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bolsa de estudo

A2 noun #7,000 most common 10 min read

bolsa de estudo

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bolsa de estudo in 30 Seconds

Explanation bolsa de estudo in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'bolsa de estudo' as a single unit meaning 'scholarship'. You don't need to know the complex grammar behind it, but you should know that it is something good for a student. You might see it in simple sentences like 'Eu quero uma bolsa' (I want a scholarship). At this stage, focus on the association between 'bolsa' and 'money for school'. You should also learn that 'bolsa' is feminine, so you say 'a bolsa'. It is helpful to know this word if you are filling out basic forms or introducing yourself as a student. Think of it as a 'gift for studying'. You won't be expected to use it in complex sentences yet, but recognizing it in a list of university benefits is important.

At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'bolsa de estudo' in simple past and future contexts. You should know common verbs that go with it, like 'ganhar' (to win/get) and 'pedir' (to ask for). You can describe your situation: 'No ano passado, eu ganhei uma bolsa de estudo' (Last year, I won a scholarship). You should also be able to understand the difference between a full scholarship and a partial one if explained simply. You are beginning to navigate administrative situations, so knowing how to ask 'Onde posso pedir uma bolsa?' (Where can I ask for a scholarship?) is a key skill. You should also be aware that the plural is 'bolsas de estudo' and that it is a feminine noun requiring 'a' or 'uma'.

At the B1 level, you can discuss the requirements and the process of getting a 'bolsa de estudo'. You can use conditional sentences: 'Se eu tivesse melhores notas, ganharia uma bolsa' (If I had better grades, I would win a scholarship). you should be comfortable with terms like 'candidatar-se' (to apply) and 'requisitos' (requirements). You can explain why scholarships are important for society or for your personal career. You should also distinguish between different types of aid, like 'bolsa de mérito' (merit scholarship) and 'bolsa por carência' (need-based scholarship). Your vocabulary is expanding to include related terms like 'propinas' (tuition fees) and 'mensalidade' (monthly fee).

At the B2 level, you can follow detailed discussions about education policy and the funding of 'bolsas de estudo'. You can express nuances, such as the pros and cons of certain scholarship programs. You understand the formal language used in 'editais' (official calls for applications) and can write a basic 'carta de motivação' (motivation letter) to apply for one. You are aware of regional differences, such as how the system works in Brazil versus Portugal. You can use the passive voice: 'A bolsa foi atribuída ao melhor aluno' (The scholarship was awarded to the best student). You can also discuss the socio-economic impact of these grants on a country's development.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated understanding of the term 'bolsa de estudo' and its synonyms. You can use formal terms like 'estipêndio' or 'investigação' correctly. You can engage in complex debates about the meritocracy of scholarship systems or the bureaucratic hurdles involved in the application process. You can interpret legal or academic texts regarding grant regulations without difficulty. Your use of prepositions and collocations is natural, and you can use the term in idiomatic ways if appropriate. You can also write detailed reports or academic articles that mention funding sources, using the correct academic register and terminology.

At the C2 level, you use 'bolsa de estudo' with the same precision and variety as a native speaker. You understand the historical and cultural evolution of scholarship programs in the Lusophone world. You can navigate the most complex bureaucratic systems for research funding and can advise others on how to draft successful applications. You can use the term in any register, from highly academic to colloquial, and you understand every subtle connotation. You are familiar with the specific names of major scholarship-granting bodies (like FCT in Portugal or CNPq in Brazil) and the political discourse surrounding them. Your command of the language allows you to discuss the nuances of 'fundo perdido' versus 'financiamento' with absolute clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bolsa de estudo in 30 Seconds

A 'bolsa de estudo' is a scholarship or grant for education.
It is a feminine noun phrase: 'a bolsa de estudo'.
Used in academic and formal contexts to describe financial aid.
Common verbs include 'ganhar', 'receber', and 'candidatar-se a'.

The term bolsa de estudo is a fundamental concept in the Portuguese-speaking academic world. At its core, it refers to financial assistance provided to students to help them cover the costs of their education, including tuition fees, books, and living expenses. Unlike a loan, which must be repaid, a bolsa is typically a grant or scholarship awarded based on merit, financial need, or specific research goals. In Portugal and Brazil, the education system relies heavily on these grants to ensure social mobility and academic excellence.

Academic Context: Used when discussing university applications, research funding, or government social support for students.

Eu ganhei uma bolsa de estudo para estudar em Coimbra.

The word bolsa alone can mean 'bag', 'purse', or 'stock market', but in an educational context, it is almost always understood as a scholarship. When you add de estudo, you remove all ambiguity. People use this phrase when talking about their future, their achievements, or the administrative hurdles of university life. It carries a sense of prestige and opportunity, often seen as a life-changing event for many students who otherwise wouldn't have the means to pursue higher education.

Financial Support: Refers to 'propinas' (tuition) coverage or monthly stipends for living costs.

A bolsa de estudo cobre todas as despesas do curso.

In Brazil, you might hear about 'PROUNI' or 'CAPES', which are major entities providing these grants. In Portugal, 'DGES' is the main body. Understanding this term is crucial for anyone looking to study abroad in a Lusophone country. It is not just a financial term; it is a cultural symbol of dedication and the pursuit of knowledge. Whether it's a full scholarship (bolsa integral) or a partial one (bolsa parcial), the impact on a student's career path is significant.

Muitos alunos dependem da bolsa de estudo para terminar a faculdade.

Meritocracy: Often linked to 'mérito académico' (academic merit) in competitive applications.

Ela recebeu uma bolsa de estudo por mérito.

Finally, it is important to distinguish between a scholarship and a student loan (empréstimo estudantil). While both help with costs, the 'bolsa' is a gift or award. In professional settings, mentioning you had a 'bolsa de estudo' can signal that you were a top student or that you have experience navigating competitive funding environments.

Preciso preencher o formulário para a bolsa de estudo.

Using bolsa de estudo correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a compound noun. It functions as the object or subject of a sentence, usually accompanied by verbs like ganhar (to win/earn), receber (to receive), concorrer a (to apply for/compete for), or perder (to lose). Because it is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles: a bolsa or uma bolsa.

Common Verbs: Ganhar, solicitar, renovar, atribuir, manter.

O governo vai atribuir novas bolsas de estudo este ano.

When describing the type of scholarship, you place the adjective after the phrase or modify 'bolsa' directly. For example, bolsa de estudo integral (full scholarship) or bolsa de estudo parcial (partial scholarship). If the scholarship is for a specific field, you use para, such as bolsa de estudo para medicina. It is also common to see it used with prepositions like com (with), as in estudar com uma bolsa de estudo.

Applying for one: Use 'candidatar-se a' or 'concorrer a' for the application process.

Eu vou me candidatar a uma bolsa de estudo na Alemanha.

In more formal or academic writing, you might see the phrase bolsa de investigação used specifically for research grants. However, for undergraduate and general education, bolsa de estudo remains the standard. It is also important to note the distinction in duration: bolsa anual (annual) or bolsa mensal (monthly stipend). When talking about the requirements, you use requisitos para a bolsa.

Quais são os requisitos para manter a bolsa de estudo?

Financial Aid Office: Often referred to as 'Serviços de Ação Social' (SAS) in Portugal.

Fui aos serviços sociais perguntar sobre a minha bolsa de estudo.

Finally, consider the emotional weight. Winning a scholarship is often described with high-energy verbs like conseguir (to achieve/get) or lograr (to attain, more formal). It is a source of pride for families and is frequently celebrated. When someone loses a scholarship due to poor grades, the verb perder emphasizes the gravity of the situation.

Ele está preocupado em perder a bolsa de estudo.

In daily life, bolsa de estudo is a hot topic around university campuses, high schools, and in news reports about education budgets. If you are in a Portuguese university, you will hear it in the hallways as students discuss whether their 'bolsa' has been paid yet or if the application period is open. It is a recurring theme in news cycles, especially when the government announces the 'Orçamento do Estado' (State Budget), which dictates how many scholarships will be available for the coming year.

University Life: Commonly heard during enrollment periods and exam seasons.

Já saiu o resultado da bolsa de estudo?

In Brazil, the word is ubiquitous in discussions about social justice and education. Programs like 'Bolsa Família' use the same root word ('bolsa' meaning allowance), but 'bolsa de estudo' specifically refers to the educational grant. You'll hear it in TV soap operas (telenovelas) when a character from a humble background dreams of going to university. It serves as a plot device representing hope and hard work.

News & Media: Headlines often focus on the 'atraso' (delay) or 'aumento' (increase) of scholarship funds.

O telejornal falou sobre o aumento das bolsas de estudo.

At the family dinner table, parents might encourage their children by saying, 'Se estudares muito, podes conseguir uma bolsa'. It is a word associated with aspiration. In professional networking sites like LinkedIn, Portuguese speakers will list their 'Bolsa de Estudo da Fundação Gulbenkian' or 'Bolsa Santander' as a mark of distinction. Even in international contexts, such as Erasmus+ programs, the financial support provided is called a 'bolsa'.

Recebi uma bolsa de estudo Erasmus para estudar em Itália.

Administrative Offices: Where you submit your 'requerimento' (application/request).

Onde entrego o requerimento para a bolsa de estudo?

Whether in a formal letter from the Ministry of Education or a casual WhatsApp message between friends, the term is indispensable. It represents the financial backbone of the Lusophone academic journey, bridging the gap between potential and opportunity.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is trying to use the word 'scholarship' as a cognate or creating a direct translation like 'escolaridade' (which means 'schooling' or 'years of education'). Another mistake is confusing bolsa de estudo with a 'student loan'. In Portuguese, a loan is an empréstimo. Calling a loan a 'bolsa' would be very confusing, as it implies you don't have to pay it back.

Pluralization Error: Saying 'bolsas de estudos' (incorrect) instead of 'bolsas de estudo' (correct).

Errado: Eu tenho duas bolsas de estudos.

Gender agreement is another stumbling block. Since 'bolsa' is feminine, all adjectives and articles must match. Students often say 'um bolsa' (masculine) because they are thinking of the English neutral 'a scholarship'. Remember: a bolsa, uma bolsa, esta bolsa. Also, be careful with the verb 'to apply'. While in English you 'apply for' a scholarship, in Portuguese you candidata-se a or concorre a. Using 'aplicar para' is a common gallicism/anglicism that sounds unnatural in this context.

Preposition Pitfall: Using 'de' when you should use 'a' for application.

Certo: Concorrer a uma bolsa de estudo.

Misunderstanding the word 'bolsa' in other contexts can also lead to funny mistakes. If you tell someone 'Minha bolsa está no chão', they will think your physical bag or purse is on the floor, not your scholarship. Context is key! Lastly, avoid using 'gratuidade' when you mean a scholarship. 'Gratuidade' refers to the state of being free (like free public tuition), whereas 'bolsa' is the specific grant given to an individual.

Não confunda bolsa (scholarship) com empréstimo (loan).

False Friend Alert: 'Bolsa' sounds like 'Bourse' (French) or 'Bursa' (Latin), but in English, 'Bourse' usually refers to the stock market.

No mercado financeiro, usamos Bolsa de Valores, não bolsa de estudo.

While bolsa de estudo is the most common term, there are several nuances and alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker and navigate the academic system more effectively. For instance, in scientific research, the term bolsa de investigação is preferred. This specifically refers to grants for Master's, PhD, or Post-doc researchers.

Bolsa de Estudo vs. Bolsa de Investigação: 'Estudo' is general; 'Investigação' is for scientific research.

Os doutorandos recebem uma bolsa de investigação da FCT.

Another term you might encounter is subsídio. While a 'bolsa' is usually a recurring payment for a long period, a 'subsídio' can be a one-time payment or a specific allowance for transport or meals (subsídio de transporte, subsídio de alimentação). In Brazil, the term auxílio is very common for financial aid that isn't strictly for tuition, such as auxílio-moradia (housing allowance) for students.

Bolsa vs. Financiamento: 'Financiamento' usually implies a loan or a credit line that needs to be paid back.

Não consegui a bolsa, por isso pedi um financiamento estudantil.

You might also hear isenção de propinas. This is not a 'bolsa' in the sense of receiving money, but rather a waiver of tuition fees. It's an important distinction: with a 'bolsa', you get cash; with 'isenção', you just don't pay the university. In some contexts, 'ajuda de custo' is used for small amounts of money given to cover specific expenses during a short course or internship.

A empresa oferece uma ajuda de custo para o estágio.

Formal Alternatives: Estipêndio (Stipend) - used in very formal or legal documents.

O valor do estipêndio mensal é de 800 euros.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The same word 'bolsa' is used for the Stock Market (Bolsa de Valores) because early traders in Bruges used to meet at a house owned by the Van der Beurze family, whose coat of arms featured three purses.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈbɔɫ.zɐ dɨ ɨʃ.ˈtu.du/

US /ˈboʊl.sə deɪ es.ˈtu.doʊ/

Primary stress on 'bol' and 'tu'.

Rhymes With

Cousa Lousa Pousa Repousa Mousa Souza Douza Bouza

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'bolsa' with a closed 'o' in Portugal (it should be open).
Pronouncing the 'de' too strongly (it should be a quick 'd' or 'jee' in Brazil).
Missing the 'z' sound in 'bolsa' (it often voices between vowels).
Stressing the 'o' at the end of 'estudo' (it should be weak).
Confusing the 's' in 'estudo' with an 'sh' sound (common in Portugal and Rio, but not everywhere).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to context.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the 'de estudo' part and pluralization rules.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'bolsa' with open 'o' can be tricky for some.

Listening 2/5

Clearly articulated in academic and news contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Estudo Escola Dinheiro Universidade Livro

Learn Next

Propina Matrícula Exame Licenciatura Mestrado

Advanced

Estipêndio Edital Mérito Carência Dotação

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -a are usually feminine.

A bolsa.

Compound nouns with 'de' only pluralize the first part.

Bolsas de estudo.

Verbs of movement/application use 'a'.

Candidatar-se a uma bolsa.

Definite articles are used before possessives in Portugal.

Contractions of 'de' + article.

Do estudo, da bolsa.

Examples by Level

Eu tenho uma bolsa de estudo.

I have a scholarship.

Uses the feminine article 'uma'.

A bolsa de estudo é boa.

The scholarship is good.

Subject-adjective agreement (feminine).

Onde está a minha bolsa de estudo?

Where is my scholarship?

Question structure.

Eu quero uma bolsa de estudo.

I want a scholarship.

Verb 'querer' in present tense.

Ela ganha uma bolsa de estudo.

She wins a scholarship.

Third person singular 'ganha'.

A bolsa de estudo ajuda muito.

The scholarship helps a lot.

Verb 'ajudar' in present tense.

Não tenho bolsa de estudo.

I don't have a scholarship.

Negative sentence with 'não'.

É uma bolsa de estudo grande.

It is a big scholarship.

Adjective 'grande' follows the noun.

Vou pedir uma bolsa de estudo amanhã.

I am going to ask for a scholarship tomorrow.

Future with 'ir + infinitive'.

Ele ganhou uma bolsa de estudo para o Brasil.

He won a scholarship to Brazil.

Preposition 'para' indicating destination.

As bolsas de estudo são importantes.

Scholarships are important.

Plural form 'bolsas de estudo'.

Você precisa de uma bolsa de estudo?

Do you need a scholarship?

Verb 'precisar' requires the preposition 'de'.

Minha irmã estuda com uma bolsa de estudo.

My sister studies with a scholarship.

Preposition 'com' for accompaniment/means.

A bolsa de estudo cobre os livros.

The scholarship covers the books.

Verb 'cobrir' meaning to cover costs.

Recebi o e-mail sobre a bolsa de estudo.

I received the email about the scholarship.

Preposition 'sobre' meaning about.

Eles perderam a bolsa de estudo.

They lost the scholarship.

Past tense of 'perder'.

Se eu ganhar a bolsa de estudo, vou para Lisboa.

If I win the scholarship, I will go to Lisbon.

First conditional (Future Subjunctive).

Ela candidatou-se a uma bolsa de estudo de mérito.

She applied for a merit-based scholarship.

Pronominal verb 'candidatar-se a'.

Quais são os documentos para a bolsa de estudo?

What are the documents for the scholarship?

Interrogative 'quais' for plural choices.

A bolsa de estudo não é suficiente para a renda.

The scholarship is not enough for the rent.

Adjective 'suficiente' with preposition 'para'.

É difícil manter a bolsa de estudo com notas baixas.

It is difficult to keep the scholarship with low grades.

Infinitive 'manter' after an adjective.

O governo anunciou novas bolsas de estudo.

The government announced new scholarships.

Direct object placement.

Muitos alunos dependem da bolsa de estudo estatal.

Many students depend on the state scholarship.

Verb 'depender' requires 'de' (de + a = da).

Espero que consigas a bolsa de estudo.

I hope you get the scholarship.

Present Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

A bolsa de estudo foi renovada por mais um ano.

The scholarship was renewed for one more year.

Passive voice 'foi renovada'.

O edital da bolsa de estudo já foi publicado.

The scholarship notice has already been published.

Noun 'edital' referring to the official announcement.

A bolsa de estudo destina-se a alunos carenciados.

The scholarship is intended for underprivileged students.

Verb 'destinar-se a' (intended for).

Apesar da bolsa de estudo, ele trabalha à noite.

Despite the scholarship, he works at night.

Conjunction 'apesar de' (despite).

O valor da bolsa de estudo varia conforme o curso.

The value of the scholarship varies according to the course.

Conjunction 'conforme' (according to).

Ele obteve uma bolsa de estudo integral em medicina.

He obtained a full scholarship in medicine.

Adjective 'integral' (full/100%).

A fundação atribuiu a bolsa de estudo ao melhor projeto.

The foundation awarded the scholarship to the best project.

Verb 'atribuir' with indirect object 'ao'.

É necessário comprovar os rendimentos para a bolsa de estudo.

It is necessary to prove income for the scholarship.

Verb 'comprovar' meaning to prove/verify.

A escassez de bolsas de estudo prejudica a investigação.

The shortage of scholarships harms research.

Noun 'escassez' (shortage).

A bolsa de estudo é um pilar da mobilidade social.

The scholarship is a pillar of social mobility.

Metaphorical use of 'pilar'.

Houve uma contestação quanto aos critérios da bolsa de estudo.

There was a dispute regarding the scholarship criteria.

Noun 'contestação' (dispute/protest).

A bolsa de estudo pressupõe dedicação exclusiva.

The scholarship presupposes exclusive dedication.

Verb 'pressupor' (to presuppose).

A burocracia para a bolsa de estudo é extenuante.

The bureaucracy for the scholarship is exhausting.

Adjective 'extenuante' (exhausting).

O montante da bolsa de estudo foi atualizado pela inflação.

The scholarship amount was updated for inflation.

Noun 'montante' (amount/sum).

Ele renunciou à bolsa de estudo para aceitar um emprego.

He resigned from the scholarship to accept a job.

Verb 'renunciar a' (to give up/resign from).

A bolsa de estudo visa fomentar o talento nacional.

The scholarship aims to foster national talent.

Verb 'visar' meaning to aim/target.

A atribuição discricionária de bolsas de estudo foi criticada.

The discretionary awarding of scholarships was criticized.

Adjective 'discricionária' (discretionary).

A bolsa de estudo serve como um catalisador para a inovação.

The scholarship serves as a catalyst for innovation.

Noun 'catalisador' (catalyst).

A sustentabilidade das bolsas de estudo está em xeque.

The sustainability of scholarships is at stake.

Idiom 'em xeque' (at risk/at stake).

O regime jurídico das bolsas de estudo sofreu alterações.

The legal framework for scholarships has undergone changes.

Term 'regime jurídico' (legal framework).

A bolsa de estudo colmata a falha de financiamento privado.

The scholarship fills the gap in private funding.

Verb 'colmatar' (to fill/plug a gap).

Houve um clamor público pela manutenção das bolsas de estudo.

There was a public outcry for the maintenance of scholarships.

Noun 'clamor' (outcry/shout).

A bolsa de estudo é amiúde o único recurso do estudante.

The scholarship is often the student's only resource.

Adverb 'amiúde' (frequently/often).

A dotação orçamental para as bolsas de estudo foi reforçada.

The budget allocation for scholarships was reinforced.

Term 'dotação orçamental' (budget allocation).

Common Collocations

Ganhar uma bolsa

Bolsa integral

Bolsa parcial

Candidatar-se a uma bolsa

Bolsa de mérito

Renovar a bolsa

Perder a bolsa

Requisitos da bolsa

Valor da bolsa

Bolsa de doutoramento

Common Phrases

Estar com bolsa

— To currently hold or be supported by a scholarship.

Eu estou com bolsa este semestre.

Bolsa de estudo por carência

— A need-based scholarship for low-income students.

Ele pediu uma bolsa por carência.

Corte de bolsas

— The reduction or removal of scholarship funding by the government.

O corte de bolsas gerou protestos.

Bolsa de estudo estrangeira

— A scholarship to study in another country.

Ela conseguiu uma bolsa estrangeira.

Manter a média para a bolsa

— To keep the required grade point average to retain the grant.

Tenho de manter a média para a bolsa.

Atraso na bolsa

— When the scholarship payment is late.

O atraso na bolsa é um problema.

Concurso para bolsa

— The competitive process to win a scholarship.

O concurso para a bolsa abre em maio.

Bolsa de intercâmbio

— A scholarship for a study exchange program.

Vou para o Japão com uma bolsa de intercâmbio.

Bolsa de estudo privada

— A scholarship provided by a private company or foundation.

A fundação oferece uma bolsa privada.

Acordo de bolsa

— The legal contract signed when receiving a grant.

Assinei o acordo de bolsa hoje.

Often Confused With

bolsa de estudo vs Bolsa de valores

Refers to the Stock Market, not education.

bolsa de estudo vs Bolso

Means 'pocket' in clothing.

bolsa de estudo vs Empréstimo

Means 'loan', which must be repaid.

Idioms & Expressions

"Viver da bolsa"

— To depend entirely on the scholarship money for survival.

Muitos estudantes vivem da bolsa.

Colloquial

"Bolsa vazia"

— Literally 'empty bag', but metaphorically having no money.

Estou de bolsa vazia este mês.

Informal

"Abrir a bolsa"

— To spend money (usually by an institution or person).

O governo precisa abrir a bolsa para a educação.

Informal

"Apertar a bolsa"

— To cut spending or be stingy.

A universidade apertou a bolsa este ano.

Informal

"Bolsa de prestígio"

— A scholarship that is very famous and hard to get.

A Fulbright é uma bolsa de prestígio.

Neutral

"Bolsa de mérito excepcional"

— A scholarship for truly outstanding students.

Ele recebeu a bolsa de mérito excepcional.

Formal

"Ficar sem bolsa"

— To lose or not receive a expected scholarship.

Se eu reprovar, fico sem bolsa.

Neutral

"Bolsa de sobrevivência"

— A very small scholarship that only covers basic needs.

É apenas uma bolsa de sobrevivência.

Colloquial

"Bolsa de ouro"

— A very high-value scholarship (metaphorical).

Aquela bolsa de estudo é uma bolsa de ouro.

Informal

"Bolsa de viagem"

— A grant specifically for travel related to studies.

Recebi uma bolsa de viagem para a conferência.

Neutral

Easily Confused

bolsa de estudo vs Bolsa

Multiple meanings.

Can mean bag, purse, or grant. Context determines meaning.

Minha bolsa de estudo está na bolsa (bag).

bolsa de estudo vs Propina

False friend.

In Portugal, it means 'tuition fee'. In Brazil/Spanish, it often means 'bribe' or 'tip'.

Paguei a propina da faculdade.

bolsa de estudo vs Candidatura

Application process.

The act of applying, not the grant itself.

Minha candidatura à bolsa foi aceite.

bolsa de estudo vs Subsídio

Similar meaning.

Usually a general subsidy, not always for study.

Recebo um subsídio de transporte.

bolsa de estudo vs Crédito

Financial term.

Refers to a loan or bank credit.

Pedi um crédito para estudar.

Sentence Patterns

Eu tenho [noun].

Eu tenho uma bolsa de estudo.

Eu vou pedir [noun].

Eu vou pedir uma bolsa de estudo.

Se eu tivesse [noun], eu [verb].

Se eu tivesse uma bolsa de estudo, eu estudaria mais.

A bolsa foi [past participle].

A bolsa foi atribuída ontem.

Apesar de [noun], [clause].

Apesar da bolsa de estudo, as despesas são altas.

O regime de [noun] visa [verb].

O regime de bolsas de estudo visa promover a equidade.

É necessário [verb] para a bolsa.

É necessário estudar para a bolsa.

Ela ganhou a bolsa para [place].

Ela ganhou a bolsa para a França.

Word Family

Nouns

Bolsista (Scholarship holder)

Bolso (Pocket)

Bolseta (Small bag)

Bolsão (Large grant/Big bag)

Verbs

Embolsar (To pocket/receive money)

Desembolsar (To pay out)

Adjectives

Bolsista (Relating to a scholarship/holder)

Estudo

Estudante

Estudantil

Escolaridade

Universidade

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

Bolsas de estudos → Bolsas de estudo
The second noun in this compound phrase remains singular.
O bolsa → A bolsa
'Bolsa' is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article.
Aplicar para uma bolsa → Candidatar-se a uma bolsa
'Aplicar para' is an anglicism; 'candidatar-se a' is the correct Portuguese verb.
Ganhar um empréstimo → Ganhar uma bolsa
You 'win' a scholarship, but you 'take' (pedir/fazer) a loan.
Bolsa de escolaridade → Bolsa de estudo
'Escolaridade' refers to the level of schooling, not the grant itself.

Tips

Gender Matters

Always remember 'bolsa' is feminine. Use 'a' and 'uma' correctly to sound natural.

Full Phrase

While 'bolsa' is common, using 'bolsa de estudo' is safer in formal writing to avoid confusion with 'bag'.

Erasmus

If you study in Europe, you will hear 'Bolsa Erasmus' constantly. It's the most famous scholarship.

Key Verbs

Memorize 'ganhar', 'perder', and 'renovar'. They are the most common verbs used with this word.

The Edital

Always look for the 'edital'. It contains all the rules for the scholarship application.

PROUNI

In Brazil, research the term PROUNI. It's the biggest scholarship program for private colleges.

DGES

In Portugal, the DGES website is your best friend for finding state scholarships.

CV Tip

Always list scholarships on your CV. It shows you were a dedicated student.

Asking Friends

It's okay to ask classmates 'Já recebeste a bolsa?', as it's a common shared concern.

Budgeting

Remember that a 'bolsa' might not cover everything, so plan your budget carefully.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'bolsa' as a 'bowl' of money that helps you 'study' (estudo). A bowl-sa for study!

Visual Association

Imagine a student carrying a backpack (bolsa) that is magically overflowing with gold coins and books.

Word Web

Universidade Dinheiro Grátis Livros Notas Mérito Candidatura Futuro

Challenge

Try to write a sentence using 'bolsa de estudo' and 'amanhã' in the same sentence.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'bursa', which means 'purse' or 'leather bag'. The term evolved from a physical container for money to the money itself.

Original meaning: A leather pouch used for carrying coins.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

Be sensitive when asking someone if they have a 'bolsa', as it can imply they are in financial difficulty.

In the US/UK, we distinguish between 'scholarship' (merit) and 'grant' (need). In Portuguese, 'bolsa de estudo' covers both.

Bolsa Família (Brazil) Erasmus Scholarship (Europe) Bolsas Gulbenkian (Portugal)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Application

Como peço a bolsa?
Quais os prazos?
Preciso de bolsa.
Onde está o edital?

News Report

Aumento das bolsas.
Corte no orçamento.
Novas regras.
Pagamento atrasado.

Family Talk

Estuda para a bolsa.
A bolsa ajudou.
Sem bolsa é caro.
Ganhaste a bolsa?

Job Interview

Fui bolsista.
Tive bolsa de mérito.
Investigação com bolsa.
Experiência académica.

Administrative Office

Entregar documentos.
Assinar contrato.
Verificar estado.
Reclamação de bolsa.

Conversation Starters

"Tu tens alguma bolsa de estudo para este curso?"

"Sabes quando abrem as candidaturas para a bolsa de estudo?"

"É difícil conseguir uma bolsa de estudo em Portugal?"

"O que achas do valor das bolsas de estudo atuais?"

"Como foi o teu processo para ganhar a bolsa de estudo?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre como uma bolsa de estudo poderia mudar a tua vida académica.

Descreve o processo de candidatura a uma bolsa de estudo no teu país.

Se fosses o Ministro da Educação, como distribuirias as bolsas de estudo?

Relata a tua reação ao ganhar (ou perder) uma bolsa de estudo fictícia.

Explica a importância das bolsas de estudo para a igualdade social.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

É um apoio financeiro dado a estudantes para ajudar a pagar os estudos. Geralmente, não precisa de ser devolvido.

Podes ganhar através de boas notas (mérito) ou se a tua família tiver poucos rendimentos (carência).

Depende. Uma bolsa integral paga tudo, mas uma bolsa parcial paga apenas uma parte das despesas.

O plural correto é 'bolsas de estudo'. Apenas a palavra 'bolsa' vai para o plural.

Sim, dependendo dos acordos entre países e do tipo de residência que o estudante tem.

Muitas vezes, se reprovares em muitas disciplinas, podes perder a bolsa de estudo no ano seguinte.

É uma bolsa dada especificamente aos alunos com as melhores notas da escola ou universidade.

Normalmente pede-se online, no site da DGES (em Portugal) ou diretamente na universidade.

Não, a bolsa é um fundo perdido (grant). Um empréstimo tem de ser pago de volta ao banco.

Geralmente dura um ano letivo e precisa de ser renovada todos os anos.