Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships

In response to the global imperative for sustainable development and combating climate change, the Government of Canada launched the Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy (CCSTGE) Scholarships program in 2020. This initiative provides students from Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states with short-term exchange opportunities at publicly funded Canadian colleges and institutes. The scholarships are aimed at college-level students in programs related to the green economy, focusing on sustainability, combating environmental degradation, and regenerative practices.

Program Overview

The CCSTGE Scholarships are a Short-term Exchange Program under Global Affairs Canada’s International Scholarships Program. They support students enrolled in disciplines linked to the green economy, which can include climate-smart agriculture, sustainable culinary practices, renewable energy, and sustainable building techniques, among others.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the CCSTGE Scholarships, applicants must:

• Be citizens of a CARICOM member state, including Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti etc.
• Be enrolled full-time at a post-secondary institution (college or institute) in an eligible CARICOM country.
• Pay tuition fees to their home institution at the time of application and for the entire duration of the exchange.

Applicants will be consider ineligible if they:

• Having a pending application for Canadian citizenship and as well as permanent residency.
• Already participating in another scholarship program funded by the Government of Canada.
• Are already enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at a Canadian post-secondary institution.

For Canadian post-secondary institutions to host students, they must:

• Be DLI.
• Have a valid student exchange agreement with the student’s home institution that waives tuition fees for scholarship recipients.

The Value and Duration of The School

The scholarships are available for technical or vocational education and training (TVET) at the certificate, diploma, or associate degree level, with two distinct funding options:

1. $8,200 for Four Months or One Academic Term: This covers study or research at a Canadian college, institute, or cégep, provided there is a valid student exchange agreement that waives tuition fees, except for research activities.
2. $14,700 for Eight Months or Two Academic Terms: This also covers study or research at a Canadian college, institute, or cégep, under the same conditions.

Eligible Expenses

Scholarship funds can be used to cover:

• Visa or maybe study/work permit fees.
• Transport fair via the most direct and kind of economical route.
• Health care insurance.
• Cost of living , not excluding accommodation, utilities, and food.
• Personal logistic and public transportation passes.
• Books and supplies required for study or research, excluding computers and other equipment.

Canadian institutions can receive:

• $500 per scholarship recipient to assist with administrative costs upon the student’s arrival.
• Reimbursement of additional employer compliance fees paid to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada in some cases.

Funding and Administration

Funding for the scholarships is provided by Global Affairs Canada through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) via a non-negotiable contribution agreement. Canadian institutions are responsible for distributing funds to successful students according to their internal processes. Should a student decline the scholarship, institutions must return all funds, including the administrative fee, to DFATD.

Application Process

Canadian institutions must apply for the scholarships on behalf of eligible students. The steps are as follows:

1. Assign a program coordinator to manage applications.
2. Create an account on Momentum and select the Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships Program under the “For Non Canadians” section.
3. Enter required information and upload supporting documents in acceptable formats (.pdf, .jpg, .doc, .docx, .txt, .gif).
4. Verify data before submission and click “SUBMIT”. A confirmation message and reference number will be provided.
5. Print the application form for records.

Before applying, Canadian institutions should promote the scholarship to faculty, staff, and eligible partner institutions, and establish student exchange agreements. Non-Canadian institutions should ensure their students meet eligibility and admission requirements and promote the scholarship to eligible students.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• The merit of the proposed study or research in Canada.
• Relevance to the green economy sector in the applicant’s home country.
• Benefits to the home institution and peers.
• Benefits to the Canadian institution, supervisor, and peers.
• Strength of the linkages to be created through the exchange.
• Rankings submitted by the Canadian institution.

The Canada-CARICOM Skills Training for the Green Economy Scholarships aim to build a skilled workforce in the Caribbean, driving green initiatives and sustainable development. Through this program, Canada and CARICOM nations are fostering a collaborative effort to address global sustainability challenges and promote educational equity.