News Releases

Over 3000 Prospects Flock to The UWI Open Days

For Release Upon Receipt - April 17, 2024

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, April 17, 2024 – The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus witnessed an astounding response from over 3000 prospective students, alongside their supportive friends and family at its Open Days held on Saturday, April 13th, and Sunday, April 14th, 2024. The JFK Quadrangle, chosen as the venue for the event, was abuzz with excitement and enthusiasm throughout the two-day affair.

 The Open Days event, a hallmark of The UWI St. Augustine Campus, is an excellent opportunity for prospective students to gain first-hand experience of campus life, explore the academic offerings, and interact with lecturers and administrators. This year's event was no exception, with participants being able to fully immerse themselves in the vibrant UWI community with the presence of on-the-spot application stations providing extra encouragement, allowing many attendees to solidify their commitments immediately.

 The response from the prospective students and their families exceeded expectations, with a turnout that showcased the ongoing popularity and reputation of The UWI St. Augustine Campus as the university of first choice when contemplating higher education. The event served as a platform for attendees to learn about the over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes tailored for secondary school CSEC graduates, and Continuous Professional Education programmes designed for working professionals. Spanning all eight faculties—including Law, Humanities and Education, Science and Technology, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Social Sciences, Sport, and Food and Agriculture—the offerings provided a detailed look at the diverse educational opportunities accessible to attendees.

 Throughout the event, attendees engaged in one-on-one conversations with knowledgeable lecturers and passionate students, gaining valuable insights into various programmes and career paths. Additionally, admissions staff were available throughout the event to provide detailed information about programmes, and assist with the application process. Visitors had their specific questions answered promptly by the dedicated team, ensuring a smooth application process. The availability of housing and student halls of residences, counselling and the unparalleled support services in enhancing the students' overall experience were also showcased. Prospects also accessed information about student clubs and societies as well as The UWI St. Augustine Guild of Students, thereby enhancing their understanding of campus life and extracurricular opportunities.

 “One of the most pleasurable experiences I had at The UWI St. Augustine Campus Open Days was the insight given by a lecturer of the Engineering Field which made me more enthusiastic and eager to indulge in this area of study,” said Karina Cova, a prospective student from Deep Ravine Village, Rio Claro.  “Conversing with him eliminated all of my anxiety and doubts about majoring in this field. The information he shared piqued my interest in moving further, which I hope to explore in the following months," added Karina.

 Overall, the event included informative sessions where visitors engaged with representatives from the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE) to receive valuable advice. Furthermore, information regarding the more than 350 scholarships, bursaries and financial aid options available from The Financial Advisory Services Unit of The Division of Student Services and Development. Added to which, personalized advice on financial matters was offered by financial institutions including First Citizens, JMMB, Eastern Credit Union, and Republic Bank Limited.

 Guided campus tours, led hourly by enthusiastic student champions, offered insights into our campus facilities, laboratories, and popular student ‘hangout’ spots. Visitors enjoyed interactive experiences, from engaging with rabbits and baby goats at the petting zoo to participating in live scientific demonstrations, thereby enhancing their exploration and understanding of our vibrant campus life.

 The application deadline for the September 2024 intake is 31st July 2024.

 For those who missed the event, more information about The UWI St. Augustine Campus and its programmes can be found at https://sta.uwi.edu/apply/

 End

 Students at the Paraclinical Sciences booth at the UWI Open Days 2024

 

 Prospective students play games at the Faculty of Sport booth at the UWI Open Days 2024

 

 Prospective students and their families entering the UWI Open Days 2024.

Students at a demonstration during UWI Open Days 2024

 Dr Deirdre Charles, Director Division of Student Services and Development chatting with a prospective student and her family UWI Open Days 2024

 

A packed JFK Quad during UWI Open Days 2024

 

Prospective students play air hockey and basketball at UWI Open Days 2024.

 

A prospective student completes pre-registration forms at UWI Open Days 2024.

a buzzing JFK Auditorium at the UWI Open Days 2024 as prospects and their families gain financial advice, peruse available scholarships and view what a dorm looks like.

 

A young participant of The UWI Open Days 2024 is delighted to assist Mr. Andrew Ramudit, Laboratory Technician, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, The UWI St. Augustine Campus with a live demonstration  

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu   

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