Dear Career Advisor:

I need financial assistance to further my studies. The Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB), scholarships and bank loans are not options, as I would be applying as a new student. What other options are there apart from JAMVAT?

Yours truly, Marisha

Dear Marisha:

The decision to further your studies is an important one; commendations for considering this step.

We regret that you did not share a bit of your background information, as this would have aided us in understanding why you have precluded the educational financing options you have mentioned. For example, as far as we are aware, there is nothing in the policies of the SLB that would make you, as a new student, ineligible for funding or other academic support. As a matter of fact, the bureau recently announced that the loan application period for the 2017/18 academic year is now open and will remain so until May 31. It advised that applications for the Targeted Loan (used for undergraduate study and repaid after completion) are to be done online at the SLB website – www.slbja.com — and will be accepted for both new and returning applicants.

Similarly, a great many scholarships are offered to first-year students based on both merit and need.

As an initial step in exploring funding options, please make contact with the institution to which you have been accepted or have interest in attending to speak with a student financial advisor with a view of obtaining as much information as possible on available funding opportunities. Many such opportunities are provided through the institution by alumni and well-wishers.

Aside from the Jamaica Values and Attitudes (JAMVAT) programme, funding options for tertiary education might include but are not limited to those listed below:

i. Part-time employment on campus

ii. Part-time employment off campus

iii. Full-time employment while studying part-time

iv. Financial support from parents and other relatives

v. Payment plan with the institution

vi. Fellowships, grants, needs-based scholarships, or bursaries by private sector companies

vii. Government financial support through the National Youth Service (NYS) and the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH)

viii. Government bursaries and grants. These are not usually advertised, however, depending on your programme of study and the potential benefit to the country, many are accessible on application through government ministries. Check with the Ministry of Finance’s Scholarship Unit.

There is no denying that further study after high school comes at a significant cost, but it is a worthwhile investment in you and your future. To ensure that you get the best deal or mix of potential funding options, it will require that you devote time to researching existing opportunities.

All the best.

Sincerely, Career Advisor

Carolyn Marie Smith is associate vice-president of student services at Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Manchester. Submit questions at careeradvisor@necu.edu.jm