Lack of money will never be a barrier to learning, the education minister pledged yesterday.

Diallo Rabain said more than 300 students in financial need had benefited from grants at Bermuda College during the autumn and spring terms of 2017-18.

Mr Rabain told the House: “I am most pleased at how the Bermuda College has distributed the additional funding.

“The Government’s objective to increase accessibility to students in need is being met.

“We will work to ensure that the lack of finances is never a barrier for our students to achieve higher-level learning that will provide the education to be productive and contributing citizens.”

During the autumn term, 189 students received a total of $193,715 in grants.

During the spring term, 124 students received a total of $105,855.

Mr Rabain said: “It has provided a source of funding for students who did not meet the Bermuda College’s financial aid criteria but demonstrated a need for financial support to pursue their academic goals.

“This was particularly beneficial to those students enrolled in the Pace division.

“It provided additional funds for students who received limited funding through Bermuda College’s financial aid package, thus providing a financial aid support package that was more reflective of the student’s actual need.

“Finally, it afforded students enrolled in the Mount Saint Vincent University programme the opportunity to take additional courses, thus decreasing the length of time it will take them to complete their bachelor’s degrees.”

• To read Diallo Rabain’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”