The Government has changed scholarship programmes to benefit a wider range of candidates.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education and Workforce Development, said changes have been made to several scholarships.

He added: “We are expanding scholarships and awards to give more Bermudians of various ages and life stages the chance to pursue their dreams of postsecondary education and training.”

“There are many who are not aware of the range of scholarships now offered by the Ministry of Education to complement Bermuda’s diverse society and workforce.”

Mr Rabain said: “It is important for those interested in continuing their education, to search carefully through Bermudascholarships.com, and take advantage of these funding opportunities.”

The Mature Student Award has been replaced with the Non-Traditional Student Award, aimed at helping those over the age of 25.

Applicants in the past had to be at least 35 years old and have completed first year at college.

The $20,000 award can also support students taking online education programmes at accredited institutions.

Other scholarship changes include:

• An Applied Technology Scholarship for graduating public senior school students in the dual-enrolment Applied Technical Programme at Bermuda College.

The $5,000 scholarship funds the cost for students to complete an associate’s degree at the Bermuda College once they have graduated from senior school.

• Bermuda College Book Awards have been introduced to help students to buy books for successful study by offering up to $500 to those in financial need.

• The Minister’s Exceptional Student Award will now consider applicants with disabilities up to the age of 25. Young people who may be working, volunteering or already attending college or university are eligible.

This award is only available to those who are in financial need and is valued at $5,000 for local postsecondary study and $25,000 for overseas postsecondary study.

• Applicants for Further Education Awards, valued at up to $10,000, should have completed at least one year of college or university overseas and is designed for students who need financial help early in their studies.

•The Teacher Education Scholarship will replace the Teacher Training Award and will accept applications from people with or without financial need.

The $20,000 scholarship is intended for Bachelor of Education students studying subjects where there are shortages of local candidates. These include social studies, geography, English language arts, mathematics, modern foreign languages and special education.

Recipients are still required to return to Bermuda and teach in the Bermuda public school system.

Mr Rabain said: “These changes not only reflect the views of the Government, but the wishes of those advocating for more postsecondary opportunities.

“It is important to focus on the needs of the entire community, including those who have been underserved and underrepresented in the arena of scholarships and awards.

“We are committed to making a long-lasting difference to those investing in further education.”

The Ministry also listed several other scholarships and awards being offered, including:

• Minister’s Achievement Scholarship for graduating public school students. This scholarship is valued at $25,000 for overseas postsecondary study.

• Bermuda Government Scholarships for graduating senior school students or college or university students for postsecondary education. These scholarships are valued up to $35,000 to cover the cost of tuition and basic accommodation.

• Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award for graduating public school students or recent public school alumni attending Bermuda College with an interest in technical and vocational studies.

This award is valued at $5,000 for local postsecondary study and $25,000 for overseas postsecondary study, but students must show financial need.

• For more information about the scholarships and awards, visit www.bermudascholarships.com or e-mail scholarships@moed.bm