As a consequence of this new agreement, students from Nevis hoping to pursue a university education at the UVI will be granted discounted tuition fees, thereby making it much cheaper to complete their undergraduate and graduate studies.
The agreement was signed between University of the Virgin Islands President, Mr. David Hall and Premier Parry at the University’s, St. Thomas campus on Friday, 2nd November, 2012.
“Our students are looking forward to taking advantage of this educational opportunity as well as the exposure to various cultures of the Caribbean. There is much that we can learn from each other,” Parry said after the signing.
The agreement was approved by the UVI Board of Trustees on 27th October and allows for graduates from the Nevis Sixth Form College to attend UVI at a reduced tuition rate of 1.75 times the rate for Virgin Island residents. Before the agreement, full-time, non-resident undergraduates paid a tuition rate nearly three times that of residents.
“I have been very impressed with the students that have come out of Nevis, as they have been impressive academically, and as campus leaders, and I just want to receive more students from Nevis to attend UVI,” President Hall told the Premier in response.
Hall also noted that the University had charted a new course of becoming a global leader in education, and Nevis was part of the package, as the University seeks to upgrade and expand in areas such as green technology and distance learning capabilities.
According to the Premier, his Nevis Reformation Party-led Nevis Island Administration will keep its mandate of “education and more education” for the residents of Nevis. He also noted that his government will continue to provide financial assistance to Nevis students who attend higher learning institutions including UVI.
Ten (10) Nevisian students are currently enrolled at the St. Thomas campus.