A new Cabinet-approved policy for scholarship awards will allow residents to apply for courses in subjects that tap into their natural interests and abilities.
The guidelines, which are effective from the 2024/2025 academic year, are a more modern approach designed to accommodate a wider range of criteria.
The Cabinet-approved list of priority areas for long-term study will remain a significant criterion in the scholarship award process, a government press release on 23 July said.
“However, applicants will now have a better opportunity to select and advocate for their preferred area of interest as worthwhile for funding – even if it is not on the priority list,” it added.
The revised approach will include a two-staged process for awarding scholarships.
The first will be a short-listing process of scoring applications objectively against the revised criteria such as interest, skills, pursuit of excellence and community participation.
Short-listed candidates will then be invited to an interview where they will present themselves and respond to questions about their chosen area of study.
Only applicants who are Montserratians or permanent residents of Montserrat will be considered, the press release said.
And consideration will also only be given to applicants who have secured acceptance into an accredited university.
Priority will be given to applicants who can demonstrate the ability to successfully complete the desired course of study.
The government believes this new policy will create a “more dynamic and flexible approach to scholarship awards”, the press release added.
More information is available from Miguelle Christopher, the chief human resources officer, on (664) 491-2444 or by email at christopherm@gov.ms
Read the full policy here.
