Cay Hill:--- On January 25th, 2017 the Division of Study Financing-Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, visited NIPA and gave a Study Allowance Information Session to the students. The presentation was conducted by Lissa Carter, who gave some valuable information in relation to the procedures NIPA students can now take if they want to be considered to receive study financing. There were approximately 28 students present, who were all keen on obtaining this important information. The objectives of the Division of Study Financing with regards to offering study financing for NIPA students are: to offer study opportunities locally for students interested in pursuing a higher level vocational study, to promote a local institution and to grant study allowance upon the Minister’s approval. The application period is from January 30th to February 20th, 2017. Persons who can qualify are persons between the ages of 17-25 years old, persons in possession of the Dutch Nationality, persons who have been registered at the Civil registry for at least five (5) years preceding the request and persons with an annual parental income not greater than Nafls. 200.000,—. Additionally: Person of Dutch nationality who has been residents of St. Maarten for at least 5 years prior to requesting study financing can receive exemptions. Furthermore, persons of Dutch nationality who have been residents of St. Maarten for at least 2 years prior to requesting study financing, can also receive exemptions if: the applicant was born in the former Netherlands Antilles, or at least one parent was born in the former Netherlands Antilles. The presentation also gave information on how to apply digitally online, conditions and criteria for applying, the decision making process and the duration of the allowance, which is one year and needs to be extended yearly. Feedback received from the students in attendance was, that the session was very informative and they are happy they now have the opportunity to receive financial assistance while pursuing their education.
