Subscribe Login
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
Jamaica Observer
ePaper
The Edge 105 FM Radio Fyah 105 FM
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
    • Home
    • News
      • Latest News
      • Cartoon
      • International News
      • Central
      • North & East
      • Western
      • Environment
      • Health
      • #
    • Business
      • Business Bites
      • Social Love
    • Sports
      • Football
      • Basketball
      • Cricket
      • Horse Racing
      • World Champs
      • Commonwealth Games
      • FIFA World Cup
      • Olympics
      • #
    • Videos
    • Entertainment
      • Music
      • Movies
      • Art & Culture
      • Bookends
      • #
    • Lifestyle
      • Page2
      • Food
      • Tuesday Style
      • Food Awards
      • JOL Takes Style Out
      • Design Week JA
      • Black Friday
      • #
    • All Woman
      • Home
      • Relationships
      • Features
      • Fashion
      • Fitness
      • Rights
      • Parenting
      • Advice
      • #
    • Obits
    • Classifieds
      • Employment
      • Property
      • Motor Vehicles
      • Place an Ad
      • Obituaries
    • More
      • Games
      • Elections
      • Jobs & Careers
      • Study Centre
      • Jnr Study Centre
      • Letters
      • Columns
      • Advertorial
      • Editorial
      • Supplements
      • Webinars
  • Home
  • News
    • International News
  • Latest
  • Business
    • Business Bites
  • Cartoon
  • Games
  • Food Awards
  • Health
  • Entertainment
    • Bookends
  • Regional
  • Sports
    • Sports
    • World Cup
    • World Champs
    • Olympics
  • Videos
  • Career & Education
  • Classifieds
  • All Woman
  • Environment
  • Webinars
  • More
    • Football
    • Elections
    • Letters
    • Advertorial
    • Columns
    • Editorial
    • Supplements
  • Epaper
  • Design Week
Career & Education
Carolyn Marie Smith  
March 3, 2017

How can I finance my tertiary education?

Career Advisor

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

{"website":"website"}{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
img img
0 Comments · Make a comment

ALSO ON JAMAICA OBSERVER

Forex: $158.76 to one US dollar
Latest News
Forex: $158.76 to one US dollar
August 17, 2026
The United States (US) dollar on Monday, August 17, ended trading at $158.76, up from 46 cents according to Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading s...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
10 interesting facts on the birthday of Marcus Garvey
Latest News, News
10 interesting facts on the birthday of Marcus Garvey
August 17, 2026
On the 139th anniversary of the birth of Marcus Garvey, Jamaica's first national hero, Observer Online shares some interesting facts about the late Pa...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Police investigate fatal collision in Annotto Bay
Latest News, News
Police investigate fatal collision in Annotto Bay
August 17, 2026
ST MARY, Jamaica — Police in St Mary are investigating a fatal collision in Annotto Bay on Friday that claimed the life of a 54-year-old man. The dece...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Proposed NPO Act should balance financial compliance with civic space, experts say
Latest News, News
Proposed NPO Act should balance financial compliance with civic space, experts say
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has an opportunity to develop legislation that protects the country from financial crime while safeguarding the vital work...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Mechanic dies in St Elizabeth crash
Latest News, News
Mechanic dies in St Elizabeth crash
August 17, 2026
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Police in St Elizabeth are reporting that a 22-year-old mechanic succumbed to injuries he sustained in a crash on the Elim mai...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Brian Langrin appointed BOJ governor
Business, Latest News
Brian Langrin appointed BOJ governor
Economist takes office Wednesday as Richard Byles ends seven-year tenure
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Economist Dr R Brian Langrin has been appointed governor of the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), effective Wednesday, August 19, succeeding ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
VMBS expands support for disaster recovery and climate resilience
Business, Latest News
VMBS expands support for disaster recovery and climate resilience
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — VM Building Society (VMBS) is expanding its support for Jamaican businesses seeking to recover from natural disasters while streng...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
Edley Shine opens DJ Jahmar’s ‘Book of Micah Riddim’ with ‘Broken Dolly’
Entertainment, Latest News
Edley Shine opens DJ Jahmar’s ‘Book of Micah Riddim’ with ‘Broken Dolly’
August 17, 2026
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dancehall veteran Edley Shine, formerly of the influential duo Born Jamericans, has teamed up with producer DJ Jahmar for  Broken ...
{"jamaica-observer":"Jamaica Observer"}
❮ ❯

Polls

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy

Recent Posts

Archives

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tweets

Polls

Recent Posts

Archives

Logo Jamaica Observer
Breaking news from the premier Jamaican newspaper, the Jamaica Observer. Follow Jamaican news online for free and stay informed on what's happening in the Caribbean
Featured Tags
  • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Health
  • Auto
  • Business
  • Letters
  • Page2
  • Football
Categories
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
  • Business
  • Politics
  • Entertainment
  • Page2
Ads
img
Jamaica Observer, © All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • RSS Feeds
  • Feedback
  • Privacy Policy
  • Editorial Code of Conduct