tertiary bursary: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, administrative, academic
Quick answer
What does “tertiary bursary” mean?
a financial grant awarded to support a student's education at the third level (university, college, or equivalent higher education institution).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
a financial grant awarded to support a student's education at the third level (university, college, or equivalent higher education institution).
A non-repayable sum of money provided to a tertiary-level student, typically based on criteria like financial need, academic merit, or a specific field of study, to cover tuition, fees, or living costs.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrase is far more common in UK, Commonwealth, and Irish English. In US English, equivalent terms are 'college grant', 'university grant', or 'need-based scholarship'. 'Bursary' is rarely used in American administrative language.
Connotations
In British contexts, it carries formal, institutional connotations related to university finance offices or charitable foundations. In American contexts, if used, it might sound distinctly British or archaic.
Frequency
High frequency in UK/Irish/Commonwealth university communications; very low to zero in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “tertiary bursary” in a Sentence
[Student] was awarded a tertiary bursary [by Institution][Institution] offers tertiary bursaries [to students] [for Study]to apply for a tertiary bursaryVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tertiary bursary” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The university bursaries several students from low-income households.
- She was bursaried throughout her degree.
American English
- The foundation grants funds to tertiary students. (Verb 'bursary' not used.)
- He was awarded a grant for his tertiary studies.
adverb
British English
- The place was funded bursarily. (Extremely rare/unnatural)
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The bursary application process is now open.
- He is a bursary student.
American English
- The grant application deadline is approaching.
- She is a grant-funded student.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports about funding education.
Academic
Primary context. Used in university prospectuses, student finance offices, and funding body announcements.
Everyday
Low. Used by students and families discussing university funding options.
Technical
Used in educational policy, economics of education, and social welfare documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tertiary bursary”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tertiary bursary”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tertiary bursary”
- Pronouncing 'bursary' as /ˈbʊr.sər.i/ (like 'burrow') instead of /ˈbɜː.sər.i/. Using it to refer to secondary school funding. Confusing it with a repayable loan.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A bursary is a grant that does not need to be repaid, whereas a student loan must be repaid, usually with interest.
It depends on the specific terms of the bursary. Some have restrictions on outside earnings, while others do not. Always check the award conditions.
While often used interchangeably, a scholarship is typically awarded primarily for academic (or sometimes athletic/artistic) merit. A bursary is often awarded primarily on the basis of financial need, though merit may also be a factor.
Regulations vary by country. In many jurisdictions, bursaries for tuition and required course materials are tax-exempt, but amounts for living costs may be taxable. Consult local tax authority guidelines.
a financial grant awarded to support a student's education at the third level (university, college, or equivalent higher education institution).
Tertiary bursary is usually formal, administrative, academic in register.
Tertiary bursary: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɜː.ʃər.i ˈbɜː.sər.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtɝː.ʃi.ˌer.i ˈbɝː.sɚ.i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly. Related: 'on a bursary' (receiving bursary funding).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TERTIARY' = third level (after primary & secondary). 'BURSARY' sounds like 'purse' – money in a purse for your third-level studies.
Conceptual Metaphor
EDUCATION IS A COMMODITY / SUPPORT IS A FOUNDATION. The bursary is a financial instrument that enables the transaction (education) or provides the base (foundation) for study.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'tertiary bursary' MOST commonly used?