very rare. Unlikely to be used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific to educational administration and philanthropy sectors.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “closed scholarship”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “closed scholarship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “closed scholarship”
- Using 'closed scholarship' to mean a scholarship that has been 'won' or 'secured' by a student (correct: 'awarded a scholarship').
- Confusing it with a 'full scholarship' (which covers all costs).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, no. A truly closed scholarship does not accept unsolicited applications. You would need to be nominated or invited by the awarding body.
An open scholarship advertises its criteria and accepts applications from anyone who meets them. A closed scholarship has a hidden or restricted application channel, often limited to a specific group chosen by the funder.
It can, but this is context-dependent. It usually means the application process is closed (by design), but it can also mean the fund is discontinued. Always check the specific context.
This is a matter of perspective. They are often designed to fulfil specific, narrow criteria set by a donor (e.g., aiding descendants of a certain group). While not equitable in a broad sense, they operate within their defined legal and philanthropic purpose.
A scholarship for which applications are not publicly solicited or accepted.
Closed scholarship is usually formal, academic, administrative in register.
Closed scholarship: in British English it is pronounced /kləʊzd ˈskɒləʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /kloʊzd ˈskɑːlərʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a scholarship with a CLOSED sign on the application door, meaning you cannot just walk in and apply.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCESS IS SPACE / OPPORTUNITY IS A CONTAINER. The scholarship is a container with a closed entrance.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'closed scholarship'?