The prestigious De La Rue Currency Scholarship Programme was launched on May 2, 2003 through the signing of an Aide Memoire between the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and De La Rue Currency in the United Kingdom. The scholarship focuses on the development of the country’s human resources in areas intrinsic to the development of our national economy. Since the inception of the programme 31 scholarships were awarded (inclusive of the 2024/2025 recipients), with eight of the scholars currently employed with the Bank.
The 2024/2025 recipients of the De La Rue Scholarship are, from left:
Ms. Jade Soodoo, currently pursuing an M.Sc. in Data Science and is a recipient of a B.Sc. Actuarial Science (Special) - First Class Honours. Mr. Isaiah Mc Intosh, currently pursuing an MPhil in Economics and is the holder of a B.Sc. in Economics with a minor in Environmental Economics. The third awardee, Ms. Etta Greenaway, holds a double Masters in International Relations (Honours-Merit) and International Law (Honours –Merit), and is currently pursuing a PhD International Relations.
The Scholarship
Each acadamic year, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago in partnership with De La Rue Currency of the United Kingdom offers an award of two (2) postgraduate scholarships under the prestigious DE LA RUE CURRENCY SCHOLARSHIP Programme. Two (2) scholarships will be offered in any of the disciplines outlined below:
1. Economics with specialisations in monetary economics, financial economics, finance, public finances, international trade, regional integration, energy economics or development economics.
2. Statistics
3. Mathematics
4. Data Science
5. Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
The partnership between the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago and De La Rue is a strategic alliance and the promotion of these scholarships focus on the development of the country’s human resources in areas which are intrinsic to the development of our national economy.
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"The De La Rue scholarship allowed me to intern at a premier financial institution in Trinidad and Tobago as well as join the Association of De La Rue Scholars. The honour of being awarded this prestigious scholarship cannot be adequately expressed in words but I can assure that the sense of accomplishment will last a lifetime." Ashley Bobb, Economist I (2014/2015 De La Rue Scholar) |
Terms and Conditions
Under the terms and conditions of the agreement, the scholarships are offered for a maximum period of two (2) academic years and tenable at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Each Scholarship award is equivalent to US$8,500.00 and will primarily cover the cost of books, materials and tuition with the balance being devoted to subsistence.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
I. Be a national of Trinidad and Tobago;
II. Currently pursuing a full-time, post-graduate degree programme at the M.Sc. level, or who are at the final stage of an MPhil/PhD Programme in any of the above-mentioned fields;
III. Applicants for this Scholarship should have, as a minimum, an Upper Second Class Honours Degree (i.e. for M.Sc. candidates) or a M.Sc. Degree with at least a B+ average in coursework (for MPhil/PhD candidates);
IV. Be actively involved in community service;
V. Must not be in receipt of any other scholarship. (Students who are employed as a Research Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Full-Time Demonstrator at UWI, St. Augustine are eligible to apply).
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"The De La Rue Scholarship offered me a pathway to commence my career as an economist at a top tier institution. The scholarship acts as an investment into both professional and personal development. Being a recipient of the award also placed me in the company of some of the greatest young minds seeking to influence positive change throughout the Caribbean region." Timothy Woolford, Economist II (2011/2012 De La Rue Scholar |
Selection Process
Applicants are advised to note that the selection process will include the following:
I. The completion of a 3-5 page essay on their suitability for the award of the scholarship;
II. A selection interview conducted by a joint interview panel;
III. An assessment of the applicant’s need for financial assistance. Priority will be given to those applicants who demonstrate critical financial need.
Internship
Following the completion of the programme of studies, each successful candidate will be required to participate in a three (3) month internship at the Central Bank or at a designated public sector institution agreed to by the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago.
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"Graduating the youngest in my cohort, the De La Rue scholarship allowed me to complete my Master of Science with Distinction. The scholarship also allowed me to work at one of the most prestigious institutions which I hope to continue to be a part of. Being afforded the scholarship made my dreams become a reality and has allowed me to transfer the knowledge and skills acquired in my course of study to my daily work at the Bank." Johan Richards, Project Support Officer (2020/2021 De La Rue Scholar) |
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Applications for the next De La Rue Currency Scholarship intake will open in April 2025.
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"The 2008/2009 De La Rue Scholarship award turned my dream into a reality, that is, to work at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. The scholarship allowed me to marry economic theory with practical experience, learn from some of the most astute thinkers in the economics profession and provided the financial resources needed to complete my MSc. in Economics." Kester Thompson, Senior Economist (2008/2009 De La Rue Scholar) |
Presentation of 2018/2019 De La Rue Currency Scholarships
