Universal Service Fund (USF) ICT Scholarship — Jamaica (Complete Guide)

Table of Contents

Quick answer: The USF ICT Scholarship funds Jamaican undergraduates in ICT at local registered institutions. The 2025 window ran June 23–July 11, and 5 students were selected. Core criteria include Jamaican nationality, age under 25 by Aug 31, 2025, acceptance/enrolment in an ICT bachelor’s, GPA ≥3.5, financial need, and community involvement. Winners were notified July 23, 2025.

This is a Government of Jamaica award managed by the Universal Service Fund to support ICT study in Jamaica. The programme advances national digital goals and supports students from underserved communities. Since 2020, USF has awarded over J$13 million in scholarships.

Who can apply (eligibility)

You qualify when you meet all of these 6 requirements:

Jamaican national, living in Jamaica.
Under 25 on August 31, 2025.
Accepted or enrolled in a Bachelor’s in ICT at a registered Jamaican tertiary institution.
GPA ≥ 3.5 (or equivalent).
Financial need and active community involvement.
Pathway link: former PATH beneficiary, TAP graduate, or USF ICT Club member for at least 1 year.

What it covers

USF states it provides full scholarships from start to finish. Coverage begins at programme entry and supports ICT-linked degrees (e.g., programming, software, engineering).

Deadline

Opens: Monday, June 23, 2025
Closes: Friday, July 11, 2025
Winners notified: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Awards available: 5 (2025/26)
Always check the USF Grants & Scholarships page for the next call; timing typically falls in late-June to mid-July.

Documents

Submit exact, verifiable documents. Use official copies.

ID & contact: Government ID, TRN, proof of address.
Academic proof: Offer/registration letter and current official transcript.
Financial need: Income letters or bank statements (you + parent/guardian if applicable).
Community record: Volunteer or club letters and certificates.
Letters of recommendation: From school or community leaders.
Essay: 500 words on financial need, passion for ICT, and national development impact.

How to apply

Apply online on the USF Grants & Scholarships page and complete the official application form.

Open USF → Grants & Scholarships → Apply Now.
Enter your personal details exactly as on your ID and transcript.
Upload your offer/registration letter, official transcript, and proof of need.
Add recommendation letters and the 500-word essay.
Review for completeness and submit before the deadline.
Save a PDF copy of your submission for your records. (usf.gov.jm)

Selection criteria (what the panel checks)

Academic strength: GPA ≥3.5 with consistent grades.
Documented need: Clear financial evidence.
Community involvement: Measurable service and leadership.
USF pathways: PATH/TAP/ICT Club links.
Programme fit: ICT bachelor’s at a registered local institution.
Cohort size: 5 awards in 2025/26. (Jamaica Information Service)

Essay guide (win in 500 words)

Start strong in the first sentence. Use numbers and outcomes.

Financial need: List 3 exact costs (tuition, books, transport).
Passion for ICT: Show 3 proofs (course/project, competition, mentorship).
National impact: State 3 actions you will deliver (e.g., coding club, e-gov prototype, cybersecurity outreach).
Close with a clear goal timeline (12–24 months).
How to Write a Winning Scholarship Essay.

Apply Now

USF Grants & Scholarships (Apply Now): current dates, eligibility, and portal link. (usf.gov.jm)
USF Scholarship Form page: application form hub and USF contacts. (usf.gov.jm)
JIS announcement (2025): dates, 5 awards, and full eligibility language. (Jamaica Information Service)