The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has officially opened the announcement for the 2026 application round of its transformative Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme, an initiative designed to tackle pressing regional workforce gaps in the digital economy. This fully funded scholarship opportunity is made possible through the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP), a multi-year initiative supported by World Bank financing, and will be delivered entirely by The University of the West Indies (UWI) Global Campus, a respected regional leader in accessible, flexible higher education.
CARDTP’s core mission is to build robust advanced digital capabilities across the 11 member states of the OECS, responding to a longstanding challenge that regional employers have repeatedly highlighted: despite the OECS’s strong legacy of academic achievement, there remains a critical shortage of workers with specialized, industry-relevant digital skills. By investing in targeted training and certification, the project aims to bridge this gap, strengthen overall workforce readiness, and cultivate a local talent pool that can drive innovation, support new entrepreneurship ventures, and fuel inclusive economic growth across the Eastern Caribbean.
For the programme’s second cohort, applications will be accepted exclusively between September 10 and September 20, 2026. Eligible citizens across the OECS region are urged to submit their applications before the closing deadline to take advantage of the opportunity, which not only builds in-demand digital competencies but also grants participants industry-recognized certifications that can significantly boost long-term career prospects in an increasingly global, digital-first economy.
The scholarship covers an extensive range of high-demand digital fields, tailored to align with current global labor market needs. Eligible subject areas include Application Development, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Database Management and Administration, E-Learning Instructional Skills, Financial Technology and Blockchain, Graphics and Animation, Mobile App Development, Project Management, UX/UI Design, Web Development, Business Analysis, Data Security, Enterprise Resource Management (ERP), Internet of Things (IoT), Networking, Robotics, System Administration, Virtualization, and E-Commerce. This diverse selection of fields ensures that prospective students can pursue training aligned with their specific career interests and the region’s growing demand for digital services across sectors.
Individuals interested in applying can access the official application form, review full details on programme offerings, confirm eligibility criteria, and learn step-by-step guidance for the application process through the official portal linked in the original announcement.