Bermuda College will today sign a new agreement with a college overseas to ensure students on the Island can obtain degrees in insurance and finance.

Students who successfully complete their two-year associate degree at Bermuda College can then enter their third year of the four-year course at the University of Hartford.

There, they will obtain a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, which has been accredited by the American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business.

A statement about the new articulation agreement between the two colleges stated: "Bermuda's economy thrives on the insurance industry, and insurance companies are quickly moving into the arena of financial services, which makes these degrees in demand.

"In addition, only Bermuda College's graduates are eligible to apply for scholarship awards of $2,000 to $6,000, available for the University of Hartford."

At the Connecticut university, emphasis is placed on the learning process, as well as practical experience. But all students prior to graduation must complete a minimum of two internships, which can be accomplished either in Hartford, or in Bermuda.

The official signing ceremony will take place at the college this afternoon.