TOBACCO marketers and distributors Carrerras Limited has this year doubled its scholarship package to tertiary students, making the new total $5.1 million.

The number of studnets who will benefit has also increased, up from 40 in previous years, to 50 this year.

Managing Director Richard Pandohie, who announced the new package at the Knutsford Court hotel on Thursday, said the changes were effected to coincide with the observance of the Jamaica 50 celebrations as the company is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

Seven scholarships valued at $100,000 each are to be awarded to students enrolled in or accepted to seven community colleges — Excelsior, Brown’s Town, Knox, Montego Bay, Portmore, Moneague, and the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE).

Four scholarships of $100,000 each will be awarded to students accepted to Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. In addition, two bursaries worth $50,000 each will be offered to students between first and fourth year.

Six scholarships valued at $100,000 are being offered to students accepted to Mico, St Joseph’s, Shortwood, Church, Sam Sharpe and Bethlehem teachers’ colleges, while 24 bursaries valued at $50,000 each will be awarded to students of the University of the West Indies, Northern Caribbean University, the University College of the Caribbean and Hydel University.

Carreras also offers three regional scholarships valued at $200,000 each.

This year the company added three scholarships for members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, valued at $100,000 each.

A payment of $1.8 million is also being made for the 2012-2013 post graduate scholarship tenable at any university.

Pandohie called on the winners of the scholarships to make the best use of the opportunities and to go on to make the best contribution to Jamaica’s development.

Criteria for the scholarships, for which applications close May 31, include academic performance, financial need, extracurricular activities and involvement in community.

The Ministry of Education is responsible for shortlisting candidates, who will later be interviewed by a selection board.

There were over 800 applications last year.