The Caribbean Tourism Organization's Scholarship Foundation funds Caribbean nationals pursuing tourism-related studies — from bachelor's degrees to professional certificates — with named memorial scholarships of up to USD 5,000 and study grants up to USD 2,500. The 2027 cycle marks its 30th anniversary, with extra 'Pearl' Scholar awards to be announced.
Why it is notable: it is the only pan-Caribbean scholarship programme dedicated to tourism and hospitality talent, and the 2027 edition adds a new technology/data track and a George Washington University sustainable-tourism certificate partnership.
Funding at a glance
What it covers
Up to USD 5,000 towards a Bachelor's degree programme (tuition only).
Up to USD 2,500 towards a professional certificate programme or study grant (tuition only).
USD 2,700 towards the George Washington University Professional Certificate in Sustainable Tourism Destination Management.
(Not covered: remaining tuition costs beyond the award, living expenses, travel — applicants must outline how these are covered.)
Eligibility criteria
Qualification Required
High school diplomafor Bachelor'sGraduationfor professional certificate
This scholarship is offered for Bachelor's degrees (up to USD 5,000), professional certificate programmes (up to USD 2,500), study grants (up to USD 2,500), and the GWU Sustainable Tourism Destination Management certificate (USD 2,700).
Who can apply
Caribbean nationals only (all Caribbean countries/territories). Each scholarship has unique eligibility requirements — check the official guidelines.
Experience
No experience required — selection weighs academic excellence and leadership inside and outside the classroom.
Language Certificate
not published — course-dependent (study may be within or outside the region).
Other Certificates
supporting documents as specified in the official guidelines (to be confirmed when the 2027 application opens); two letters of reference required (see Documents masterclass).
Age Limit
No Age Limit
Check your eligibility
Run all three quick checks before reviewing your chosen course's full entry requirements.
Choose your highest completed qualification to see which degree level may fit.
3
Course checker
Pick a course to see whether it falls inside this scholarship's scope.
Complete all three checks
Your combined result will appear here.
Based on published eligibility — always confirm on the official page before applying.
Application essentials
Requirements
Review each requirement before you begin the application.
01
Nationality
Caribbean national (exclusively).
02
Field
tourism-related studies (tourism, hospitality, technology, language training, sustainable tourism, PR/communications, data science, tourism education).
03
Merit
outstanding academic performance + leadership inside and outside the classroom.
04
Commitment
sign a pledge to work in the Caribbean after graduation (within 1 year; fulfilled within 6 months for grants / 2 years for scholarships — else reimburse).
05
References
two letters from an educational institution, church, or community organization (no family members).
06
Video
new for 2027 — 60–90 second personal video statement.
Document checklist
01Online application form (one per scholarship/grant applied for, max two)
0260–90 second video statement (new for 2027)
03Two (2) letters of reference from an educational institution, church, or community organization (not from family members), attesting to academic acumen and leadership
04Supporting documents per the official guidelines (academic records etc.)
Application fee
No fee — completely free
Visa, kept concise: Study visa type for this destination: course-dependent — studies may be within or outside the Caribbean; the applicable student visa depends on the chosen institution's country.
Application Procedure
10 steps — follow in order. Each stage prepares the next.
01
Wait for the 2027 application to open
on 1 January 2027 (online portal only).
→
02
Complete the online application directly as the
student applicant (up to two scholarships/grants — separate application for each).
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03
Record the NEW 60–90 second video submission
(new for 2027): in your own words, why you are pursuing this path and what you hope to contribute to the region (phone recording is fine — sincerity over production quality).
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06
Awardees are notified by email in early
June 2027 (GWU track: by 13 April 2027 so winners can register for classes).
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05
Submit by the deadline
Friday, 30 April 2027, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Late/incomplete applications are not accepted.
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04
Upload supporting documents via the official upload
link (file naming format: "Your Name, Description of Document, Name of Scholarship" — e.g. "Jane Doe-UWI Degree-AudreyPalmerScholarship"), plus two reference letters.
↓
07
Online application form (one per scholarship/grant applied for
max two)
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08
60–90 second video statement (new for 2027)
→
09
Two (2) letters of reference from an educational institution
church, or community organization (not from family members), attesting to academic acumen and leadership
↓
10
Supporting documents per the official guidelines (academic
records etc.)
Application milestones
30 Apr 2027
Application deadline
2027
Intake year
Ready to apply?
Continue on the official CTO Scholarship Foundation Scholarships & Study Grants 2027 (30th Anniversary) platform.
Who can apply? A: Caribbean nationals only, pursuing tourism-related studies.What does the scholarship cover? A: Tuition only — up to $5,000 (Bachelor's), $2,500 (certificate/grant), $2,700 (GWU track). You must explain how you'll cover the rest.When do applications open? A: 1 January 2027.What is the deadline? A: Friday 30 April 2027, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.Can I apply for more than one award? A: Yes — up to two scholarships/grants, with a separate application for each.What is the video requirement? A: New for 2027 — a 60–90 second video telling them why you're pursuing this path and what you'll contribute to the region; a phone recording is fine.What is the work pledge? A: Recipients pledge to work in the Caribbean, starting within one year of graduation — within 6 months (grant awardees) or 2 years (scholarship awardees); otherwise the awardWho do I contact? A: ctoscholarshipfoundation@gmail.com, copying Sharon Banfield at banfields@caribtourism.com.
Need document or attestation help?
Detailed attestation guidance stays in Opplore's standalone Guides section, not inside this scholarship page.
North America
