The National Housing Trust (NHT) is now accepting applications for the 2025/2026 cohort of its Construction Scholarship, which aims to support talented Jamaican students pursuing careers in the built environment.

The scholarship will award up to $1 million in funding to 25 undergraduate students pursuing degrees in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, urban planning, and other construction-related disciplines at any accredited local university during the 2025/2026 academic year.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, during his budget presentation, announced that for the NHT’s 50th anniversary, the trust will increase the number of scholarships provided under the programme from 10, in 2024/2025, to 50. A total of 25 are being offered for the 2025/2026 academic year and another 25 for the academic year 2026/2027.

Donnetta Russell, assistant general manager of the NHT’s Human Capital Management Department, emphasised that the initiative forms part of the NHT’s broader commitment to strengthen Jamaica’s housing sector by building local capacity and contributing to the availability of skilled labour within the sector.

“The goal is to alleviate the financial burden of tuition, enabling students who are passionate about careers in the construction industry to pursue their academic and professional ambitions. Through this scholarship we are empowering young Jamaicans with the skills necessary to enhance the labour supply, support national housing priorities, and build a better future for themselves, their families, and the country,” she said.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants must:

• Be Jamaican citizens;

• Be pursuing an undergraduate degree in an eligible construction-related field;

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.7 or a “B” average;

• Demonstrate financial need and a passion for the construction industry;

• Agree to a bonding commitment upon award of the scholarship.

How to apply

Interested applicants can visit the NHT’s website, www.nht.gov.jm to access the application form, eligibility requirements, and additional details. Applications should be submitted between July 25 and August 10, 2025 to nhtscholarship@nht.gov.jm.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews following which final awardees will be notified in September 2025.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate financial need, a commitment to completing their training, and a desire to contribute to Jamaica’s housing and infrastructure development.

For more information, applicants may also e-mail nhtscholarship@nht.gov.jm.