1. What is the difference between a scholarship and the BGLC Tertiary Education Grant?
Scholarships are usually merit based and are given to prospective recipients based on desired qualities such as athletic ability, academic achievement or involvement in a certain extra-curricular activity. The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant is need-based and available to students who are Jamaican citizens and need assistance with tuition payments for their tertiary education.
2. Can I get a grant for graduate study?
The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant is awarded to students who are currently pursuing an undergraduate programme of study or confirmed to pursue a degree in an undergraduate programme of study.
3. Is this grant only for first year students?
The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant will be awarded to undergraduate student entering first year or those currently enrolled to continue studies.
4. Can I apply for the Education Grant before being accepted into a university?
The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant is awarded to students who are confirmed to attend or currently enrolled into an accredited local tertiary institution.
5. How do I know if I’m eligible to apply?
Eligibility and Application Criteria as follows:
- Be a Jamaican citizen
- Be confirmed to attend or currently enrolled into an accredited local tertiary institution.
- Be an age no older than 26 years old at September in the year of application
- Demonstrate academic performance by Grade Point Average (GPA) of minimum 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
- Submit a completed application
6. Where can I access the application form?
The application form and guidelines can be accessed from the BGLC Website at www.bglc.gov.jm
7. Can applications be scanned and emailed?
We accept clearly scanned applications via email.
8. What are the supporting documents I should submit with my application?
Supporting documents required as part of your application package include:
- A 500 word essay on a topic to be advised.
- Transcript
- Statement of Accounts/ Invoice from Institution
- A certified copy of a photo ID (driver’s licence, National ID, passport)
9. Should I submit original documents upon submission of application so that it can be processed?
Only certified copies of documents should be submitted with application.
10. Is it necessary to submit my resume along with my application package?
It is not necessary to submit a resume. However, you may submit if it lists your Education, Awards and Achievements in detail.
11. Will an application be complete if transcript is delayed by institution?
Yes. An application has to have all supporting documents submitted along with the application form for the application to be considered complete.
12. Do I need a transcript from my high school if I have my CSEC and CAPE results/certificates?
CSEC/CAPE certificates are sufficient documentation for all first year applicants.
13. What is an official transcript?
An official transcript is the University's certified statement of your academic record. The official “paper transcript” is printed on security sensitive paper and contains the University seal and signature of the University Registrar.
14. What is an unofficial transcript?
An unofficial transcript is one that can be easily downloaded and printed by students. Unofficial transcripts do not have a college seal or registrar's signature.
15. What to do if official transcript isn’t readily available?
The unofficial transcript may be used as a temporary substitute, however, if the applicant is chosen as a recipient of the BGLC Tertiary Education Grant they will be required to submit the official transcript before the grant is confirmed and funds disbursed.
16. What is the Statement of Accounts or Invoice from Institution?
This is a document from the tertiary institution outlining the student’s expected tuition fee for the upcoming academic year.
17. What can be used in place of the Statement of Accounts/Invoice?
Any documentation provided by the tertiary institution that clearly states the programmes and their respectives fees for the upcoming academic year.
18. Who are considered acceptable references?
Accepted referees must have known the applicant for at least 1 year and are usually any of the following:
- Senior member of the academic staff at tertiary institution
- Justice of the Peace
- Minister of Religion
- High School Principal
19. When is the deadline for submitting my application?
The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant application deadline is mid July each year.
20. How long after deadline has passed are we notified of our status?
All applicants are notified of their grant status by the second week of August.
21. How much is the Education Grant worth?
The Education Grant provided by the BGLC is worth fifty thousand Jamaican dollars to assist with tuition only.
22. Can the Education grant be used for other purposes other than tuition?
The BGLC Tertiary Education Grant is strictly for tuition assistance only.
23. If I have deferred, can I receive the Education Grant in the following year?
If you have deferred your studies for the semester, you automatically forfeit the BGLC Tertiary Education Grant and will have to reapply in the following year.
24. Is the BGLC Tertiary Education Grant reoccurring?
The grant is not reoccurring for each academic year. If interested, one would have to reapply once grant applications re-open in May of the following year.
25. Can I reapply for the BGLC Tertiary Education Grant if I have been previously awarded the grant?
An applicant cannot qualify for the grant if received the grant more than twice.
26. If I receive anther scholarship will I still receive the grant?
Applicant shall forfeit the grant if they receive a full scholarship from any other institution.
27. Are you bonded by the company or country after receiving the grant?
The Betting Gaming & lotteries Commission is providing a grant with no bonding requirements.
28. How long after being awarded the Education Grant are funds reflected on our accounts?
Funds awarded should be reflected on Student accounts by end of October.
29. Can funds disbursed be sent directly to student accounts?
Funds are disbursed to the tertiary institutions and they disburse funds to awardees.
30. Is it mandatory to attend the Meet & Greet event?
It is not mandatory that the awardees of the grant attend, however, it is a networking event that allows you to market yourself to BGLC executives and other important guests. Additionally, the commitment letters that should be given to your respective institutions are distributed at this event as well.
