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Our programmes are designed to yield palpable, long-term results. Each programme is aimed at providing learning opportunities for Bahamian children, young adults, families, and communities who will benefit the most. Read full story Scholarships
Since 1982, we have partnered with more than 1,400 Bahamian students on their path to achieving post-secondary education internationally.
We offer post-secondary scholarships to qualified applicants for study internationally, either in technical and vocational fields, or at the undergraduate or graduate level. We also fund a grant to University of The Bahamas for scholarships which are awarded by their financial aid office.
100% of our scholarship recipient pursue degrees that fill labour gaps in the Bahamian economy. Lyford Cay Scholars hold key roles in the country across a breadth of areas from medicine to civil service to education and environment. Investing in their lives returns one hundred fold as The Bahamas continues to grow and develop through their contributions.
With a deep commitment to support our national institutions, we fund a grant to the University of The Bahamas (UB), which provides partial need-based scholarships for students to attend full-time. Selection and administration of the awards are managed by the University. Applications are available from UB’s financial aid office.
Any additional questions or concerns?
We offer partial scholarships to obtain degrees outside of the Bahamas at these levels:
Scholarship applications are available once per year beginning in February.
Students choose their own institution and field of study, and apply to us at any time, whether as a new freshman or a junior in college. It is highly competitive.
The nine criteria weigh financial need, academic merit, field of study, reputation of institution, career goal, availability of programme in The Bahamas, financial capacity, and personal qualities. There are no age restrictions.
Criteria refined and approved by Board of Directors to give preference to:
We invest close to 1 million annually for scholarships for some 100 Bahamians to study around the world at the undergraduate, graduate and technical levels
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the time of application, whether high school or college.
Students pursuing either a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) or a Bachelor of Law (LLD) are invited to look for other sources of financial support as Lyford Cay Foundations does not award scholarships for studies in these fields.
Students who complete stage 2 of the process are evaluated in greater detail on the nine criteria. The top 25% of applicants are forwarded to an independent screening committee for final decisions.
This independent screening committee – made up of community representatives, former Foundation Scholars and education professionals – reviews the applications and makes final recommendations. The committee may also decide to interview finalists prior to making its recommendations.
Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.3 or Cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5 if currently enrolled in graduate studies.
Students pursuing a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) are invited to look for other sources of financial support as Lyford Cay Foundations does not award scholarships for studies in medical school.
GRADUATE – (Masters Degree)
Students who complete stage 2 of the process are evaluated in greater detail on the nine criteria. The top 25% of applicants are forwarded to an independent screening committee for final decisions.
This independent screening committee – made up of community representatives, former Foundation Scholars and education professionals – reviews the applications and makes final recommendations. The committee may also decide to interview finalists prior to making its recommendations.
Graduation from high school or its equivalent is a prerequisite for consideration. However, applicants who do not have a high school diploma may be considered on the basis of other successful experiences that demonstrate their ability to perform satisfactorily at the college level programme of their choice.
Students who complete stage 2 of the process are evaluated in greater detail on the nine criteria. The top 25% of applicants are forwarded to an independent screening committee for final decisions.
This independent screening committee – made up of community representatives, former Foundation Scholars and education professionals – reviews the applications and makes final recommendations. The committee may also decide to interview finalists prior to making its recommendations.
“My dream is to be a business owner while paving the way for others. This scholarship is making it all possible.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’16
Mortuary Science – Gupton-Jones College
This isn’t your typical field, but I find so much happiness in helping families when they are at their most vulnerable.
“I want to defy all odds and… become an empowered, educated and successful young Bahamian.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’16
Loretta Anne Rogers Scholarship Recipient
Over the years, Lyford Cay Foundations has enriched the lives of so many Bahamians. I know that if my goal was to be among the most successful, I needed the support of an organization that believed in my vision.
“ In the next two years, I should be attending college. I know this process is a long one, but it’s one I’m willing to take because it’s worth it.”
FOCUS CLASS of 2020
FOCUS is helping me make my vision a reality by getting me ready for the real world with job readiness and teaching me to make my own decisions. They are also helping me look for colleges that are ideal for me.
“With Lyford Cay Foundations’ support both professionally and personally, I am constantly growing in my field ”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ‘14 /
Founder, Bahamas Plastic Movement
Through [the Foundations’] support, we have been able to engage Bahamians in plastic pollution education and research and successfully driven significant change at the policy level in regard to single use plastic consumption.
“I feel thankful to have received help from Lyford Cay Foundations.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’97
Actuarial Consultant, Nichols & Co.
I have gained specialized training and experience in the international insurance business, becoming a fully qualified actuary focused on enterprise risk management. I feel honoured to have received an award from the Bahamas Financial Services Board for contributions to the industry.
“After the initial application process, I felt a sense of belonging.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
Mechanical Engineering-University of Arkansas
At 19, I enrolled at The College of The Bahamas. Although mechanical engineering was not offered, I worked toward a pre-engineering degree and continuously researched ways to go abroad to study mechanical engineering.
“This definitely would not have been possible without Lyford Cay Foundations.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
TK Foundation Technical Scholarship Recipient
Food Service Management – Johnson & Wales
I am the proudest mommy in the planet! I’m humbled that Lyford Cay Foundations saw the promise of a bright future in my daughter and gave her the vehicle to navigate that passion.
– Charlotte Knowles-Thompson
“If someone doesn’t get the drill the first time, you pat them on the back and say, Good try! You’ll get it next time.”
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Basketball Smiles Participant
I’ve come to this camp every summer for 5 years. Our coaches taught us to encourage each other.
“I was encouraged to pursue a degree in medicine, but I knew this was not the right path for me.”
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’15
History and Philosophy of Art
[After] completing a year of studying art at The College of The Bahamas, working at two museums, pursuing my love of painting late into the night every night, and a few solo art exhibitions, I found that my true love is art.
“I can’t thank the donors enough for their continued generosity and commitment to investing in the real wealth of this nation – its people.
LYFORD CAY SCHOLAR ’88
Fine Arts – Rhode Island School of Design
I am very grateful that the Foundations see fit to grant scholarships specifically to the arts… This changes their lives forever.
Scholarships most frequent questions and answers
Lyford Cay Foundations does not currently offer financial assistance for individuals taking classes via online platforms. You have to be physically studying abroad in order to qualify for one of our awards.
Yes! You are welcome to apply as many times as you are eligible.
The application pool changes from year to year, however, every year it is a competitive process. We have found that successful applicants represent about 15% of the total applicants.
Our application process is completely electronic. You will need to go here, create an account and follow the prompts to complete the application. We do not accept hard copies or applications mailed to the institution.
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