Over 7000 apply for 2022 GOAL scholarships

…deadline extended

The Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) has received a remarkable 7000 applications for the 2022 scholarships, which has prompted an extension of the deadline.
In light of significant requests for an extension, prospective applicants have been advised that they have until March 5, 2022, to submit the application and supporting documents.
A requirement in the process is to select three programmes that are aligned with the applicant’s academic qualifications. This must be supported by academic certificates that are certified by a Justice of Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.
Supporting documents also include a recent curriculum vitae or job letter if employed. An official letter from the institutions confirming completion of studies will be accepted in lieu of certificates for students who have recently graduated.
Meanwhile, official or unofficial transcripts should also be uploaded to the online application portal. A video providing guidance to applicants on the scholarship application process is available on www.goal.edu.gy or their Facebook page.
Registration for this year’s GOAL scholarships opened just over a month ago and has been met with an astounding response from Guyanese willing to upgrade their educational portfolio in a range of disciplines. GOAL aims to expand the middle- and upper-class category of the population through the enhancement of access to tertiary education that will support manpower requirements of both the private and public sectors by the year 2025.
In its manifesto, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic promised 20,000 scholarships in its first term in office. This year, $1.3 billion was allocated in the budget to continue programmes under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning.
In the past year, 6000 Guyanese have been enrolled at reputable universities in various parts of the world, including India, Germany and the wider Caribbean region, earning them tertiary qualifications, ranging from certificates to PhD level. With this year’s allocation, another 4500 persons will be able to secure a higher education.
In November 2021, Guyanese students were accepted to study in India through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL). Out of the 6225 online scholarship awardees, 2689 would study at the Jain “Deemed To Be” University and 1672 at the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). In addition, Sherlock Institute of India also offered 215 online scholarships.
It has been reported that 73.5 per cent of the online scholarships that are being offered by the Guyanese Government will be provided by Indian universities. These two Indian universities are also working along with the GOAL initiative with the aim of offering PhD and other programmes in Guyana.
IGNOU had also organised an online Staff Development Programme (SDP) for the functionaries of Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) recently.