Applications accepted for education ministry scholarships
The application period for the Ministry of Education’s scholarships and awards programme has opened.
Crystal Caesar, the Acting Minister of Education, said that 67 students received scholarships across various fields and disciplines last year.
The deadline for applications is April 15.
Ms Caesar said: “We firmly believe that funding for postsecondary education should be allocated strategically and in alignment with our core values.
“Whether you are an aspiring student, a mature learner, or a dedicated teacher pursuing professional training, the ministry is pleased to offer financial support to help you achieve your educational goals.”
She said the ministry broadened scholarship criteria to include students attending other institutions within the Caribbean region.
Ms Caesar said: “While we have always encouraged applications for the University of the West Indies Scholarship, there has been a decline in applicants in recent years.”
• The Minister’s Achievement Scholarship helps high-achieving graduating students of CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute attend overseas postsecondary education
• The Minister’s Exceptional Student Award for graduating students or school leavers with disabilities for island or overseas postsecondary study. People with disabilities up to the age of 25 who may be working, volunteering, or already attending college or university are eligible to apply
• The Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award for public school graduates for Bermudian-based or overseas postsecondary study
• The Minister’s Applied Science Scholarship for graduating public senior school students who attended the Applied Technology Dual Enrolment Diploma Programme with Bermuda College and who plan to continue the programme to obtain an Associate’s Degree or certificate
• The Further Education Award for students who have completed at least one year at an accredited college or university for continued postsecondary study. Awards will also be given to students pursuing or attending postgraduate study
• The Non-Traditional Student Award for persons aged 25 and over pursuing postsecondary study.
• The Teacher Education Scholarship for college or university students for study of selected subjects and/or areas of teaching needed in the Bermuda public school system. Applicants must graduate, complete their teaching practice, and obtain a BEC licence within three years of receiving this award.
• The Bermuda Government Scholarship for well-rounded graduating senior school, college or university students up to the age of 25 who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement
• The University of the West Indies Scholarship provides funding for up to three years for either undergraduate or postgraduate students
• The College Promise Programme provides public high school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher the opportunity to attend the Bermuda College tuition-free
• The Bermuda College Book Award provides funding for books for Bermuda College students in financial need
They include the highly competitive Bermuda Government Scholarships for top-performing scholars and the Further Education Awards for students requiring financial assistance to complete their degrees.
Shanaye Smith, scholarship and award manager at the education ministry, encouraged students to apply early.
She said: “Students should give themselves ample time to gather all required documents and submit a strong, complete application before the deadline.”
The Government has significantly increased funding and enhanced accessibility to Bermuda College by offering financial support to students in need, a government spokeswoman said.
She said the College Promise Programme allows graduates of CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute to attend Bermuda College tuition-free, removing financial barriers to higher education.
Bermuda College has received a $300,000 grant dedicated to supporting students through financial aid over the past seven years, she said.
The Government supports the arts by awarding three Further Education Awards to students pursuing careers in art.
In addition, ten Further Education Awards are reserved for postgraduate students.