By Prior Beharry
THE Ministry of Education has awarded 355 bursaries at the cost of $30,058,378 for students who completed the CAPE examinations in 2021.
A release on Friday stated that they were awarded under the National Bursaries Programme.
It stated, “The Bursaries will provide tuition and compulsory fees, a book allowance and a monthly personal maintenance allowance at an estimated cost of TT$30,058,378.”
The release stated that the National Bursary Programme was launched by the Ministry of Education in November 2020 and provided an opportunity for 500 nationals to pursue tertiary education.
It stated, “This programme allows the means for ensuring that the most vulnerable groups, most talented students, and most targeted areas for national development are supported.
“The 355 awardees met the criteria of the National Bursary Means Test and were assessed and assigned scores based on their programme of study and its alignment to National Development, their involvement in extra-curricular activities, contribution to community, country and the quality and content of their Purpose Statement.”
Education Minister, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said, “The National Bursary programmme has expanded access to tertiary education from 400 students to 600 students.
“Through the award of scholarships and national bursaries we now have a more strategic rationalization of funding mechanisms, and we can ensure that the well-performing and talented students have access to higher education, regardless of their socio-economic background.
“Successful candidates will be required to sign an agreement of obligatory service to the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.”
