The deadline to apply for a government scholarship through the Ministry of Education for the 2025/26 academic year is fast approaching.
The application window ends 30 April 2025, and successful candidates will be able to access funding in time for the September semester. Scholarships are available for eligible Caymanians pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at accredited local institutions, as well as for A-Levels, CAPE, IB and BTEC programmes.
The local scholarships programme covers tuition and study-related expenses, and applies to students attending the University College of the Cayman Islands, the International College of the Cayman Islands, the University of the West Indies Open Campus, St. Matthew’s University, the Truman Bodden Law School, and other approved institutions. Students pursuing ‘A’ Levels and similar qualifications will also receive full tuition coverage at local providers, with International College of the Cayman Islands students eligible for 100% funding of tuition and books.
“We encourage all eligible students to apply early and make full use of this opportunity to further their education and skills,” said Dr Shari Smith, manager of the Ministry’s Scholarship Secretariat Unit. “This programme is a key pillar in ensuring Caymanians are equipped to thrive in our evolving economy.”
The scholarship programme continues to expand, with projections of 1,500 to 1,700 local students expected to receive assistance in 2025. In 2023, the Ministry funded 1,298 local recipients.
Alongside support to attend local postsecondary institutions, the Ministry of Education also funds overseas study. In 2025, between 600 and 800 students studying abroad are expected to receive scholarships. Overseas undergraduate students receive up to CI$30,000 per year, while postgraduate students are awarded up to CI$35,000 annually.
To meet growing demand, the Cayman Islands Government has committed nearly CI$50 million over two years to scholarship funding. The 2025–2026 budget allocates CI$24.3 million in 2025 to both local and overseas scholarships — supporting an estimated combined 2,500 students each year. Applications, eligibility criteria, and additional information are available at moescholarships.gov.ky. For direct assistance, contact the Scholarship Secretariat at scholarships@gov.ky or call 345-244-2482.
