GATE Frequently Asked Questions FAQs 2017
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION press release 31 July 2017
1. What level of funding is available through GATE?
GATE funding is available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students based on household income.
Undergraduate students can access funding as follows:
– 100% funding where household income is below $10,000 per month
– 75% funding where household income is $10,000 per month but less than $30,000
– 50% funding where household income is $30,000 per month and above
Postgraduate students can access 25% to 50% funding:
– 50% funding where household income is less than $30,000 per month
– 25% funding where household income is $30,000 per month and above
2. Will students enrolled in programmes prior to August 2017 at tertiary institutions be required to take the means test?
No. Only students commencing a new programme in August 2017 and beyond will be required to take the means test to determine their level of access to funding. Undergraduate students enrolled in programmes as at the 2016/2017 academic year will continue to receive 100% funding until the completion of their programmes; or 50% funding in the case of post-graduate programmes.
3. Is the means test compulsory?
Means testing is optional and only applicable to students commencing a new programme in August 2017 and beyond. Students not wishing to complete a means test application form will be required to pay 50% of their tuition fees.
4. How can I access additional funding?
Students requiring additional funding can access the Higher Education Loan Programme (HELP) available through all commercial banks. In a move to deepen the assistance available to students the loan ceiling for HELP has been increased from $25,000 to $35,000 for students studying locally.
5. Are there any restrictions to the programmes that can be pursued?
Students enrolled in non-medical programmes at regional campuses of the UWI will only be funded the TT equivalent of the programme if it is available at the St. Augustine Campus. Funding for postgraduate study is only available to students whose programmes are in alignment with the country’s developmental needs.
6. I want to study medicine. Am I covered under GATE?
Medical students enrolled at the University of the West Indies campuses at St. Augustine, Mona and Cave Hill are covered under the GATE programme. Students are subject to a means test to determine what level of funding they can receive. Funding for students in the medical programme at St. George’s University, Grenada, has been discontinued.
http://moe.gov.tt/News/Post/1228
