Jamaicans aiming to pursue superior tertiary research abroad will quickly have entry to twenty absolutely funded scholarships, courtesy of the UK (UK) Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The announcement was made by Kirsty Scott, Alumni Relations Supervisor for the Affiliation of Commonwealth Universities, throughout a reception hosted on the British Excessive Fee in Kingston on Tuesday, Might 13.
Superior tertiary research discuss with larger training pursued past a bachelor’s diploma.
Scott revealed that the Commonwealth Grasp’s Scholarships stream for Small Island Creating States (SIDs) will probably be out there to candidates from the Caribbean and different small island nations throughout the Commonwealth. The scholarships are set to launch in 2026 and 2027, with functions for the 2026 cohort opening on September 2.
“These scholarships will help the goals established on the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Authorities assembly, by investing in proficient people whose research can have transformative impacts in constructing resilient democratic establishments, creating resilient environmental approaches to fight local weather change, creating resilient economies that help restoration and prosperity and in strengthening resilient and empowered societies,” Scott stated.
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She emphasised that the initiative displays the UK’s dedication to sustainable growth and tackling world challenges. Past their educational pursuits, students may also profit from specialised actions that deepen their understanding of points confronted by small island creating states, whereas constructing skilled networks throughout areas.
British Excessive Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Judith Slater, highlighted the historic influence of the programme, noting that over 420 Jamaicans have obtained Commonwealth scholarships or fellowships for the reason that initiative started in 1960.
“That is dwelling proof of the transformative energy of training and alternative. The UK stays dedicated to investing in individuals. Via Commonwealth scholarships and different instructional programmes like Chevening and the Rhodes scholarship, we intention to construct lasting partnerships and empower future leaders to contribute to world and native growth objectives,” Slater stated.
The reception introduced collectively previous scholarship recipients and alumni from numerous sectors, together with politics, academia, and public service. Amongst these current have been Minister of Well being and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton; Minister of Authorized and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte; Opposition Chief, Mark Golding; and Opposition Spokesman on Science, Expertise, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, Dr. André Haughton.
Reflecting on his personal Commonwealth scholarship expertise, Dr. Tufton shared, “It gave me a chance, not simply to search out myself to be clearer on my position and my contribution but in addition to recognise that life was not nearly a private pursuit. That is the place the event facet is available in [because] it was additionally about the way you give again to humanity.”
Minister Malahoo Forte additionally mirrored on her scholarship journey and the significance of entry to high quality training. “I consider that what has been introduced (Commonwealth Grasp’s Scholarships for SIDs) will go a way in repairing the data hole and shutting the divide,” she stated. She credited her Commonwealth scholarship for enabling her to pursue an training that now helps her work in reforming Jamaica’s authorized system.
Dr. Haughton acknowledged the broader influence of the Commonwealth on Jamaica’s growth, stating, “The Commonwealth has performed a big position in contributing in the direction of the progress that our nations have made; and it’s not only a monetary contribution, however a dedication to returning house and to contribute to the event, the development and the ethical material of this nation.”
Purposes for the scholarships will probably be processed by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and candidates can discover software necessities and particulars on the Ministry’s web site.
