Financial Assistance and Study Leave

Overview

Definitions

  1. Financial Assistance – means a total amount of funds approved by the relevant authorities to be given to an applicant in order to financially support their higher education studies.
  2. Study Leave – means a period of leave to allow for academic activities which develop and enhance knowledge and achieve greater excellence in areas of responsibility.
  3. Relevant Authorities – refers to the Ministry of Human Resources, Higher Education
    Committee and Cabinet.

Principles

  1. Financial assistance or Study leave is neither a right nor an entitlement; approval is at
    the discretion of the relevant authorities.
  2. Government Officers applying for financial assistance may receive a portion of their salary as well as other allowances at the discretion of the relevant authorities.
  3. The significance of financial assistance and/or study leave is measured by  Government’s priorities; the individual’s professional development; the strategic objectives of the country;and the contribution their education will make to the wider community.

The following underpins the process by which applications are considered:

  1. The needs of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) are of paramount importance.
  2. A Ministry/Department should not suffer an unreasonable burden as a result of an officer’s leave.
  3. An officer is required to return from leave in good time to prepare for resumption of his/her regular duties.
  4. Any contractual obligations must be met.

Priority Areas

Teaching

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Tourism
  • Social Studies
  • Economics
  • History
  • Art & Design
  • Modern Languages
  • Food & Nutrition
  • Agricultural Science
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Technical and Vocational Education

Health

  • Nursing (Community Health, Psychiatric, Geriatric and Intensive Care)
  • Nutritionist
  • Biomedical Technician
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Optometry
  • Audiology
  • Environment Health

Civil Engineer

  • Electrical, Mechanical and Environmental Engineering
  • Pump Technicians
  • Project Management
  • Veterinarian
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Land Surveying Management

Online Studies

Approval for financial assistance to complete online studies would be considered using the
following stipulations:

  1. In accordance with government’s priority areas.
  2. Time off to prepare for examination(s) would be at the discretion of the Ministry of Human Resources but will not exceed five (5) days per year.
  3. The institution chosen by the applicant in order to complete studies, must be recognized by a certified higher education accreditation body.
  4. Study leave with pay will not be granted.

Eligibility

  1. A government officer is eligible to apply for study leave after he/she has completed a
    minimum of five (5) appointed years in the service; he/she can apply for leave earlier but
    only in exceptional circumstances.
  2. An individual may apply for financial assistance, whether or not the individual is employed by the Nevis Island Administration.

Approval

In considering an application for financial assistance or study leave, the relevant authorities will take into account the overall purpose of higher education and also:

a) The individual’s employment record as well as an evaluation of the staff member’s
delivery of duties outlined in job description.
b) Whether satisfactory arrangements can be made by the relevant Ministry for
supervision and administrative functions, during the proposed absence of the officer.
c) Whether the higher learning objectives will enable the officer to extend significantly
their capabilities and/or any other specific responsibilities.

Administration

  1. All applications must be made through the Ministry of Human Resources.
  2. The Permanent Secretary, Human Resources, will inform the applicant of the decision, in writing.
    If approved, the correspondence will:
    a. Stipulate any terms, including dates of absence and reporting deadlines.
    b. Advise the individual of the applicable allowances.
    c. Advise the individual that he/she has to sign a bond prior to leaving.
    d. Advise the individual of their contractual duties.
    e. Advise the individual that funds may be paid out in two (2) installments, within the
    financial year.
  3. An individual who wishes to make changes to an approved plan must notify the Ministry of Human Resources at the earliest possible opportunity. Any change(s) must receive approval from the Ministry of Human Resources before the individual takes a decision. The matter will be discussed with the individual and their comments will be taken into consideration, and discussed with the Minister of Human Resources, before a final decision is made.
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