Scholarships : Frequently Asked Questions
General
- How much are Foundation scholarships worth?
- How many scholarships do you award annually?
- Do I have to be a Bahamian citizen to apply for a Foundation scholarship?
- What countries can I study in?
- What are the selection criteria for Foundation scholarships?
Academic Scholarships
- What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for an undergraduate academic scholarship?
- What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for a graduate scholarship?
- What fields of study are given particular importance?
- What is the deadline for submitting academic scholarship applications?
Technical Training And Vocational Scholarships
- What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for a technical training and vocational scholarship?
- What fields of study are given particular importance?
- What types of programmes are considered?
- What is the deadline for submitting technical training and vocational scholarship applications?
Application Requirements
- What do I need to submit along with the scholarship application form?
- What test results should I submit?
- Why am I required to submit official transcripts?
- Why am I required to submit two essays or a statement of my career plan?
- Whose income should be listed on the Family and Financial Worksheet if my parents are separated or divorced?
- What if household income is relatively high?
- How will other scholarships or financial aid affect my eligibility for a Foundation scholarship?
- What is an Independent Applicant?
- What information do Independent Applicants need to submit?
Submitting Your Application
- Do you have any tips for applying for a Lyford Cay Foundation scholarship?
- If I forget something in my application package, will the Foundations notify me?
- How do I submit my application?
Candidate Selection
- How are scholarship recipients selected?
- When are scholarship recipients notified of a decision?
- Can students reapply each year?
- Can I use a Foundation scholarship at any institution and for any field of study?
- If I receive a scholarship, what am I required to do?
- If I am awarded a Foundation scholarship, how is the money disbursed?
Renewing A Scholarship
- What do I need to do to have my scholarship renewed?
- What is a Volunteer Service Verification Form?
- What is a Personal Evaluation Report?
- What is a Cost of Attendance Worksheet?
General
How much are Foundation scholarships worth?
Foundation scholarships are generally worth $7,500 per academic year and some specialty scholarships are worth up to $12,500 per academic year.
return to topHow many scholarships do you award annually?
Each year, new awardees are added to replace graduating students, keeping the total number of students receiving a scholarship as follows:
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1 Undergraduate or technical training and vocational; reserved for students from Abaco
2 One undergraduate in marine and environmental biology, one technical training and vocational in marine mechanics
3 Undergraduate or graduate
return to topDo I have to be a Bahamian citizen to apply for a Foundation scholarship?
Yes, you must be a Bahamian citizen and you will need to submit proof of citizenship with your application. A copy of your passport will be sufficient.
return to topWhat countries can I study in?
Scholarships awarded by the Lyford Cay Foundation, Inc. are for study in the United States, UK and Caribbean. Scholarships awarded by The Canadian Lyford Cay Foundation are for study in Canada. The Foundations also fund scholarships more than 100 scholarships for study at The College of The Bahamas, but all applications and screening take place through the college. For application forms and additional information please contact the COB Financial Aid office or visit www.cob.edu.bs.
return to topWhat are the selection criteria for Foundation scholarships?
Foundation scholarships are merit-based awards that recognize financial need. There are five criteria, weighted as follows:
| Academic merit | 35% |
| Financial need | 35% |
| Caliber of proposed college or university | 10% |
| Field of study | 10% |
| Candidate’s personal qualities | 10% |
To determine academic merit, the Screening Committee evaluates numerous factors including a candidate’s GPA, test scores, awards and recommendations.
Priority is given to fields of study considered most valuable in serving the economic and social needs of The Bahamas.
The Committee also considers the applicant’s financial resources, the cost of attendance at the proposed college or university, the caliber of the institution and a candidate’s personal qualities, including his or her leadership skills and level of commitment to the community.
return to topAcademic Scholarships
What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for an undergraduate academic scholarship?
All applicants must possess at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average or equivalent to be considered. If you are already enrolled in college, the requirement refers to your current college cumulative GPA.
return to topWhat is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for a graduate scholarship?
All applicants for graduate level scholarships must possess an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 or above to be considered.
return to topWhat fields of study are given particular importance?
The following areas are considered most valuable in serving the current needs of The Bahamas: agriculture, the arts, economics, education, engineering, environmental studies, financial services, foreign languages, health sciences, hospitality management, quantity surveying, sciences, technology and tourism.
return to topWhat is the deadline for submitting academic scholarship applications?
The deadline is March 31 of each year. There are no exceptions.
return to topTechnical Training and Vocational Scholarships
What is the minimum GPA requirement to be eligible for a technical training and vocational scholarship?
There is no minimum Grade Point Average requirement. However, graduation from high school or its equivalent is generally required. Applicants who do not have a high school diploma may be considered on the basis of other successful experiences that demonstrate their potential to perform satisfactorily at the college level.
return to topWhat fields of study are given particular importance?
The following areas are considered most valuable in serving the current needs of The Bahamas: agriculture and fisheries, air conditioning and refrigeration, automotive, aviation and marine mechanics, computer service technology, construction and related trades (carpentry, electrical, masonry, painting, plumbing and welding), culinary arts, health care technology, heavy equipment operations, hospitality, machine shop, technical education and tourism.
return to topWhat types of programmes are considered?
Scholarships are generally awarded to applicants pursuing an associate degree, certification, specialization, or a diploma programme of no more than three years’ duration. However, consideration will also be given to applicants pursuing specific career and occupational programmes that extend beyond three years. The course must be at least six months long.
return to topWhat is the deadline for submitting technical training and vocational scholarship applications?
The deadline is May 1 of each year. There are no exceptions.
return to topApplication Requirements
What do I need to submit along with the scholarship application form?
You must submit all of the following:
- Copies of relevant examination certificates or scores (BGCSE, SAT, AP, IB, Pitman, RSA, City and Guilds, etc.).
- Up-to-date official transcripts from previous and present high schools and colleges.
- A copy of your letter of acceptance from your college or university of choice.
If this letter is not available by the application closing date, please submit your application without it and provide us with a copy as soon as possible. Please note that an acceptance letter must be on file in order for your application to be considered. - Two letters of recommendation, one from your current school or place of employment and the other from a responsible person (not a relative) who knows you well. The letters may be submitted with your application or sent to us directly by the persons writing them.
- A current resume which clearly outlines your work, school, leadership, community and/or extracurricular experiences.
- Verification of Bahamian citizenship, i.e., a copy of your valid Bahamian passport.
- A completed Family and Financial Worksheet along with proof of annual income for yourself, your parents and your spouse (if you a married)-, i.e., a job letter. Please include base salary as well as anticipated tips, commissions and bonuses for the current year, and any business income.
If you or your parents are self-employed, please submit two financial letters of reference, one from a bank and the other from a responsible member of the community who knows your family’s financial situation well and can substantiate annual income. - Documentation of any financial aid you are receiving from other sources, including your college or university, other scholarships, grants and government educational loans.
- For academic scholarship applications, attach two short essays (maximum 250 words each), as described on the application form. There is one essay on a compulsory theme and another on your choice among three topics provided by the Screening Committee.
- For technical training and vocational scholarship applications, attach a statement of your career plan (maximum 250 words) explaining your career aspirations, your educational plan to meet these goals, and the contribution you would like to make to the national development of The Bahamas after completing your training.
What test results should I submit?
Please provide copies of any and all standardized test results that you have received. The more information we have, the better equipped we will be to assess your application.
return to topWhy am I required to submit official transcripts?
Your high school transcript verifies your academic record as well as your test scores. Official college transcripts verify the status of your enrollment, your field of study and your cumulative Grade Point Average. They also indicate whether you are in good financial standing with your school.
return to topWhy am I required to submit two essays or a statement of my career plan?
These elements help us become acquainted with you in ways that go beyond your grades, test scores and other academic data. They demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. We are looking for personalized statements that will help us know you better as a person as well as a student.
return to topWhose income should be listed on the Family and Financial Worksheet if my parents are separated or divorced?
Please list the income of the parent(s) who will aid in financing your education. If both parents will be contributing, list both. If only one parent will be supporting your education, indicate that on your sheet.
return to topWhat if household income is relatively high?
There is no maximum income or financial cut-off point to be eligible for a scholarship. Since the Committee will also consider other factors in addition to financial need, all students who meet eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply.
return to topHow will other scholarships or financial aid affect my eligibility for a Foundation scholarship?
Other scholarship awards or financial aid packages do not directly affect your eligibility to be considered for a scholarship or to receive one. The Screening Committee will evaluate the overall cost of attendance at your college or university of choice and take into account whether your other scholarships or financial aid are need-based or merit-based.
Please note that if your school has offered you a need-based scholarship and you receive other outside scholarship awards, it is likely that your school will reduce their scholarship by an amount equivalent to your other awards. Schools usually apply outside scholarships first to the loan component of their financial aid package and then to the scholarship component.
Our scholarship awards will be calculated annually and are dependent upon the published college costs (including tuition fees, room and board and transportation), other scholarship awards, grants, gifts or educational loans you have received, and the Expected Family Contribution calculated by your school.
return to topWhat is an Independent Applicant?
You will be considered an Independent Applicant if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You are 24 years old or older
- You are married
- You are studying at the master’s or doctoral levels
- You have children who are financially dependent on you
- Both of your parents are deceased, and/or
- You are a ward or dependent of the Court
What information do Independent Applicants need to submit?
If you are an Independent Applicant you must submit information on your annual income as well as that of your spouse (if you are married). If your parents will be contributing toward your further education, you need to supply proof of their income as well.
return to topSubmitting Your Application
Do you have any tips for applying for a Lyford Cay Foundation scholarship?
- Be sure to submit your completed application on or before the deadline.
- Gather your application materials early in the process so as to give yourself plenty of time to complete each step properly. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- Prepare a detailed resume and keep it updated.
- Think carefully about who should write your letters of recommendation. Choose those people who know you best and can be specific about your strengths and your ability to overcome challenges.
- Let your personality come through in the essays or personal statement you submit. Maintain the focus of the piece and support your ideas with specific examples. These elements should be typed or neatly printed in black or blue ink only, and your full name should be clearly marked on each page.
- Proofread! Ask friends, parents, teachers or employers to give you feedback. Be sure to correct any spelling or grammatical errors before submitting your application.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit. It will help you when you are applying to renew your scholarship or to reapply another year.
- Do not submit originals of your certificates or other important documents.
If I forget something in my application package, will the Foundations notify me?
No. The Foundations will not notify you if you are missing any of the required documents. It is your responsibility to ensure that all of the supporting documentation is submitted.
return to topHow do I submit my application?
You may either hand deliver, mail, fax or email your completed application form. The supporting materials, however, need to be delivered or mailed to our office, as we need to see official copies.
The contact information is as follows:
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By mail:
The Chairman, Screening Committee
The Lyford Cay Foundations
P. O. Box N 7776
Nassau, Bahamas
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By courier:
The Chairman, Screening Committee
The Lyford Cay Foundations
Templeton Global Advisors Building
Western Road, Lyford Cay
Nassau, Bahamas
T: 242.362.4910
- By fax: 242.362.5449
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By email:
scholarships@lyfordcayfoundation.org
(for application form only)
Candidate Selection
How are scholarship recipients selected?
The selection of scholarship recipients is entirely in the hands of an independent Screening Committee comprised of notable individuals in the private and public sectors who volunteer their time for this purpose.
return to topWhen are scholarship recipients notified of a decision?
Generally, decisions are made between early June and early July each year. All applicants will be notified in writing as to whether or not they have been successful in securing a scholarship.
return to topCan students reapply each year?
If you apply for a scholarship and you are not successful, you should not be discouraged from reapplying in another year. We keep applications on file for one year only.
If you would like to have your application reactivated, you must complete an Application Re-Activation Request Form (available from our office) and submit up-to-date transcripts and financial information.
We strongly suggest that you update your application throughout so that the Screening Committee can effectively evaluate you.
return to topCan I use a Foundation scholarship at any institution and for any field of study?
It is expected that you will enroll in the programme of study at the college or university that you indicated on your application. If you change your mind and wish to pursue a different programme of study or attend a different school, you will need to contact the Foundations to discuss your plans. A change in school or programme of study may preclude you from receiving aid from the Foundations.
return to topIf I receive a scholarship, what am I required to do?
If you are selected to receive a scholarship you will be notified in writing and will be sent a ‘contract’ outlining the terms and conditions of the award. You will be required to pledge that:
- You have the additional resources needed to cover all remaining expenses for the upcoming academic year, including travel to and from college
- You will notify the Foundations if you receive other awards or scholarships
- You will continue to pursue your declared field of study
- You will submit an official college transcript to the Foundations’ Director of Educational Programmes after each semester, and no later than June 30 of each academic year
- You are maintaining the minimum Grade Point Average required for your level of study
- You will do a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer community service each year of your scholarship
- Upon graduation you will return to The Bahamas and participate in the activities of the Lyford Cay Scholars Association to help ensure that other Bahamians may benefit from similar opportunities.
You will be asked to sign this agreement and return it to the Foundations along with a completed Cost of Attendance Worksheet, which you will also have received from us (see below).
You are given one month from the date of the award letter to indicate that you accept the terms and conditions of your scholarship. If we do not hear from you within the given timeframe, the award will be offered to another student. Your scholarship cheque will not be disbursed until we receive your signed acknowledgement and completed Cost of Attendance Worksheet.
return to topIf I am awarded a Foundation scholarship, how is the money disbursed?
The scholarship money will be sent directly to the institution in which you are enrolled or are scheduled to be enrolled. Cheques are disbursed once a year, usually in August, and are sent by regular mail unless you make other arrangements in advance.
A letter will accompany your scholarship cheque advising your school that the award is to be applied toward your tuition, accommodations, books, supplies and other expenses directly related to your studies. We will also indicate the academic year to which the award is to be applied and the course of study you should be following. Your school will be asked to confirm that you are enrolled on a full-time basis, and in which specific field of study.
It is standard practice in most schools to apply 50% of your scholarship award to your fall semester and 50% to your spring semester. If your college follows a quarter system, your scholarship award may be allocated accordingly.
Any unused scholarship funds will be returned to the Foundations by your school and will not be disbursed to you.
return to topRenewing A Scholarship
What do I need to do to have my scholarship renewed?
To be considered for scholarship renewal, you must submit the following each year:
- An official college transcript verifying that you have met the minimum GPA requirement
- A completed Volunteer Service Verification Form
- A completed Personal Evaluation Report
- A completed Cost of Attendance Worksheet
The relevant forms will be sent to you by regular mail or email. Once you have submitted all of your required documents, you will receive a letter of renewal. You must sign and acknowledge the terms of your award each year. Your scholarship cheque will not be sent to your school until we receive your signed acknowledgement.
return to topWhat is a Volunteer Service Verification Form?
As a scholarship recipient you will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer community service each year either while enrolled in college or during school vacations.
At the end of each academic year, recipients are required to submit a completed Volunteer Service Verification Form that describes where they volunteered, the address of the organisation, a brief description of the duties they performed and the total hours volunteered during the academic year. This form must be signed and dated by the person who supervised the volunteer service.
If you volunteer at more than one place, please complete a separate form for each organisation.
return to topWhat is a Personal Evaluation Report?
As a scholarship recipient you will be required to annually submit a brief report summarizing the past school year by outlining your personal highlights and challenges along with your projected goals for the upcoming academic year.
return to topWhat is a Cost of Attendance Worksheet?
This sheet provides the Foundations with up-to-date information on your tuition fees, cost of room and board and other expenses related to your study as well as your financial resources for the upcoming year, including other scholarship awards, grants, gifts or educational loans you have received.
return to top