LAUNCH OF A NEW SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS 2023/24

The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services (MoEYSS) remains committed and progressive in its efforts to review and strengthen the Turks & Caicos Islands Education Financial Assistance Policy (TCIEFAP). The overarching goals are to ensure that Scholarship offerings, as well as the associated application, review and award processes are objective, transparent, empowers the applicants but moreover continues to close the labour market gaps in the Turks & Caicos Islands through strategic and intentional Human Capital Development strategies.  

As such the MoEYSS is pleased to announce that Cabinet at its meeting convened on March 8^th, 2023 has approved the following amendments to the TCIEFAP:

1. It granted approval for Amendments to the current list of priority study areas in alignment with the TCI Labour Market Needs for the award of scholarships for the academic year 2023-2024
2. It granted approval to award a defined number of awards under specific arears of studies from the approved list of institutions.
3. It granted approval to in advance of academic year 2023-2024 publish an advertisement outlining a specified short-list of programmes within each priority area annually, except in the category of the National Scholars and Athletic Financial Assistance Awards which will be the applicant’s selection.

The Ministry of Education can now make public the 2023/2024 Short List of the pre-approved scholarship awards by priority area and with the number awards to be issued.

We hasten to highlight that the list of priority areas has not shifted tremendously and as such will not adversely affect students who have already applied. The Ministry has intentionally extended the application period to encourage as many applicants as possible.

The Ministry of Education encourages all Turks and Caicos Islanders to further their education and enroll into Tertiary studies. There are many opportunities or pathways that are being developed and expanded to facilitate the success of every Learner! The Turks & Caicos Islands Community College provides tuition free access to eligible persons and we encourage all to explore the awesome opportunities.

The 2023-2024 Application process is officially open and applicants are reminded that in order to permit the Education Advisory Committee to make an informed decision, all the required information as specified in the explanatory notes must accompany each application. For example, in the previous application season the Ministry noticed a large number of applicants did not submit the following required information: -

• Acceptance letters from institutions applied to showing the duration of studies with BOTH commencement and completion dates. In many cases only commencement was given.
• Submission of tuition and accommodation invoices from institutions or proof of those tuition and accommodation invoices fees from school Registrar Office.
• Also, submissions of certified documents for Justice of the Peace/Notary Republic.

Students who may not have been successful in receiving a scholarship this academic year are encouraged to reapply for academic year 2023/24.

Please note the following regarding the application process:

• As outlined above, a set amount of scholarships within each priority programme area will be on offer, subsequent guidance will be released on Wednesday 29^th March, 2023. The scholarship application will also be made available at this time on www.gov.tc/scholarshipsecretariat.
• Applicants can qualify for an award by having received acceptance into institutions only on the Ministry’s recommended list for any programme area within the listed priority areas. This is with the exception for National Scholars and Athletic scholarships, which can be awarded to any accredited institution per the requirements of the current policy.
• Scholarship funds will only be given according to the defined award amounts for each programme area/region, further information will be included with the application.
• Applicants should clearly state the occupation they intend to pursue and the route they are taking in order to be eligible for that occupation.
• The Education Advisory Committee will continue to vet applications; once a decision is known, it will be made available to the individual applying.

N.B. SUBMISSION OF INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS

Please note as of January 2018 applications will ONLY be accepted once ALL of the above requirements are attached to your applications to be presented to the Education Advisory Committee.

Submission of all required information is due by the extended date 31^st May, 2023. The ONLY exception to this rule will be for persons not receiving the necessary information from their institution at the time of submission of their incomplete application by 30^th June, 2023 which are as follows: -

• Acceptance Letter
• Transcripts
• Examination results
• Proof from institution of tuition costing
• Proof of accommodation costing from institution if on campus OR signed lease agreement if off campus
• Proof of duration of studies from institution; commencement AND completion date of studies

Please note applicants’ deadline for presenting ALL of the requirements is June 30^th 2023 and If your application does not meet the full requirements, it will not be presented to the Education Advisory Committee.