Hey future game-changers! We often get asked about incredible funding opportunities from around the world. Today, we’re diving into the **PATH Tertiary Bursary** from Jamaica – a fantastic example of how governments support students! While this specific bursary is for our friends in Jamaica, understanding how it works can help you spot similar amazing chances right here in South Africa. Let’s break down this awesome support system!
The PATH (Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education) initiative in Jamaica is all about giving a helping hand to families who need it most. Through this program, students can access a range of financial grants, including a significant tertiary bursary, to cover back-to-school expenses and tuition fees. It’s designed to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure that eligible students can pursue their academic dreams from primary all the way up to university level!
Who Can Apply?
Okay, so who’s eligible for this Jamaican lifeline? Generally, these grants and the bursary are for students who are registered beneficiaries of the PATH programme. Here’s a quick rundown of who can get what:
- **Tertiary Bursary:** This one is for students who are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at an accredited institution in Jamaica. If you get it, you’ll need to maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 to renew it each year.
- **Post-Secondary Grants:** There are also grants for students pursuing other qualifications:
- A one-time grant for students doing Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) subjects.
- Another one-time grant for those undertaking certificate or skills training programmes.
- Grants for students registered to sit Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) units.
- Support for students pursuing diplomas or associate degree programmes.
Remember, this is specifically for students in Jamaica, under the PATH programme.
What Does It Cover?
Let’s talk money! The PATH programme provides a variety of financial boosts:
- **Back-to-School Grant:** Ahead of the academic year, eligible students receive a back-to-school grant added directly to their regular PATH payments. For the 2025/26 academic year, a whopping JMD $535 million was set to be disbursed to over 106,000 students, with individual grants increasing significantly!
- **Tertiary Bursary:** This is the big one for university students! The tertiary bursary has been bumped up by 50%, from JMD $100,000 to a generous JMD $150,000. That’s a huge help for university tuition!
- **Other Grants:**
- CSEC subjects: JMD $20,000 (one-time).
- Certificate/Skills Training: JMD $25,000 (one-time).
- CAPE units: JMD $35,000.
- Diploma or Associate Degree: JMD $40,000.
How to Apply?
Alright, so you’re a Jamaican student ready to apply for this awesome support? Here’s the lowdown on the application windows:
- **Tertiary Bursary:** The application period for the tertiary bursary typically runs from **August to October** each year. So, for the 2025/26 academic year, applications would have opened in August 2025 and are expected to close by the end of October 2025.
- **Post-Secondary Grants:** These have two application windows – usually from **August to October**, and then again from **January to March**.
To apply, you would need to get in touch with the official Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) channels in Jamaica. Keep an eye on their official government website and announcements for precise application forms and deadlines.
Official Application Link: While we cannot provide a direct link for a Jamaican bursary on a South African platform, please search for official government channels in Jamaica for the ‘PATH Tertiary Bursary’ or ‘Ministry of Labour and Social Security Jamaica’. A typical link would look something like https://www.mlss.gov.jm/path-bursaries/ (this is an example, please verify the official link yourself).
While the PATH Tertiary Bursary is a Jamaican initiative, it perfectly illustrates the power of financial aid in making education accessible. If you’re a South African student looking for similar life-changing opportunities, don’t wait! Bursaries Room is your go-to hub for bursaries tailored to *your* needs. Explore our site, find your perfect match, and apply now to fund your future!
