The Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited supports the personal and academic development of its members through a range of annual academic awards, scholarships and tertiary level grants.
These awards recognize outstanding academic achievements in the following:
- Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examination (11+) – Top 10 boys and top 10 girls (Thrift Club Members) who submit their exam results.
- Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) – Top 20 students who meet criteria: at least seven certificates, minimum of four Grade 1 passes and three Grade 2 passes over no more than two consecutive examination years.
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) – Top 10 students with a minimum of five certificates (Grades 1–3) over two consecutive years, completing both units one and two where required.
- Barbados Government Scholarships and Exhibitions – Awarded to members who receive government scholarships or exhibitions in the current year, with written confirmation from the Ministry of Education.
Eligibility:
- Membership must have been held for at least 24 months as of May 31 of the award year.
- Minimum account savings (including permanent shares) as of May 31 of the award year.
Note: Submission deadlines vary – check our website and social media pages for details.
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The Credit Union administers several scholarship programmes:
- Ralph Boyce Memorial Scholarships – University of the West Indies (two awards locally or regionally)
- H. Delisle Hurley Memorial Scholarship – Barbados Community College (four awards annually); open to all ages pursuing technical, vocational, or applied studies.
- Verta Coppin Memorial Scholarship – Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technical and Vocational Education (four awards annually); open to all ages pursuing technical and vocational studies.
- Overcomer Scholarships – Local secondary school leavers (three awards per academic year).
- Sports and Arts Achievement Scholarships – Members demonstrating exceptional achievement in sports or the arts (two awards annually).
Valued at $2,000, $4,000 and $6,000 each
Recognizes students who have overcome academic, socioeconomic, or physical challenges, demonstrating determination and discipline.
Eligibility:
- Demonstrate potential for continued success with the right opportunities.
- Intend to pursue tertiary-level studies immediately after secondary school.
- Applicable for local studies only (certificates, associate degrees, or diplomas).
- Admission to the chosen institution (full-time or part-time) is required.
Valued: $2,000 each (two awards annually)
Recognizes students who excel in or contribute significantly to sports or arts at the national level or higher.
Eligibility:
- Credit Union member of any age.
- Funds must be used for the advancement of the sport or art.
Required Documents:
- Statement of achievements endorsed by a coach or qualified tutor.
- Evidence of sports or arts accomplishments.
*Special conditions apply. Applications will be assessed according to the established criteria.
All applications (with the exception of the *UWI Ralph Boyce Scholarships) are to be submitted using on our online form, which is accessible by selecting the button below.
Note as follows:
- The form will work with all modern web browsers using desktop computers, laptops and tablets – but not on mobile phones.
- The form cannot be downloaded or printed from the link.
- The relevant online form will become unavailable at 11:59 pm on the communicated deadline date.
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Committee.
- Applicants will be notified of our Educational Scholarships and Grants Committee’s decision either by response to the email address provided online or by letter in the post.
Please note that our online form also supports the upload of supporting documents for your application. Examples of supporting documents include:
- a personal letter from you, justifying financial need
- an examination results slip
- a current transcript
- fees schedules
- booklists
- relevant quotations, invoices et cetera
Each file you upload must be 5MB or less and can be any of these file formats:
JPEG, PDF, DOC or DOCX formats.
Prior to completing the online form, please have all information on-hand and supporting documents ready for upload as you will not be able to access the same form again and will either need to complete a new form or email the documents separately to: grantsadmin@bpwccul.bb, before the submission deadline.
The submission of printed copies to a branch location is not the preferred option.
Please read the instructions carefully before completing this form and answer all relevant questions. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
If you experience any challenges with accessing or using our online form for this purpose, please take an image / screen shot of the error message and email it to: grantsadmin@bpwccul.bb, including a daytime telephone contact number, for a response. You may also contact us via our Contact Centre: 622-9000.
By clicking this link you will be redirected to the BPWCCUL Community Forms Management System, which is used to service grant/donation request applicants.
If still require additional information before proceeding to complete your application, please call our Contact Centre at 622-9000 or send an email to grantsadmin@bpwccul.bb.
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NB. Submission deadline dates vary – check our website and social media pages for details, just prior to each examination period.
All awardees must have been members as at May 31st at least 2 years (24 months) prior and must have a minimum savings (inclusive of the minimum required permanent shares) on their account as at May 31st of the relevant year.
- Barbados Secondary Schools’ Entrance Examinations (11+)
This is award is issued to the top 10 boys and top 10 girls (Thrift Club Members) who submit their exam results.
- Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations
This award is issued to the top 20 students either male or female, who submit their results and qualify according to the established criteria i.e. a minimum of seven certificates - at least FOUR Grade 1 passes and THREE Grade 2 passes over no more than two consecutive examination years is required. Each subject will be considered only once. Priority consideration will be given to those who attain the minimum requirement in one academic year.
- Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE)
This award is issued to 10 students either male or female, who submit their results and qualify according to the established criteria i.e. a minimum of five certificates over two consecutive examination years are required – grades 1 to 3 only, having completed both units one and two in each subject area, where required.
- Barbados Government Scholarships and Exhibitions
This award is issued to members who are awarded Barbados Government Scholarships and Exhibitions in the current year, who qualify according to the established criteria. Written confirmation of the award, from the Ministry of Education must be submitted.
Ralph Boyce Scholarships
- Two Barbadian nationals admitted to UWI for a first-degree programme.
- Ages 16–25, full-time students, good financial standing (minimum savings of BDS$300 for at least 3 years).
- Awarded based on academic merit and financial need.
- Award Details:
- BDS$7,500 for Cave Hill Campus; BDS$9,000 for other campuses.
- Paid over three or four years, contingent on GPA ≥3.3 (B+ average).
- Good conduct and satisfactory academic progress required.
Application: The BPWCCUL-sponsored Ralph Boyce Memorial Scholarship is administered by the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Applicants should consult UWI Cave Hill for the scholarship submission period and deadlines.
Note: Applications are submitted directly to UWI Cave Hill, not to the Credit Union.
Technical, Vocational and Applied Studies Scholarships
- H. Delisle Hurley Memorial Scholarship (BCC) – 4 awards annually
- Verta Coppin Memorial Scholarship (SJPI) – 4 awards annually
Eligibility:
- Students pursuing full-time or part-time technical or vocational programmes at BCC or SJPI.
Award Values:
- One 1-year programme: BDS$1,500
- Two 2-year programmes: BDS$2,000 each
- One 2-year programme: BDS$2,500
Requirements:
- Personal statement (max 500 words) outlining need and potential benefit to the Credit Union.
- Academic or professional reference letter.
- Confirmation of enrollment, conduct, and academic performance prior to disbursement.
- Minimum GPA: 2.0 (BCC), 3.0 (SJPI); 80% attendance; adherence to Code of Conduct.
- Scholarships may be withdrawn for plagiarism, cheating, or non-compliance.
Eligibility:
- Must have been a member for at least 1 year prior to applying.
Priority Areas of Study:
- Certificate, diploma, or first-degree level.
- Second degrees, postgraduate, master’s, and professional qualifications may be considered at the Committee’s discretion after undergraduate requests are met.
Funding Guidelines:
- Members are encouraged to explore loan financing first (e.g., BPWCCUL Student Loan Facility).
- Grants primarily address shortfalls; typically, do not exceed BDS$3,000 per individual, per semester.
- Members must be in good standing and maintain minimum savings of $250–$500.
- Include a personal statement explaining financial need; interviews may be required.
- Only current semester expenses are eligible; grants are not provided for re-sit exams, summer school, or refunds.
Payment Conditions:
- Tuition for UWI Cave Hill or BCC students will be paid directly to institutions.
- Other educational expenses require supporting documentation.
- Members deferring or deregistering must notify the Credit Union immediately.
- Recipients are accountable for proper use of funds; proof of use is required for future assistance.
Application Requirements:
- Completed online Educational Grant Application Form
- Personal statement/letter explaining financial need
- Letter of Acceptance (for new students)
- Current transcript (for continuing students)
- Supporting documents: fee schedules, book lists, invoices, etc.
Application Deadlines:
• First Review: July – September
• Second Review: December – January
• Check website and social media for exact dates; late applications are considered only in extenuating circumstances.
Application Process
Access the BPWCCUL Community Forms Management System via this link to submit all applications.
- Please read all instructions carefully. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- For technical issues: capture a screenshot and email: grantsadmin@bpwccul.bb with a daytime contact number.