The National Health Fund (NHF) is inviting healthcare students who have completed their second year of study and are experiencing financial challenges to submit applications for support through the EduCare Grant Programme. Applications are now open and will close on July 20.

A total of $15 million has been allocated to assist these students pursuing degrees in health fields.

This year, Chief Executive Officer Everton Anderson is prompting students in less pursued areas of medicine to apply also.

“In the past two years of the programme we’ve had a lot of Medicine and Nursing students submit applications, but we want those pursuing studies in other areas in health such as Optometry, Radiology and Medical Technology to know that they are also eligible to apply,” Anderson said.

“We are aware that many students are experiencing financial challenges and we want to do our part in assisting as many as we can who are seeking to contribute to the health sector in Jamaica.”

Since its inception in 2020, the NHF has disbursed approximately $28 million to 44 students pursuing degrees in health care.

Interested applicants must be Jamaican nationals; be enrolled full-time in an accredited tertiary institution; have a GPA of 3.0 and above, and be able to prove financial need.

As a requirement of the Ministry of Finance and Public Service, successful applicants may be mandated to enter into a bonding agreement, depending on the grant sum received.

Suitable persons may visit the NHF website at www.nhf.org.jm/educare to apply, email educaregrant@nhf.org.jm for more information or call 876-906-1106.

The EduCare Grant was launched in 2020, with the aim of providing financial assistance to aspiring health professionals who will be able to contribute significantly to the health of our population upon the successful completion of their studies.