The BVI Government’s Representative Office in Hong Kong (BVI Hong Kong Office), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, is pleased to announce the opening of 2023-24 Applications for the BVI’s “Asia Abroad Scholarship Programme.” The programme seeks to strengthen the Territory’s ties with Asia through international education and cultural exchange. This is an exciting opportunity for Virgin Islanders to go beyond the familiarity of the Caribbean, North America, and Europe, and explore the eastern world of countries where China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore are among the most popular. Although distant, the BVI has a 30+ year relationship with the Asia-Pacific region in financial services, and has maintained a representative office in Hong Kong to service the region over the last 10 years. More than 50% of all BVI financial services revenue is generated in Asia via primary markets in Hong Kong, China, and Singapore.
The Study Abroad Programme is designed to sensitize Virgin Islanders to Asia’s economic & cultural importance to the Territory’s development.
The Scholarship Programme provides financial support for tuition-free study towards Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral degree studies (as well as short language programmes) in the subject areas of agriculture, marine sciences, public administration/public policy, hospitality & tourism, engineering, information technology, media & communications, nursing, public health, finance, and other subjects of need to the Virgin Islands. In addition to academic studies, the Asia Abroad Programme provides an excellent opportunity for travel across the region, where the different cultures, food, people, and environments of Asia can be experienced. The curious explorer can take short, easy, budget friendly trips by flight, bus, train, car or boat to neighbouring countries to further their international travel experience. A quick trip to the Monuments of Cambodia, Sunny Beaches of Vietnam, Tigers & Temples of Thailand, K-PoP Concerts in South Korea, Anime Festivals in Japan, or the Great Wall of China are all within 1 to 3 hours reach. Wherever you choose to study is the perfect springboard for travel across Asia!
The scholarship programme is open to all eligible Virgin Islanders and can be accessed in just five (5) simple steps: STEP 1 – Email a letter of interest with biographical details about yourself & your academic/employment background (studyinasia@bvihongkongoffice.com.hk), STEP 2 – Apply to a minimum of two (2) of our participating universities (www.bvihongkongoffice.com.hk/en/education-asia-study-abroad-scholarship[1]programme), STEP 3 – Submit the required documentation to the BVI’s Hong Kong Office, STEP 4 – Sit an interview with the Ministry of Education, STEP 5 – Jump on the plane and begin your journey! Interested persons should apply as soon as possible; the application portal closes 31 March (2023).
“The world class education & immersive cultural experience provided by the Asia Abroad Programme promises to internationalize Virgin Islanders through forging new connections, building global professional networks, and development of lifelong employment skills that will lead to a thriving and vibrant career. Most importantly, the experience gained will help build a better Virgin Islands internationalized for the future!”