The Ministry of Education is reporting that a minimum investment of $2 to $3 million per year has been allocated to Virgin Islands students for the current year. Photo: jhinvestments.com

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) stated during the Talking Point program on Monday, February 9, 2026 that the government awards at least 25 scholarships annually to students pursuing studies in specific priority areas. Photo: Facebook

"We invest at a minimum of 2 to 3 million dollars a year when it comes to grants and scholarships to Virgin Islanders. We've been intentionally seeking to partner more with UK institutions.’’

25 Students receive government scholarships annually

Minister for Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) made this announcement during the Talking Points programme on ZBVI 780 AM on Monday, February 9, 2026. She stated that the government awards at least 25 scholarships annually to students pursuing studies in specific priority areas.

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs, and Sports in the VI offers scholarships and grants to Virgin Islanders and Belongers for tertiary education and training to support priority sectors. 

Assessment conducted

Hon de Castro mentioned that the ministry conducted an assessment of industry gaps and labour market needs to identify priority areas for which Virgin Islanders can apply for funding, both in scholarships and grants. 

"We have 10 priority areas that persons can apply for, both funding, scholarships or grants in those areas and the applications are assessed by two separate committees."

Committees put in place

She added that there is a scholarship committee that makes recommendations based on the applications received.

"We have a scholarship committee that makes a recommendation to the minister, who then gets the approval of cabinet, and then, through the grants process, we have a committee. They meet, they assess, make a recommendation to the permanent secretary, and approval is given."

The scholarships offered to Virgin Islanders typically cover tuition and fees for approved applicants, with priority areas including Education, Health, Technical Skills, Law, Hospitality, and Architecture/Engineering. Over the years, the ministry has supported many Virgin Islanders in pursuing studies abroad through various scholarships.