Money will no longer be a barrier to young people who want to study in Harvard, Princeton or Yale, Education Minister Randolph Horton pledged yesterday.

Speaking in a House of Assembly debate about revisions to Government's scholarship scheme, the Minister said all students should soon have a better chance to realise their full potential.

Mr. Horton had given the second reading to the Bermuda Government Scholarships Act 2008, which says eight top achieving students will receive their tuition fees at an overseas university for three years, or at Bermuda College for a programme offered by an overseas university.

The legislation, which updates the Scholarship Act 1958, also provides costs for accommodation and airline tickets. The House heard the total cost per year would be $25,000 for each student.

Mr. Horton mentioned a string of top institutions and then declared: "If we have such brilliance, if we have young people who want to reach that level, I want them to know that they have the opportunity even if their parents do not have the wealth to afford to send them to that place.

"Whatever dollar is spent is allowing that young person to achieve their best to go wherever they can."

The Minister praised the high level of "philosophising" from politicians throughout the afternoon, with many pointing to the importance of youngsters being rounded individuals rather than just bookworms.

One such MP was the United Bermuda Party's Wayne Furbert, who revealed that he was known as a nerd at school.

Mr. Furbert said taking part in sports activities and community service such as picking up trash were crucial elements to developing a good character.

Junior Public Safety Minister Walter Roban and Progressive Labour Party backbencher Lovitta Foggo, a former teacher, both also spoke about the need for students to build social skills.

Shadow Education Minister Grant Gibbons said the new legislation needed to take into account the fact that some universities are more expensive than others.

Deputy Opposition Leader Cole Simons called for Government to team up Bermuda College with a top university to launch an executive career development scholarship to help young people make their mark in international business.

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler, a former principal, advised parents and youngsters to start planning long before the scholarships become available, to make sure they are in a position to take advantage.

Former Health Minister Michael Scott said scholarships had not been available for blacks in 1958, and that excellence rather than elitism should be the aim.

Shadow Works Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin responded to Mr. Scott's comment by saying that today Bermuda's students are judged on their ability.