Will a Muslim be rewarded for striving in studies, and is the diligent student equal to the negligent one?

Whoever strives diligently to acquire beneficial knowledge, that benefits himself or his community, will receive a great reward and abundant recompense from Allah if his intention is to seek Allah's countenance and the Hereafter. People vary in their reward according to their intentions and efforts. Allah Almighty raises those who have believed and those who have been given knowledge, by degrees. And those who know are not equal to those who do not know. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Indeed, everything, even the fish in the sea, asks for forgiveness for the seeker of knowledge."