Education Minister El James urged students to take a look at scholarships offered by his department which total $2.8 million. Scholarships offered include the Bermuda Government Scholarship, a teacher training award, a further education award, a mature student award or an interest free student loan.

Applications for scholarships and awards are available at the Ministry of Education offices on Dundonald Street or King Street and on www.moed.bm.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, the Minister said: "At this time of year, our students who will be graduating in June have already begun to look to their future.

"They are preparing applications for college s and universities and they and their parents are starting to realise just how much it will cost to attend those institutions of higher learning.

"Given the realities of paying for a college education, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to remind students and parents about the financial support that the Ministry of Education provides for students studying overseas."

The Bermuda Government Scholarship is for eight students and provides full funding to cover the costs of tuition, one airfare ticket to university and one after completion. It is for a period not exceeding three years and is available to students between the ages of 17 and 23 and is based on academic merit.

The teacher training awards are valued at $15,000 per year for up to three years. A like amount is available for six students over age 35 and in financial need.

Mr. James said the Ministry gave out 66 further education awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,00 and applicants must demonstrate financial needs.

Seventeen interest free student loans were made available as well.