Mr. Speaker,
I rise this morning to inform Honourable Members and the listening public that the application period for the 2026 Ministry of Education Scholarships and Awards Programme is now officially open.
Mr. Speaker,
Each year, the Ministry of Education provides scholarships and awards to Bermudian students pursuing post-secondary education. These awards reflect this Government’s continued commitment to expanding access to higher education, promoting equity, and strategically investing in Bermuda’s national workforce priorities.
The Government of Bermuda firmly believes that post-secondary education funding must be allocated thoughtfully and in alignment with our core values. Since 2018, this Government has increased funding for scholarships and awards, recognising that access to higher education must remain a cornerstone of Bermuda’s social and economic resilience. This year’s budget reflects an increase over the previous year of $420,125 bringing the total to $2.2 million for post-secondary education allowing greater access to financial support and opportunities to pursue tertiary education and training.
Mr. Speaker,
In 2025, over 70 Bermudian students benefited from Ministry scholarships and awards. In 2026, through this comprehensive suite of scholarships and awards, we aim to ensure that Bermudian students—regardless of background, pathway, or stage of life—have access to the financial support necessary to pursue their academic and professional aspirations, whether locally or overseas.
The 2026 Ministry of Education Scholarships and Awards are as follows:
The Minister’s Achievement Scholarship, which supports high-achieving graduating students from a Bermuda Public Senior School who plan to attend overseas post-secondary institutions.
The Minister’s Exceptional Student Award, designed for graduating students or school leavers with disabilities who are pursuing local or overseas post-secondary study. Persons with disabilities up to the age of 25 who may be working, volunteering, or already attending college or university are also eligible to apply.
The Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award, which provides funding for public school graduates pursuing post-secondary study in technical or vocational fields, either locally or overseas.
The Minister’s Applied Science Scholarship, available to graduating public senior school students who participated in the Applied Technology Dual Enrolment Diploma Programme with Bermuda College and who plan to continue toward an Associate’s Degree or certificate.
The Further Education Award, which supports students who have completed at least one year at an accredited college or university and are continuing their studies.
This award also extends to those pursuing or currently enrolled in post-graduate programmes.
The Non-Traditional Student Award, for persons aged 25 and over who are pursuing post-secondary education.
The Teacher Education Scholarship, offered to current college or university students studying selected subjects and/or teaching areas that are identified as priorities within the Bermuda Public School System. Recipients must graduate from a recognized institution, complete their Teaching Practicum, and obtain a BEC Licence within three years of receiving the award.
The Teacher Sabbatical Award, which provides support to experienced educators within the Bermuda Public School System who wish to pursue approved study to gain additional qualifications or develop new skills that will enhance classroom instruction and student outcomes.
The Bermuda Government Scholarship, awarded to well-rounded graduating senior school, college, or university students up to the age of 25 who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.
The Caribbean Schools Award, which provides funding for up to three years for undergraduate or post-graduate students attending accredited institutions in the Caribbean region.
The College Promise Programme, which provides public high school graduates with a GPA of 2.5 or higher the opportunity to attend Bermuda College tuition-free.
And finally, the Bermuda College Book Award, which provides funding for textbooks for Bermuda College students who demonstrate financial need.
Mr. Speaker,
Together, these awards represent a strategic investment in Bermuda’s future. They support academic excellence, technical and vocational training, teacher development, and lifelong learning. They also reflect our understanding that education is not limited to one pathway or one stage of life.
The Ministry continues to engage in outreach to ensure that students and families are fully informed of these opportunities. We strongly encourage recent graduates, current college and university students, postgraduate students, and mature learners to review the eligibility criteria carefully and begin the application process early. Submitting a complete and thorough application before the deadline is critical.
Mr. Speaker,
The 2026 Scholarships and Awards Programme reflects our unwavering belief that education transforms lives. These awards are not simply financial instruments; they are an investment in our people, our workforce, and our national development.
In closing, I encourage all eligible Bermudians to take advantage of these opportunities and to pursue their academic and professional goals with confidence. For further information, applicants may email scholarships@moed.bm or visit www.bermudascholarships.com to begin the application process.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.