Ten of Bermuda?s brightest students who plan to make careers in the insurance industry were presented with scholarships totalling $390,000 from the Bermuda Foundation For Insurance Studies (BFIS) at a reception held at XL?s head office in July.

Paul Simons, BFIS scholarship committee chairman said: ?This year we received twice as many scholarship applications as last year and the selection process was very difficult, but in the end it comes down to academic ability, personality and enthusiasm to succeed.

?Students who can demonstrate that they are well rounded as well as being exceptionally bright are those most likely to be awarded scholarships in this increasingly competitive world.?

In recognising the 10th Anniversary of BFIS, Brian Hall, chairman emeritus said: ?The support of the many corporate donors who continue to join BFIS has meant that we have been able to increase and expand our BFIS Scholarships to better meet the increasing costs of higher education.?

Last year BFIS launched their Signature Scholarship worth $30,000 a year for four years study and this year the Trustees named a second $30,000 scholarship after Chairman, Brian Hall. This is in addition to the four scholarships worth between $20,000 and $25,000 a year.

BFIS has a additional seven students who were awarded scholarships in 2005 currently studying for their degrees and three BFIS students graduated this past May.