The biggest-ever boost for Bermudian students from the Island's international business sector was announced yesterday.

For the Chamber of Commerce's International Companies Division -- launching its 20th annual Education Awards -- said students who qualify will now get $15,000 over two years instead of the previous $10,000.

And International Education Awards (ICEA) committee chief Harry Wilken, of Jardine Mathieson, said it was hoped to increase the number of applicants to a new record of 100 and at least match the 19 awards granted last year out of a $227,000 pot of cash.

Mr. Wilken said: "I think we will be aiming to try and get more than $275,000. There are a lot of pressures on the companies and a lot of them have put money into the insurance foundation at Bermuda College, which has taken millions.

"But insurance companies also recognise that they don't just need insurance people -- the perception was until a couple of years ago that it had to be very international-company orientated, insurance accounting, law, a very narrow range of professions.

"We also emphasise professions which are very good for the infrastructure of the country.

"Both engineering and telecommunications, which is becoming an international business, are very important and we are seeing that coming through in the applications -- one of our current recipients is a water engineer and that's extremely important for Bermuda.'' A key feature of the ICEA programme is that the scholarships, for students embarking on a first degree, are awarded not only in respect of academic ability but also in respect of proven financial need.

Mr. Wilken said: "The high cost of overseas university education can strain hardworking parents' financial resources and it has been a long-standing aim of the ICD to ensure that financial assistance can be made available to those with real requirements.'' The awards are granted to students for two years for courses at overseas universities -- preferably, but not necessarily, business-orientated degrees.

Mr. Wilken said: "An additional feature of the ICEA scheme is that each successful candidate is a winner of a Corporate Named Award -- resulting in the scholar becoming linked to one of the ICD member companies.

"This link enables the company to keep in touch with the student and to whom they can provide advice including that relating to career guidance and, in due course, actual employment.'' But he stressed that award winners are not bound to any international company -- or even to return to Bermuda to work at all.

Last year, a total of 82 applications were received for the grants, whose previous recipients include Deputy Premier and barrister Jerome Dill.

Mr. Wilken said: "International business is here to stay -- there's a growing realisation we have to play our part in all aspects -- education, paying various fees and participation in other areas.'' He added: "Parents and students who are thinking about university and who might find it tough financially should give our scheme some thought.'' Mr. Wilken admitted that choosing 15-20 successful candidates from a host of school and college leavers, as well as mature students, was a tough task.

He added: "It's tough to get in the final selection -- but if you don't try, you won't get it and unsuccessful candidates can always try again at a later date.'' Parents or students who want to apply should contact the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce or the Bermuda College Student Advisory Service to get an application form.

Completed applications must be returned by May 15 to qualify for this year's scheme.

AWARDS AWD