News Releases

The UWI St. Augustine Awards Over $2 Million in Scholarships and Bursaries to 312 Students

For Release Upon Receipt - June 29, 2026

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago – May 19th, 2026 — More than 300 students at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus have received financial support to continue their academic journey, with 312 scholarships and bursaries valued at over TTD $2 million distributed at the annual Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA) Ceremony.

The ceremony, held on April 17, 2026, at the Daaga Auditorium, recognised returning and continuing students who were assessed on criteria including academic merit and demonstrated financial need. The awards reflect the CCUA’s dual purpose of rewarding excellence while helping students overcome economic barriers to higher education.

During the ceremony, Acting Campus Principal Professor Derek Chadee commended the awardees for their hard work, commitment and pursuit of excellence, encouraging them not only to succeed, but to make a difference. He said the scholarships and bursaries reflect The UWI’s commitment to being “a university for all.” He further underscored that:

“These scholarships and bursaries are one of the clearest expressions of that commitment. They help to remove barriers, open doors, and ensure that our students’ journeys are shaped by your ability and determination, not by financial limitation.”

Professor Chadee also noted that eight new donors contributed to this year’s scholarships and bursaries, describing their support as an investment in students and in the wider development of the Caribbean. He highlighted that donors were not only supporting individual students, but also expanding access to education and creating opportunities that would extend far beyond the Campus.

He highlighted the far-reaching effects of their giving by pointing out that their “investment today strengthens the Caribbean of tomorrow through the talent, ideas, and service of the students you support.”

He also reminded students those scholarships and bursaries are part of a wider range of financial support available at the Campus, including grants.

Ms Kristy Mannette-Smith, Manager of Financial Advisory Services at The UWI St Augustine Campus, congratulated the students on their achievements and extended gratitude to the university's donors for their continued partnership. She credited their support to expanding access, easing financial burdens and supporting students’ success:

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our benefactors for their partnership in expanding access, easing financial burdens and supporting our students’ success. The CCUA Awards Ceremony reflects this shared commitment, resonating with all in attendance, as we celebrate recipients whose achievements embody the promise we are collectively stewarding; advancing The UWI’s strategic priorities and contributing to national and regional development.”

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About the Campus Committee for Undergraduate Awards (CCUA)

The scholarships and bursaries under the remit of the CCUA have become a vital instrument for empowering students through education.

It is managed by an officially established UWI St Augustine campus committee comprising members of the UWI community, alumni and partners from across the business and professional sectors of Trinidad and Tobago, the region and internationally.

Together, they work to alleviate financial hardship and promote academic excellence, investing not just in students but in the nation’s future.

The transformative initiative would not be possible without the generosity of a committed group of donors who continue to invest in the nation’s future.

From corporate partners and alumni to professional associations and individuals, the CCUA extends their heartfelt gratitude to all donors for their invaluable support.

Moreover, the CCUA invites individuals, alumni groups, corporate entities and professional bodies to partner with us to empower more students and open more doors.

For more information on becoming a donor, please contact the Financial Advisory Services team at (868) 662 2002 Ext. 84185 or 82360 or email UGbursaries@sta.uwi.edu.

Students are encouraged to explore the wide range of scholarships and bursaries available by visiting sta.uwi.edu/scholarships/apply-now to view the full listing of available awards and to submit their applications.

About The University of the West Indies

The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.

Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts 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, along with international centres in partnership with universities across 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 leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.

Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISDJ), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.

The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.

 

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