SIDR project

 

Introduction

‘Studying in the Region’ is a project financed by the Dutch Ministry of Onderwijs, Cultuur & Wetenschap (OCW) and was monitored by USONA . The allocation of this project’s funding for the period 2011-2016 was facilitated through bilateral protocols signed annually between the Min ECYS and Min OCW.

MIN ECYS believes that in every society, education is  at the heart of socio- economic development and that this enables modern societies in small developing countries, to gain global advantage through the development of human resources.

The future of Country St. Maarten depends on the success of our educational system, the provisions we make for our youth.

One of the strategic objectives  for the period 2015 – 2020 of MIN ECYS is to adapt a policy  of equity and access so that no student, no teacher, no youth should be left behind.

The ultimate goal of the project is to provide scholarships for talented students who show potential excellence in areas of study that will benefit the future of St. Maarten and do not meet the criteria to obtain regular study financing, which falls directly within the scope of this strategic objective. This project will provide access to tertiary level education in the region(i.e. the Caribbean, North- and Latin America or on St. Maarten) for many talented students.

The opening of the NIPA (National Institute for Professional Advancement) – an Advanced Secondary Educational Institute – has provided additional possibilities for more students  to pursue tertiary level  education on St. Maarten, however there is presently a limited number of SBO level 3 and 4 being offered.

Over the last years it can be noted that studying in the region is becoming more popular amongst our students due to among other promotional campaigns of the Division Study Financing, changes in the Dutch educational laws and study financing policy. However, studying in the region is still relatively more expensive than for example studying in the Netherlands and the stringent student visa policy imposed since 9/11 by the US Government has hampered the growth in this regard slightly.

 

Objectives

The objectives are:

  • To provide eligible candidates primarily talented students who show potential excellence in areas of study that will benefit the future of St. Maarten and do not meet the criteria for the requirements to obtain regular study financing  to pursue their studies at tertiary level education institutions in the region (America, Canada, St. Maarten and Caribbean Islands.
  • To monitor and control the study progress of students with scholarships studying in the region.
  • To facilitate the transition of studying in the region scholarship recipients to the regular study financing system.

 

Definition of the region?

  • St. Maarten
  • USA
  • Canada
  • Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire
  • The Caribbean Islands
    • Barbados
    • Puerto Rico
    • Trinidad
    • St.Lucia
    • Dominican Republic
    • Etc.

 

Criteria and Requirements

The criteria and requirements to qualify for a scholarship under the study in the region program are outlined in the studying in the region implementation which is an addendum to this project plan. Below is a synopsis of the main requirements.

Studying in the region scholarships will be awarded for a period 1 year, maximum 2 years to primarily students who do not qualify for regular study financing. Students should transition after 1 year or 2 years to the regular study financing program. No scholarship will be awarded for Europe.

}  Applicants should be:

  1. Older than 17 years
  2. In possession of the Dutch nationality,  a permanent resident or minimum 5 years of  residency prior to this request

 

}  The following required documents must be submitted with a completed application form:

  1. Proof registration Civil Registry
  2. Declaration of taxable income (personal or parental)
  3. Copy of passport
  4. Copy of residence permit (If applicable)
    – Proof of application for Dutch Nationality or proof of payment for the naturalization exams
  5. High school Diploma   (If applicable)
  6. Most recent transcript or grades
  7. Student Visa (if applicable)

 

}  The area of study must be:

  1. On the 2015 Government of St. Maarten priority list of studies
  2. First priority will be given to studies in the area of education at the University of St. Martin

 

}  Applicants must:

  1. Be admissible to educational institution
  2. Have special talent ,proven affinity or interest in the area of study
  3. Have at least average grades for subjects relevant to area of study
  4. First preference will be given to student with a better academic performance.

 

}  The educational institution and or place of study must be the most effectual to pursue the study. The following educational institution are earmarked as most effectual:

      • University of St. Martin
      • Caribbean Region:
        • University of Curacao, College of the Dutch Caribbean, IFE, Frater Aurillo, Ban Bria
        • University of Aruba, EPI
      • North America:
        • FAMU, FSU, TCC, MONROE, JW, St. Thomas University, Flagler
      • Latin America:
        • FSU Panama

}  Both the applicants personal income and the combined parental income must be less than 200.000 guilders annually.

}  The applicants should not be eligible for regular study financing.

}  The applicant did not receive a scholarship under the studying in the region program for more than 2 years.

}  The available budget must be sufficient to approve the request.

 

}  The established scholarship quota for the various countries has not been exceeded:

  1. St. Maarten:                       10
  2. Caribbean Region:             3
  3. North and Latin America: 4

}  Criteria from the Implementation plan Studying in the Region is also applicable.

 

Scope and method

The scholarship will completely or partially cover the following cost related to a study program:

  1. Tuition
  2. Living Expense (not for student residing on St. Maarten)
  3. Study material and books

 

Funding will be awarded as:

  1. A grant for persons with a personal income or combined parental income below 50.000,00 guilders
  2. A 60 % loan and a 40% grant for persons with a personal income or combined parental income between 50.000,00 and 150.000,00 guilders
  3. A 100 % loan for persons with a personal income or combined parental income above 150.000,00 guilders

 

Loans will be repaid in accordance with the regular study financing condition

 

How much funding will be awarded:

Country Maximum Amount (ANG)
St. Maarten (UVI @USM) ANG 16.200,00
Caribbean Region ANG 13.500,00
North- and Latin America ANG 26.700,00

 

Application Period

September 19 – October 15, 2016

 

Go to Online Application Form

All applicants are required to read the terms and conditions under which study financing is granted or denied before applying for study financing.

SIDR Online Application Form

 

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