The government and private sector offer a variety of scholarships to create higher education opportunities for Cayman’s youth.
As well as easing the burden of student loans, this financial assistance can help cover the cost of tuition, books, room and board, and living expenses.
Below is a sample list of scholarships on offer. Visit the websites for full details on the application process, qualifying criteria, application deadlines and to download forms or apply online.
APPLEBY
The Liesl Richter Legal Scholarship provides funding for a law degree and subsequent qualifying courses/ examinations at Truman Bodden Law School, or an approved overseas university. Worth more than US$100,000, the scholarship covers tuition, examination fees and textbook costs. Recipients are also provided with a living allowance of US$2,400 per month and four weeks of work experience each summer in one of the firm’s practice groups: corporate, dispute resolution, private and client trusts, and real estate. Application deadline is 1 March.
w: applebyglobal.com/scholarships-bursaries-internships
BEDELL CRISTIN
Bedell Cristin offer scholarships and articled clerkships for Caymanians, providing opportunities for bright and ambitious individuals to develop their legal career in a collaborative and supportive environment. Bedell Cristin’s scholarship programme provides funding for Caymanians looking for financial assistance
to undertake undergraduate or postgraduate educational legal studies in support of ultimately becoming a qualified attorney. The firm’s articled clerkship programme provides an opportunity to rotate through core practice areas to acquire the core skills necessary to successfully complete articles and be considered for a permanent associate position with the firm. Deadline for applications is 31 March.
w: bedellcristin.pinpointhq.com/students
BUTTERFIELD
The Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship provides financial assistance to a Caymanian undergraduate student between the ages of 17 to 25 with proven academic and leadership skills. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to US$30,000 per annum, for a maximum of four years. Application deadline is 31 March.
CAMPBELLS
Campbells offers an overseas undergraduate scholarship of up to US$20,000 in both the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands. Applications are accepted for legal and non-legal undergraduate programmes, but preference will be given to legal studies. Successful applicants have the potential to be supported for the duration of their degree programme (three years), with the opportunity for additional support throughout their PPC, LPC (BVC), BPTC or equivalent. Applicants must be Caymanian or status holders to be eligible for the Cayman scholarship and a BVIslander or BVI Belonger for the BVI scholarship. Application deadline is 1 April.
w: campbellslegal.com/students-and-graduates/scholarships
CAYMAN ISLANDS GOVERNMENT
The Ministry of Education, through the Education Council, offers an overseas scholarship for an undergraduate degree to a maximum of CI$30,000 per annum, for up to four years, and a post-graduate award of up to CI$35,000 per annum for up to two years for master’s studies and up to three years for doctoral studies.
The ministry also offers an Educational Scholarship which provides a maximum of CI$35,000 per annum for applicants pursuing teaching qualifications. The local application period is 1 March to 30 April, annually. The application period for overseas scholarships is 15 Nov. to 31 Jan., annually.
The Local Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Grant aims to equip Caymanians with the necessary skills and training to secure employment or advance their careers in the technical or vocational field. Caymanians may receive up
to CI$15,000 in funding per year. Applications can be submitted any time of the year; however, decisions will be released every quarter to the applicants.
The ministry also annually awards the Government High Schools Scholar Award, valued at up to CI$100,000 per year. It aims to provide full tuition support to the most outstanding Caymanian male and female scholars accepted to pursue undergraduate studies at prestigious universities overseas.
w: gov.ky/education/scholarships
The Education Council, in collaboration with other entities, also provides scholarships in specialty areas specific to boat building (the Gwen Bush Memorial Overseas Scholarship) and the maritime industry (the Maritime Association of the Cayman Islands scholarship).
w: moescholarships.gov.ky/res/p/ documents
CAYMAN ISLANDS MARKETING PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION (CIMPA)
The CIMPA Scholarship is an annual CI$5,000 scholarship that is awarded based on merit to a local student with an interest in pursuing a career in marketing or related field. Applicants must be enrolled in an educational institution, or an accredited online educational programme. It is open to residents ages 16 to 25, with qualified Caymanians given preference.
CAYMAN ISLANDS MINISTRY OF TOURISM
The Ministry of Tourism scholarship programme offers partial and full scholarships to Caymanians interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in tourism or a tourism- related discipline. It offers a scholarship of CI$30,000 per year, for a maximum of four years. Consideration will also be given to students who wish to pursuea master’s degree in an approved tourism or tourism-related discipline. The application period is 1 Nov. to 31 Jan., annually.
CAYMAN ISLANDS MONETARY AUTHORITY (CIMA)
CIMA’s Thomas Jefferson Memorial Scholarship was established in 2007 in memory of the late Thomas Jefferson, former Financial Secretary and Leader of Government Business. It offers an award of CI$25,000 per year for students pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, statistics, public administration, or business administration.
CIMA, in collaboration with the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS), also offers two scholarships designed to support Caymanian professionals in advancing their career in the field of anti-money laundering and financial crime prevention through the ACAMS certification programme.
CAYMAN NATIONAL
Cayman National established a scholarship in memory of its founder and first president, Peter A. Tomkins, as a way to invest in the next generation of Caymanian business leaders. Applicants should be business-focused, community oriented individuals who are passionate about the development of the Cayman Islands through their talent, skills and work.
w: caymannational.com/about/careers
CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP
Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme aimed at developing global leaders. Chevening scholarships offer full financial support to relocate to the UK and study any of the 12,000 available master’s degree courses at more than 150 UK universities. Beyond financial support, Chevening provides a platform for extensive networking, cultural immersion, and access to a global alumni network of influential leaders. The process of selecting Chevening scholars takes
a minimum of eight months. Visit the website for application dates and selection timeline.
COMPASS MEDIA
Compass Media offers a journalism scholarship worth CI$2,500 to Caymanian applicants with a desire to pursue further education locally or overseas with a view to a career in the journalism industry. They must have been accepted, or have a pending acceptance from an accredited college, university, or vocational school.
w: caymancompass.com/scholarships
CONYERS
Conyers offers a Legal Education Award, which awards up to US$40,000 for the first year of study, renewable for a maximum of three further years. It is offered annually to a Caymanian enrolled in a recognised law degree course leading to a Commonwealth legal qualification. The annual application deadline is 1 March.
w: conyers.com/about-us/careers/graduates-students
DART
Dart offers two scholarships: one is for Caymanian high school students entering Grade 9/Year 10, that includes all school, book, and uniform fees at the local school of choice, for
four years of study; the other is the William A. Dart Memorial University Scholarship, which is awarded to a Caymanian student entering a four-year bachelor’s degree from an accredited overseas institution, with an annual renewal subject to academic performance. Both scholarships offer paid summer work experience at Dart as well as mentorship opportunities with Dart employees. Applications open for both scholarships on 3 Feb. The High School Scholar scholarship application deadline is 9 April and the William A. Dart Memorial University scholarship application deadline is 9May.
DELOITTE
Deloitte awards annual scholarships to Caymanian students, typically those interested in accounting and finance. Other disciplines relevant to Deloitte’s service offerings are also considered. Deloitte’s scholarships are valued at up to US$30,000 per academic year for a maximum of five years. Scholarship students gain professional experience through paid summer internships and have an opportunity for full-time positions with Deloitte upon completion of their degree.
w: deloitte.com/cbc/en/careers/ky-student-experience-hub/deloitte-cayman-islands-scholarship.html
DIGICEL – UCCI
This $10,000 scholarship will support one or multiple students to study either an associate or bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
The Digicel-UCCI Scholarship will be open to Caymanian students who demonstrate academic promise, leadership potential, and a commitment to community service. The scholarship is designed to cover tuition and related educational expenses for students pursuing studies at UCCI.
The deadline for submission is 31 March. Eligible students must meet UCCI’s admission requirements, provide academic transcripts,
and submit a personal statement outlining their aspirations and how this scholarship will impact their education and future goals.
w: ucci.edu.ky
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
The Government of Canada offers the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program. It provides students from post-secondary institutions in eligible Caribbean countries and territories with short- term exchange opportunities for study or research in Canadian post- secondary institutions, at college, undergraduate and graduate levels.
w: educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/can/institutions/elap-pfla.aspx?lang=eng
EY
The EY Scholarship is valued at up to US$30,000 per year and is renewable for up to a maximum of five years until the recipient has completed the minimum educational requirements to qualify for a professional licence. Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an approved college or university; working toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, finance, computer science, actuarial science, mathematics, data analytics or other appropriate major with a strong academic record. Applications are accepted on an annual basis from 15 Jan. to 15 April.
w: ey.com/en_us/bbc/the-ey-scholarship
INSPIRE CAYMAN TRAINING
Inspire Cayman Training established the non-profit Build Your Future Cayman Scholarship Fund to assist Caymanians aspiring to careers in construction, automotive technology, PADI dive certification, computer science, hospitality and careers in the Technical Vocational Educational Training industry. Scholarship recipients must complete both technical and soft-skill training courses. The application is open year-round.
ISLAND HERITAGE
The Island Heritage Educational Grant of US$10,000 is awarded annually to a Caymanian student, between the ages of 16 to 25, who is pursuing full-time studies at an accredited college or university. A broad range of degree programmes and majors will be considered. As well as academic excellence, criteria for selection includes leadership experience and community service.
w: islandheritageinsurance.com/educationalgrant
KIMPTON SEAFIRE RESORT AND SPA
The Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa seeks to recruit Caymanians between the ages of 16 to 20, who are interested in pursuing a career in hospitality. Its scholarship programme awards two students up to US$25,000 per academic year. Candidates must have been accepted as a full-time student at an accredited programme in a field related to the hospitality industry.
w: seafireresortandspa.com/hotel-scholarship-program
KPMG
KPMG offers scholarships to qualified Caymanian students who have attained strong academic achievement and wish to complete an undergraduate degree, locally or overseas. Students should have an interest in pursuing a career in accounting, finance, tax or actuarial science in the Cayman Islands. KPMG provides financial assistance to attend university locally, and up to US$30,000 per academic year for a maximum of five years for overseas studies. All applications must be submitted online through the company’s Graduates and Students webpage at kpmg.ky by 31 March.
The Novelette A. Ebanks Inspirational Scholarship is awarded to a Caymanian student who displays strong academic achievements, a commitment to serving others in the community or at school, robust work ethic and leadership qualities. The scholarship was created in memory of KPMG partner, Novelette A. Ebanks.
Applicants should possess an interest in an undergraduate degree, locally or overseas, with intentions of a career in accounting, finance, actuarial science or accounting information systems in the Cayman Islands. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to US$50,000 per year, for a maximum of five years.
MAPLES GROUP
Maples Group offers both legal and non-legal scholarships to outstanding Caymanian students who can establish a need for financial assistance. Legal scholarships are awarded up to US$40,000 per academic year; and non-legal up to US$15,000 per academic year. Legal scholarship application closes 1 March, annually, and non-legal 30 April, annually.
w: maples.com/careers/students-and-graduates/scholarships
MOURANT
Mourant established a scholarship in memory of Chantal Whittaker, who left a legacy at the firm. The Chantal Whittaker Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance towards the cost of study for Caymanian students who intend to qualify, or who are appropriately qualified and have been accepted into an accredited institution to pursue a career in law. It also provides paid summer work experience, mentoring and the opportunity of a training contract with Mourant upon completion of studies.
w: mourant.com/career/cayman-islands-chantal-whittaker-memorial-scholarship.aspx
MUFG
MUFG Investor Services in Cayman offers a two-year scholarship of up to US$20,000 for eligible Caymanian candidates interested in accounting, finance or business management. Deadline for applications is 30 April, annually.
NOVA
Nova offers a CI$3,000 educational grant to support awardees through their education or professional qualification. Their educational grant is open to any course of study that will allow applicants to pursue a career in Cayman. Closing date for applications is 15 May annually.
OGIER
Ogier offers scholarships to Caymanian students interested in pursuing a career in law. The scholarship is for the duration of an individual’s degree and, depending on performance, may also cover LPC/BPTC/PPC/SQE studies. Students are usually considered for the scholarship after successful completion of a four-week internship in the Ogier Cayman office. The scholarship is conditional upon achieving admission into the Cayman Islands Law School (or UK equivalent).
w: careers.ogier.com/student-opportunities-cayman-islands
PETER N. THOMSON FAMILY FOUNDATION – UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS (UCCI) SCHOLARSHIP
The Peter N. Thomson Family Foundation – UCCI Scholarship offers various scholarships designed to recruit and support students who are driven to improve the Cayman Islands in a variety of areas including liberal arts, social sciences and/or the sciences. Each scholar will receive up to CI$2,500 in financial aid renewable each year to cover tuition, fees, books and supplies to pursue an associate degree or a four-year bachelor’s degree.
w: ucci.edu.ky/the-peter-n-thomson-family-foundation-scholarships
POLAR BEAR AIR CONDITIONING
Polar Bear Air Conditioning has partnered with the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) to launch the Polar Bear Air Conditioning Scholarship Programme, providing CI$2,000 annually to students pursuing technical and vocational education and training in air conditioning and refrigeration.
The Polar Bear Air Conditioning Scholarship Programme is aimed at both new and current students who demonstrate strong academic performance, dedication to their field, and a commitment to service and leadership. The scholarship will help cover essential expenses, including tuition, fees, books and equipment for students enrolled in UCCI’s Air Conditioning & Refrigeration courses. Eligible candidates must be Caymanian or hold permanent residency.
w: polarbear.ky
PWC
PwC’s Career Development Programme offers scholarships for Caymanians currently pursuing or graduating with a degree in accounting (or similar major) interested in earning a professional designation and a career in audit, tax or advisory. PwC’s CDP scholarship includes funding, coaching, networking and paid work experience. On-island studies are supported with awards up to US$10,000 per annum and overseas studies up to US$50,000 per annum.
w: pwc.com/ky/en/careers/students-scholarships/explore-opportunities/scholarship.html
QUALLENT PHARMACEUTICALS HEALTH
The Quallent Catalyst Scholarship is awarded to bright and aspiring Caymanian students pursuing an undergraduate degree in business administration, finance, pharmaceutical science or supply chain management whether in the Cayman Islands or overseas. The recipient may receive up to US$30,000 per annum for the duration of their studies.Successful scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to intern with the business, gain valuable experience, industry knowledge and firsthand insights about the pharmaceutical sector while enhancing their skillsets. Application deadline is 30 April.
RAWLINSON & HUNTER
The Rawlinson & Hunter scholarship programme offers funding of up to US$30,000 per annum, locally or overseas, for up to four years to Caymanians between the ages of 17 to 25 seeking to pursue a career in finance. Acceptance from an accredited university is required.
w: cayman.rawlinson-hunter.com/students-graduates
STEPPINGSTONES
SteppingStones’s CI$5,000 education grant can be used towards a bachelor’s degree within HR, finance, IT or business. It is awarded to a Caymanian student between the ages of 18 to 25, who has shown academic achievement, community leadership and is aligned with the company’s core values. Applicants must have a letter of acceptance from an accredited university and/or college, locally or overseas.
w: steppingstonesrecruitment.com/about-us/education-grant
THE INSURANCE MANAGERS ASSOCIATION OF CAYMAN (IMAC)
IMAC’s scholarship fund provides financial assistance to cover tuition and living expenses for a first degree for a maximum of four years to Caymanian students. Applicants are free to study any discipline at an accredited university, although applicants for insurance, risk management and other business-related courses will be given preference.
w: imac.ky/imac-scholarship-fund
WALKERS
Walkers Legal Scholarship awards Caymanians who have been accepted to, or are enrolled in, a qualifying UK law degree programme. Successful applicants are granted scholarships for law degrees, post-graduate conversion courses and post- graduate qualifying examinations. Application deadline is 28 Feb.
w: walkersglobal.com/en/Join-Us/Training-Programme/Cayman-Legal- Scholarship
WATER AUTHORITY
The Water Authority offers an annual scholarship of up to CI$40,000 for students wishing to pursue higher education or a vocational degree in a field of study relevant to the organisation’s work. The Water Authority offers a wide range of career opportunities in such areas as operations, engineering, management, customer service and human resources.
w: waterauthority.ky/scholarships-how-to-apply
This article originally appeared in Compass Media’s 2025 Careers Guide.
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