BIBT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS
At the Bahamas Institute of Business and Technology we believe that excellence should be rewarded and as a result we make every effort to provide assistance to persons who have excelled in their education efforts through our various scholarship programs. These initiatives are detailed below:
All students or prospective students of the Bahamas Institute of Business & Technology may seek tuition assistance from the institution by way of the following programs:
Founder’s Scholarship ($1000 - $1500 per year)
Founder’s Scholarship is awarded in recognition of the contributions of the founder of the college, Dr. Deswell Forbes.
This scholarship is open to all new students entering the college and is based solely on academic accomplishment. Requirements are as follows:
- Applicant must obtain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00
- Applicants must meet all other requirements for admission
- Applicant must be a Bahamian national
Academic Excellence Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to continuing students who have completed 30 or more credits at BIBT. It is based on academic performance alone with requirements as follows:
- Student must carry no less than 6 credits per session
- Student must maintain GPA as stipulated below
Most Outstanding Student Scholarship
This award is given to the student who in the eyes of the faculty and staff is the most outstanding student and embodies the ideals of the institution. It is awarded to students who have completed 30 or more credits at the college. The amount of the award is $250 and it is good for one session only.
Transfer Student Scholarship
This award is available to students who transfer from another college and have completed a minimum of 15 credits with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The amount of the award is $1000 which is granted in increments of $200 per session.
Eric Stewart Memorial Scholarship
The Eric Stewart Memorial Scholarship is available at our Freeport campus only and is awarded to freshman students who excel in the literary arts.
Law Enforcement Scholarship Program
This scholarship is given in recognition of the tireless contributions of the various arms of law enforcement in the country. Officers of the police force, defense force, customs department, immigration department and prison department are eligible. The amount of the award is $3500.
Public Servants Tuition Assistance Program
Persons who work in the public service can benefit from this program. This award is given in increments of $300 each session for a period of 2 years.
College Work-Study Program
This program permits students who are in need to meet a portion of their educational expense through part-time employment at the college. Interested students should contact the Placement Office for details.
BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
The Bahamas Government administers several programs that permit Bahamians to access funding for post-secondary purposes. A few are listed below:?
- Government Guaranteed Scholarship Loans: This program is available to all Bahamians who have been accepted for college studies. Individuals must meet specified qualifications and be able to make requisite repayment schedule. Please collect appropriate forms from the Office of Admissions.
- Government Scholarships: Government scholarships are merit based scholarships which are available to all Bahamians who excel academically. These awards are highly competitive and students are encouraged to apply early for consideration. Applications are available at the Scholarship Division at the Ministry of Education.
- Government Grants: Government grants are awarded based on the perceived skills needs of the country. In recent times, grants have been awarded in the areas of teaching and nursing. Successful candidates are typically given funds towards their studies which do not have to be repaid.
- In-service Awards: These awards are available to government employees who have been accepted for studies at a college or university. Successful candidates receive full tuition payment along with salary payment during their studies. In-service awards are usually reserved to exemplary senior public servants.
PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS
Independent Scholarships:
These are scholarships obtained from independent business organizations. Many are given to employees and children of employees. If you are employed, check with your organization to confirm the availability of scholarships.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many business organizations provide tuition reimbursement for employees who perform satisfactorily in courses related to their role in the organization. Usually, individuals have to earn a grade of “C” and above to qualify. Check with you company to confirm if this benefit is available to employees.
Independent Scholarship Foundations
Perhaps the best known scholarship foundation at this time is the Lyford Cay Foundation. They award scholarships in specific technical areas and for specific institutions. Applications can be collected from the placement office or the foundations office.
EDUCATIONAL LOANS
Scholarship Loans:
Scholarship loans are open to students who qualify. Students are required to apply directly to the lending institution once their program of study at the college has been approved. These loans usually require collateral but establish bank customers might be exempt. Many clearing banks have designed educational loans which are open to all individuals who qualify.
You may wish to consider the following lending institutions: Commonwealth Bank, Scotia Bank, RBC, Fidelity Bank and Bank of the Bahamas
Members of certain credit unions can also access loans for college through these institutions. Some credit unions include: Teachers & Salaried Workers Union and the Public Service Workers Union