Approximately 20 BVIslanders and permanent residents have already applied for the BVI-Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme which was launched less than one month ago.
The scholarship programme is a joint initiative between the BVI Hong Kong Office and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture.
Political Economy Officer of the BVI Hong Kong Office Ms. Xyrah Wheatley in a recent interview with 284News, revealed that there was already great interest shown towards the scholarship programme from local residents.
She said although there are only 30 slots presently available for the first cohort of applicants, residents can continue to apply as there are plans to secure even more tuition waiver going forward.
“Surprisingly, because we expected some hesitancy especially with the whole COVID-19 pandemic going on, but we have about 20 applications so far. I haven’t really delved into what the subject areas are but I was quite surprised to see so many applications already and I can only hope that more persons apply as we begin to disseminate more information about the programme,” she stated.
She added, “For this first round, because we’ve just launched, we have 30 tuition waivers already so we are trying to fill 30 spots, and that’s 15 undergraduate degrees and 15 post graduate degrees. So, for this cycle there is a limit of 30 applicants… We’re looking at more cities to include, like places such as Korea and Japan that have innovative hubs as well that people can benefit from studying in.”
Scholarship based on 3-way funding model
The scholarships are based on a three-way funding model between partnering Asian universities, the BVI Government, and the private sector in which awardees are eligible for a combination of tuition, housing, return flight tickets, and a living allowance to cover the cost of degree or short study programmes.
Speaking in a subsequent media release, Minister of Education, Dr Natalio Wheatley stated that the Asia Abroad Programme provides financial support to eligible Virgin Islanders to undertake Bachelor, Masters or Doctoral degree programmes, as well as language studies at world class universities across a developed Asia.
He said, “The Asia Study Abroad Programme is a tremendous opportunity for Virgin Islanders to advance and broaden horizons for higher levels of tertiary education beyond the Caribbean, UK and USA. I am pleased that we were able to see the programme come to fruition and I would like to encourage all eligible persons to apply earnestly.”
“Asia offers a cutting-edge learning experience with a dynamic blend of social, cultural and educational experiences. This is the future and we have to be proactive and take advantage in anticipation of a changing world,” Dr. Wheatley added.
Meanwhile, Director of the BVI’s Hong Kong Office & Asia-Pacific Representative, Dr. Ricardo Wheatley said he was delighted about the many opportunities that locals stand to benefit from this scholarship programme.
He said, ““We are excited for the prospect of more Virgin Islanders traveling to Asia to meet their educational and professional goals. The BVI Hong Kong Office is at hand to guide and support programme participants during the period of their studies, serving as a point of contact and liaison between our students and the Virgin Islands Government. We have maintained a strategic relationship in the realm of financial services and now we look forward to engaging in more diverse areas for collaboration through this programme and other sectors.”
To apply for the scholarship programme, interested persons will need to complete and submit an online application via the BVI’s Asia Study Abroad scholarship portal at www.bvihongkongoffice.com.hk/en/education-asia-study-abroad-scholarship-programme, as well as apply for acceptance into at least two of the partnering Universities.