The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States. Thursday, September 10, 2026—The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission is proud to announce the 2026 application call for the OECS Advanced Digital Skills Scholarship Programme. This scholarship is made available through the Caribbean Digital Transformation Project (CARDTP) and delivered by The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Global Campus. CARDTP is a World Bank-financed initiative aimed at strengthening advanced digital competencies across the Eastern Caribbean.
Building on the success of Cohort I, which concluded earlier this year with 200+ certifications, the programme continues to expand opportunities for citizens across the OECS Member States of Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Anguilla to access high-quality, industry-relevant digital skills training designed to prepare them for the future of work and global advancements.
Applications for Cohort II will open on September 10 and close on September 20, 2026. Eligible citizens are encouraged to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen their digital competencies, earn industry-recognized certifications, and advance their career prospects in an increasingly digital world.
Scholarships are available in the following subject areas:
- Application Development
- Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- Cybersecurity
- Data Analytics
- Database Management & Administration
- Digital Marketing
- E-Learning Instructional Skills
- Financial Technology & Blockchain
- Graphics/Animation
- Mobile App Development
- Project Management
- UX/UI Design Skills
- Web Development
- Business Analysis
- Data Security
- Enterprise Resource Management (ERP)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Networking
- Robotics
- System Administration
- Virtualization
- e-Commerce
The OECS region has a strong tradition of educational achievement, but many employers continue to report challenges in finding candidates with specialized digital competencies. CARDTP seeks to address critical digital skills gaps, strengthen workforce readiness, and create a pool of advanced digital talent capable of supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth throughout the OECS.
As the digital economy continues to create new opportunities around the world, there is an increasing need for individuals to develop the skills required to thrive in a technology-driven workforce. The Advanced Digital Skills Programme is designed to help bridge this gap by providing participants with practical, in-demand training that enhances their career prospects, supports entrepreneurship, and opens doors to regional and international employment opportunities, including remote work.
The OECS Commission and The UWI Global Campus are committed to ensuring that citizens are well positioned to participate in the global digital economy, access remote work opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the digital transformation of their countries. The programme also supports the development of the OECS Digital Skills Bank, creating a pool of advanced and specialised digital talent that can help attract investment from technology-driven industries, strengthen the regional workforce, and improve the Caribbean’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Applicants can fill in the application form and find out more information on programme offerings, eligibility requirements, and the application process here.
About The University of the West Indies
The University of the West Indies (The UWI) has played a crucial role in Caribbean development for over 75 years, consistently contributing to the improvement of the well-being of people across the region.
Established in 1948 as a university college of London in Jamaica, with just 33 medical students, UWI has grown into an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students. Today, it boasts five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda, and its Global Campus, along with international centres in partnership with universities across North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe.
The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the leading university in the Caribbean, it is home to the largest pool of intellect and expertise in the region, dedicated to addressing the critical issues facing both the Caribbean and the wider world.
Validated by its inclusion in the Times Higher Education (THE) annual rankings since 2018, The UWI has affirmed its position as one of the top universities globally. It stands out as the only English-speaking institution in the Caribbean featured in four of THE's prestigious ranking lists. The World University Rankings evaluate over 2,000 research-focused universities worldwide, while the Golden Age University Rankings highlight institutions established between 50 and 80 years ago. The Latin America Rankings focus specifically on universities within Latin America and the Caribbean. Additionally, the Impact Rankings assess universities based on their contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This recognition has also springboarded the establishment of The UWI’s International School for Development Justice (ISD), a global online graduate business school aimed at preparing future leaders for sustainable development.
The UWI is an SDG-engaged university consistently recognised among the best in the world. Discover more at www.uwi.edu.
