REGIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDEES TESTIMONIALS
The University of the West Indies (UWI) has evolved from a fledgling college in Jamaica with 33 students to a full-fledged, regional University with well over 40,000 students. Today, UWI is the largest, most longstanding higher education provider in the Commonwealth Caribbean, with five campuses in Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Global Campus. The UWI has faculty and students from more than 40 countries and collaborative links with 160 universities globally; it offers undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Food & Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities & Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science & Technology, Social Sciences and Sports. UWI’s seven priority focal areas are linked closely to the priorities identified by CARICOM and take into account such over-arching areas of concern to the region as environmental issues, health and wellness, gender equity and the critical importance of innovation.
Since 2010, the UWI is an International competitive, contemporary university, deeply rooted in the Caribbean, committed to creating the best possible future for all its stakeholders.
Regional and Campus Specific Scholarships
The UWI awards a number of regional scholarship (university-wide), including the UWI Open Scholarship, and the UWI/CSEC Scholarship, as well as campus-specific scholarships which are available to full-time undergraduate students pursuing a degree programme. Criteria for these awards include outstanding academic performance, financial need and community involvement.
Regional scholarships are available to CARICOM nationals in any faculty. Continuation of these scholarships is subject to the attainment of at least a 3.0 (B average) cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), throughout the entire degree programme.
The UWI Open Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition (20% Economic Cost) and maintenance for the duration of the programme of study.
The UWI/CSEC Scholarship is awarded annually to the top nine achievers in the CSEC
Examinations. Awardees must take up the scholarship within three years and matriculate to the University on the basis of his/her Advanced Level/CAPE Examinations or an Associate Degree. The award covers full tuition (20% Economic Cost) and an allowance towards the cost of accommodation and books.
University Bursaries
The UWI awards Academic Bursaries on the basis of at least 3.0 (B average) cumulative GPA and Co-curricular Bursaries on the basis of contribution to University life as evidenced by participation in co-curricular activities.
For further information on the regional and campus-specific scholarships, university bursaries, and other means of student financing see the sites listed below.
Cave Hill Campus
www.cavehill.uwi.edu/studentinfo.htm
Five Islands Campus:
Mona Campus:
Global Campus:
St Augustine Campus:
UWI Open Scholarship:
www.uwi.edu/openscholarship/default.aspx
UWI Open Scholarship Awardees
Name | Nationality | Faculty | Programme | Campus |
Antonette Anderson | Jamaican |
Humanities and Education |
Journalism | Mona |
Ashanae Aris | Jamaican |
Social Sciences |
Economics | Mona |
Marissa Auguste | St. Lucian |
Science and Technology |
Biology | St. Augustine |
Omari Brown | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Actuarial Science | Mona |
Shavane Clarke | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Actuarial Science | Mona |
Akeem Dawes | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Meteorology | Cave Hill |
Velindel Esnard | St Lucia |
Science and Technology |
Biology and Chemistry | St. Augustine |
Amala Evans | Jamaican |
Engineering |
Civil Engineering | Mona |
Alex-Ann Forsythe | Jamaican |
Social Sciences |
Banking and Finance | Mona |
Jean-Marc Granderson | Trinidadian |
Engineering |
Mechanical Engineering | St. Augustine |
Shnyia Hackshaw | Trinidadian |
Humanities and Education |
Linguistics | St. Augustine |
Jessica Lee | Jamaican |
Social Sciences |
Accounting | Mona |
Jabari Lewis | Barbadian |
Social Sciences |
Psychology with Political Science | Cave Hill |
Justin Lynch | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Acturial Science | Mona |
Victoria Maharaj | Trinidadian |
Social Sciences |
Management Studies | Global Campus |
Janice McMaster | Vincentian |
Social Sciences |
Financial Management | Global Campus |
Shereefa McCalla | Jamaican |
Social Sciences |
Accounting | Mona |
Aliyah Mills | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Computer Science | Mona |
Annissa Moulon | Dominican | Humanities and Education | Educational Leadership | Global Campus |
Danielle Mullings | Jamaican |
Science and Technology |
Software Engineering | Mona |
Sai Nareddi | Jamaican |
Medical Sciences |
Medicine and Surgery | Mona |
Adalia Nembhard | Jamaican |
Law |
Law | Cave Hill |
Damario Patterson | Jamaican |
Law |
Law | Mona |
Kerneese Ramjarrie | Trinidadian |
Engineering |
Petroleum Geoscience | St. Augustine |
David Solmon | Jamaican |
Social Sciences |
Public Policy | Mona |
Abigail Sandiford | Barbadian |
Social Sciences |
Accounting with Finance | Cave Hill |
Gregory Slater | Jamaican |
Humanities and Education |
Integrated Marketing Communication | Mona |
Raheem Wilson | Jamaican |
Engineering |
Software Engineering | Mona |
UWI Open Scholarship Awardees Testimonials
Shavane Clarke, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“Hello there prospective and current UWI students. It is really an honour to be awarded this prestigious scholarship. Not only will it alleviate the financial burdens that I was faced with upon entry to the UWI, but it will also further fuel my determination and dedication to be the first to graduate in my family and help in the upliftment of my household and community. I really want to extend sincerest of gratitude to the Office of Board of undergraduate Studies and the stakeholders who made and continue to make this scholarship a success.”
Aliyah Mills, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“What does it mean to be a UWI scholarship recipient? This means that you have been deemed worthy of acknowledgement by one of the top 3% prestigious universities in the world. This means that all of your academic endeavours, trials and tribulations experienced in the first 18-19 years of your life suddenly seems all the more worth it. This means that if you remain stoic and steadfast in your pursuit of a higher education, all things are possible.”
Janice McMaster, Faculty of Social Sciences, Global Campus
"I am grateful to OBUS for the opportunity to continue pursuing my vision of earning a BSc in Financial Management. Thus far, my experience as a UWI Open Scholarship awardee has been gratifying. Having the financial burden lifted off my shoulders has afforded me more time to focus on my studies, my family and community activities. Early 2020, I was unsure how I was going to afford my tuition as my financial situation had drastically changed and the fear of having to give up on my dreams was daunting. However, I continued amidst the uncertainty and it was on that need to continue dreaming that I started looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. OBUS was that light, and now my path to fulfilling my aspiration is illuminated."
Abigail Sandiford, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus
“As an awardee, I feel that I am being held to a high academic standard and as a result I have fought to dedicate myself to my studies more intensively. It has been an effective motivational factor when the workload becomes tremendous, a very personal show of merit and value that I wish to maintain for myself, and a source of relief for my family, who no longer has to bear the financial burden.”
Jean-Marc Granderson, Faculty of Engineering, St Augustine Campus
“I am honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious scholarship. It would indeed alleviate my university expenses, making my educational experience a much easier one as an undergraduate student in the field of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, St. Augustine Campus.
I am grateful that UWI OBUS has recognized in me a rich blend of extra-curricular activities, community involvement and academics. The sports of triathlon and swimming, and having represented my country both nationally and internationally, have afforded me towards becoming a more focused, well-rounded and disciplined student.
I assure the Board that this award would propel me towards my educational aspirations.”
Damario Patterson, Faculty of Law, Mona Campus
“The UWI Open Scholarship, for me, is not short of a miracle. Having been rejected by many scholarship-offering entities, I was losing hope, especially in the face of my very high tuition alongside the other expenses attached to tertiary level education. This reality was exacerbated given my twin brother, who is also attending university and the unemployment of my mother due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This scholarship has, therefore, provided me with the opportunity to gain higher learning, and I am beyond grateful for and humbled at the expression of confidence and support shown to me by all stakeholders.”
Kerneese T. Ramjarrie, Faculty of Engineering, St. Augustine Campus
"Being one of the recipients of the Open Scholarship is truly a blessing from God. It has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to fulfil my dream and represents the importance of determination and consistency. This scholarship marks the beginning of my journey to becoming an astounding Petroleum Geophysicist and has motivated me to continue giving my best, knowing that God will always reward hard work with success."
Amala Evans, Faculty of Engineering, Mona Campus
“Being awarded a prestigious honour such as this scholarship has instilled in me an extraordinary appreciation and responsibility. I am able to attend my dream university without the worry of financing such. I am, therefore, better able to focus on my studies to ensure my success in this endeavour. The UWI Open Scholarship has afforded me an opportunity to further my studies as this has provided me with the wherewithal to become a civil engineer. I am truly appreciative of this opportunity and this honour.”
Akeem Dawes, Faculty of Science and Technology, Cave Hill Campus
"I am honoured and humbled to be a recipient of a UWI Open Scholarship. This scholarship has helped me immensely as it greatly eases my financial burden and allows me to be more focused on my academics. It is a huge motivator for me to keep a high academic standard and makes me feel like my efforts have not been in vain. This scholarship gives me the means by which to continue on my educational journey and hopefully make a positive impact on society in the future."
Antonette Anderson, Faculty of Humanities and Education, Mona Campus
“This scholarship is an unexpected blessing that has significantly improved my outlook on school. I registered for university only by faith. My family had put together all they had to finance my first year but we had no way to self finance this year. I called businesses, politicians and anyone I thought could help while I awaited responses for my many scholarship applications. I was also looking for work to contribute to my fees. However, the UWI Open Scholarship alleviates my main worries and allows me the freedom to focus more on having a successful UWI experience.”
Shnyia Hackshaw, Faculty of Humanities and Education, St. Augustine Campus
“To be a UWI scholarship recipient, details a distinctive passion for learning, driven by tenacity, integrity, dedication and a grateful heart. At The UWI, St. Augustine Campus, I pursue Linguistics (BA) in the Faculty of Humanities and Education. My fascination manifests in Linguistics’ delicate interweaving into everyday language use. My Speech-Language Pathology minor promotes the fulfilment of the shifting developmental needs of the Caribbean and the globalized world. As an avid learner and a linguistic enthusiast, this bears central importance. To the bursary, a sincere thank you for fuelling my dreams; to the reader, be relentless in the pursuit of your ambitions; and to all those who believed in me, this is for you.”
Danielle Mullings, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“For me, the UWI Open scholarship symbolizes hope and opportunity. I am honoured to be a recipient of this prestigious award as it allows me to focus on my studies without worrying about financing. The future leaders of tomorrow are being built today. Thank you, UWI, for investing in me and my future. I look forward to advancing the Caribbean’s pursuit of technological advancement."
Adalia Nembhard, Faculty of Law, Cave Hill Campus
“Being selected as one of the UWI Open Scholarship recipients is truly a humbling and rewarding opportunity. It is a manifestation of prayer, hard-work, discipline and determination. This scholarship has lifted numerous burdens and reassured me that I am on the right path towards fulfilling my dream of meaningfully contributing to advocacy. It also serves as a reminder that His provisions are always incomparably abundant. Since this reception, I have been able to comfortably pursue my studies, and relish new experiences, while being reminded of the high standard that I must maintain.”
Alex-Ann Forsythe, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mona Campus
“The honor and privilege of being a recipient of the UWI Open Scholarship has been an immeasurable blessing. I believe that being a UWI scholarship recipient means recognizing the responsibility that comes with the privilege that we have been afforded. It is our duty to use this opportunity to realise our fullest potential so that we can go out and pave a way forward that enables us to help others to achieve their fullest potentials as well.”
Raheem Wilson, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“Being a recipient of the prestigious UWI Open Scholarship is a testament of God’s richest blessings that he has bestowed on me. Indeed, hard work and perseverance is the hallmark to success and this scholarship has motivated me to embark on the journey to become a software developer. It is a dream come through and is one of my greatest achievements of being a part time dreamer but a full time achiever.”
Jessica Lee, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mona Campus
“Being a recipient of the coveted UWI Open Scholarship is an extreme honour, a financial blessing and proof that hard work and commitment pay off. A successful future has always been of great significance to me, and so I highly value this contribution in support of my tertiary education and dreams. It marks the start of my journey towards professional excellence and positive national influence. I will be forever grateful for this promising opportunity.”
Jabari Lewis, Faculty of Social Sciences, Cave Hill Campus
“Being a UWI scholarship recipient is evidence of God's Grace and my hard work. It has further encouraged me to continue to strive for better as I know that I can accomplish what I set my mind to achieve. I have learnt that liking my work and success go together; and that I still have much more to learn and enjoy. Overall, being a scholarship recipient means that I don't have to hide from but rise to any occasion with excitement and confidence. Thank you very much for this opportunity.”
Sai Nareddi, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona Campus
Being a recipient of the prestigious UWI Open Scholarship is an honor and blessing bestowed on me and has immensely reduced my worries on the burden of financing my MBBS program. This remarkable opportunity serves as a great motivation to work harder and strive for excellence to fulfill my dreams. Overall, I am extremely grateful to OBUS for this scholarship.
Annissa Moulon, Faculty of Humanities and Education, Global Campus
“Although there were financial difficulties in obtaining my degree, I was determined and reminded myself that ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. Certainly, this prestigious scholarship is not merely a financial means to an end, rather it is a purpose to achieve successful grades and ultimately, uplift my family and country in my quest to significantly influence the education sector while giving gratitude to God.”
Shereefa McCalla, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mona Campus
“Being a UWI Open Scholar recipient is a representation that through all your hard-work, sacrifices and defeats, you must remain steadfast in achieving your goal and success will come forth. This scholarship has greatly reduced the financial burden of my family, given me peace of mind, and will allow me to continue to pursue my educational dreams to become a Chartered Accountant. I am extremely grateful to God and thankful for the opportunity from OBUS.”
Gregory Slater, Faculty of Humanities and Education, Mona Campus
"Receiving the Open Scholarship has been a huge accomplishment for my family and I. It symbolizes the importance of working hard and persevering with God in the midst of it all. Just knowing that I am an awardee of this noble scholarship is a constant reminder that all dreams are valid, no matter how unrealistic they may seem. Furthermore, this investment into my education is very motivating, as I am driven to continue striving for my utmost best in all my endeavors."
Ashanae Aris, Faculty of Social Sciences, Mona Campus
“Being a recipient of the UWI Open Scholarship, means that I have been gifted with something that many others lack, during this unstable economic climate; financial security, regarding my tertiary education. I am thankful for the certainty I have, that isn't the norm, and the presence of that privilege is not lost on me. I am overwhelmingly grateful to have been considered worthy to receive this award, and am both validated and encouraged, to continue on in faith, for the remainder of my academic life, and whatever else may lie ahead.”
Velindel Esnard, Faculty of Science and Technology, St. Augustine Campus
“I feel truly honoured and fortunate to have been selected by the Office of the Board for Undergraduate Studies as a recipient of the UWI Open Scholarship. I am immensely grateful for this incredible opportunity to be able to pursue my undergraduate degree with comfort of knowing that the finances cared for, especially given the unprecedented situation we have all been faced with this year.”
Marissa Auguste, Faculty of Science and Technology, St. Augustine Campus
“Being a UWI scholarship recipient means that I have been given an opportunity to continue my studies with complete peace of mind and motivation that my hard work is recognized and paying off. A great responsibility has been given to me to continue to work hard and strive for excellence.“
Omari Brown, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“I am honoured and blessed to have been awarded the UWI Open Scholarship, which has been a long standing goal of mine.
As an awardee, the UWI Open Scholarship will allow me the opportunity to pursue my goals and to obtain my degree without putting my family under significant financial strain. Additionally, it will serve as motivation for me to continue working hard in order to maintain the standard expected of an Open Scholar.”
Justin Lynch, Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“Receiving this scholarship was a most humbling experience as this was my first ever scholarship receiving, and I am really grateful for this opportunity as I am able to aid my parents in their financial burden. With COVID a lot of opportunities were taken from me along with my mother losing her job and this scholarship answered my prayers as it has given me a peace of mind allowing me to focus on my studies.”
Graduated Awardees Testimonials
Dayna Palmer | Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona Campus
“I am a proud and grateful recipient of the UWI Open Scholarship from the years 2017-2022. As a high school student I had high hopes of pursuing a career in medicine, but I felt my family couldn’t possibly bear that financial burden. When I heard about the UWI Open Scholarship as a 6th form student through an alumna of my high school, I immediately set my sights on it. I knew this was the one scholarship that would provide me with the foundation on which to build my career in medicine. After weeks of anxious waiting, I was ecstatic, relieved and humbled when I was informed I was selected for this prestigious scholarship. I didn’t have to worry about how my tuition would be paid, meals or accommodation. It allowed me to have financial peace of mind throughout my years of medical school, which, by extension, facilitated my continued academic diligence. I graduated as the valedictorian of the UWI Faculty of Medical Sciences for the year 2022, and I now get to hone my skills as a medical doctor as I look forward to what I hope will be a fruitful career in primary care. I will forever be grateful for the unshakable foundation this scholarship afforded me during my years of training. “
D’Andra Williams | Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
Wow, where to start. The call from OBUS really changed the trajectory of my life.
When I finished high school I wanted to do medicine. I got into med school but I was told I would have to pay 100% of my fees. I decided I would just work instead. All my friends started school that September except me. I was at work when I received the call. I was shocked. I went and registered that same evening and started school on Monday morning. While I didn't do medicine because my scholarship was for Science and Technology I got a start. A start I wouldn't have received otherwise and I am beyond grateful.
While at university I got involved in student leadership. I graduated with a degree in Food Chemistry and Management Studies. I will not say it was easy because I spent a lot of time battling with trying to find my purpose and figure out what it is that I truly wanted to do. That for me was the hardest part of my journey. I can say however that I have a better idea now of the direction in which I want to take my life and I find a lot of strength and peace in that knowledge.
Shanae Christian| Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona Campus
“In 2017, as a high school student, I knew that I wanted to become a medical doctor but the uncertainty rested in how my tuition would be paid. I soon realized that energy was better spent on things that I could control and faith would take care of the rest. Therefore, I developed tunnel vision on my goal. My mother and I went in search of scholarships and we eventually found the UWI Open Scholarship. In faith, I applied and once that process was completed, I knew that my work had just begun as the CAPE Unit 2 exams where quickly approaching. In the latter half of 2017, I learnt that I was successful in my application and would be given the opportunity to pursue my degree of choice and to realize my dream. Fast forward to the end of my degree, I graduated from the University of the West Indies, Mona with Honours. Now, I am a medical doctor.
The UWI Open Scholarship has made this possible for me and no words can express the volume of gratitude I have for such an amazing opportunity. It provided me with all the resources I needed to make my dream possible. Most importantly, the UWI Open Scholarship has allowed me the opportunity give back to my society in the health care industry where my passion lies.”
Jason Decambre | Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
The UWI Open Scholarship gave me the opportunity to focus on my studies while doing my degree. I am grateful that I did not have to worry about finances to any great extent during my time at the UWI. Furthermore, being a UWI Open scholar made me a more competitive candidate for jobs after graduation. Finally, I was able to meet many like-minded persons who also benefitted from the scholarship, which was another high point of my degree.
Omari Brown | Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“On behalf of my family, I want to thank you and everyone on the 2020 UWI Open Scholarship selection committee for investing in my education and my life. It was a difficult journey but I persevered. I have successfully completed a BSc. In Actuarial Science with first-class honours. These past two years have been challenging for my family. However, we never had to worry about a lack of funding for my education. Once again thank you all.”
Alex-Ann Forsythe | Faculty of Social Sciences, Mona Campus
“It was indeed an immeasurable blessing to have been awarded the UWI Open Scholarship. The generosity of the UWI Office of the Board of Undergraduate Studies (OBUS) afforded me the privilege of completing my undergraduate degree without the worry that surrounds financing a tertiary education. Throughout my time as a UWI Open Scholar, I was well taken care of, as all my needs were met. With this gift of financial security, I was able to focus my energy on unveiling my latent potential which OBUS had seen even before I was able to uncover it on my own. The scholarship also strengthened my zeal to achieve new heights in academic success. I will forever remember and always remain appreciative of the contribution that the scholarship has made to my success. The memory of this invaluable contribution will remain as a constant source of motivation as I strive to give back to the BUS to ensure the longevity of their legacy of generosity for future undergraduate students.”
Neikoy Redwood | Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“The UWI Open Scholarship represents an incredible opportunity to any student fortunate enough to be awarded. This scholarship absolutely freed me from the worry of any sort of financial insecurity during my time at the UWI, Mona. This meant that I was able to pursue my studies with absolute focus and push towards utmost academic excellence. It has truly been an honour and privilege to be a recipient of this Scholarship!”
Avé Bethell | Faculty of Medical Sciences, Cave Hill Campus
“The thought of not being able to pay for tuition, books, food or other expenses is one of the most agonizing feelings a student can ever experience. I can truthfully say that the thought of not being able to finish a semester can steal one’s joy and is a great distraction from studies. Fortunately, rewards of a scholarship or financial aid are the silver lining and blessing that keeps students going towards their dreams.
Receiving the UWI Open Scholarship was undoubtedly a stepping stone to my career path of becoming a doctor. I was extremely grateful and humbled after receiving the scholarship and it has honestly driven me to work even harder. Because of this scholarship, my sense of purpose was reinforced. It brought me great joy to know that this great institution saw my potential and supported my dreams. I will definitely continue to work hard and strive for excellence. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you!”
Mikeann Channer, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Mona Campus
"I feel exceptionally blessed to have been selected as one of the recipients of the UWI Open Scholarship. The support that they have provided throughout my journey in the MBBS programme has been undoubtedly vital to my success to date. Their investment in me has been tremendous and has significantly reduced the burden of financing my tertiary education. It is my dream to one day pay their kindness forward."
Stephania Martin-Williams | Faculty of Humanities and Education, Open Campus
"As I end my journey at the UWI Open Campus, I reflected on the years spent and those who have made this journey a memorable and possible one. I pondered on the blessing on having been selected as a recipient of a scholarship through the Board of the Undergraduate Studies at the Open Campus, and a blessing it was indeed. Having paid my tuition fees for three consecutive years, the scholarship provided me with a peace of mind where I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about the main factor: finance. In addition, these fees were ALWAYS paid on time and I never had to be suspended from using the learning platform or was never in communication with the finance department. Moreover, this was just beginning as I received a miscellaneous allowance during my studies which helped with any additional needs or fees I would have incurred. To say that they took care of me is an understatement and for this I am beyond grateful and thankful."
Nathan Downer | Faculty of Science and Technology, Mona Campus
“Hi, I graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Computer Science, with honours, thanks to the support of the UWI Open Scholarship. This scholarship was indeed a blessing that I could not have done without, having come after my family's finances took a hit due to a huge medical emergency. It not only fully financed my 3 years of undergraduate education, but it allowed me the ability to focus completely on my education, and immerse myself in the university experience without worrying about the burden of paying outstanding balances or meeting payment deadlines. I did not board on campus but continued to live with my parents, which meant that the scholarship helped to cover transport costs as well as the cost of a laptop, an essential tool for a Computer Science student. I cannot thank enough, all the donors and others who have helped and who continue to help make this scholarship possible, bringing students that much closer to successfully entering the working world in their desired profession, as was my case.”
Joshanna Hopkinson | Faculty of Law, Mona Campus
“Being awarded the UWI/CSEC Scholarship has undoubtedly granted me the opportunity to experience an unforgettable debt-free academic experience. The financial ease it provided my family allowed me to focus wholeheartedly on being an involved and diligent student. I am forever grateful for the award and the opportunities it has afforded me.”