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The Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Award was established by The PETNA Foundation to support students from the Caribbean (please see list of eligible countries below) in pursuing an undergraduate degree at McMaster University. Awards can be made to students entering any Level I program as a full-time student and are tenable for up to four years (with special consideration for students undertaking a five-year undergraduate program). Brathwaite Awards cover all educational expenses, deposits, travel, tuition, housing, food, books and other education-related supplies.

In the event that students are unable to study in person at McMaster and must remain in their home country taking all courses online, a different funding model will apply and may exclude funding for travel, accommodation and food, based on individual circumstances. In this eventuality, funding will need to be discussed and agreed between PETNA and McMaster prior to confirmation of the Award.

To retain their award, recipients must remain registered as full-time students and meet the minimum course load requirement as outlined in the Undergraduate Calendar.

If you are interested in applying for the Award, we encourage you first visit our future student site for information on eligibility and the applications procedure.

    1. All candidates must advise The PETNA Foundation’s Selection Committee (by e-mail to Dr. Rod Morrison at rod.morrison@outlook.com) of their plan to apply no later than 17 November 2023, by submitting a copy of their school transcript, and a two-page essay addressing the following:
      • Financial Need: The Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Award is intended to assist students and families who would not otherwise be in a position to study abroad. What are your own financial circumstances, and what sort of impact would this scholarship have on your own educational plans?
      • Career and Life Goals: Where do you see yourself in terms of your life and career in 10 years and in 25 years? How would the opportunity to study at McMaster University advance your goals?
      • Leadership Skills and Volunteer Experiences: How have you demonstrated an interest in leadership, your ability to lead, and your potential for future leadership?
      • Commitment to Community: How have you demonstrated your own social conscience and commitment to community? How have you given back to your community so far in your life, and how would you like to do so in the future.
    2. Candidates must also apply to McMaster University through the Ontario University Application Centre, using the OUAC application no later than January 15th, 2024.
    3. Candidates must receive an offer of admission from McMaster University to be named the recipient of the Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Award.
    4. Applicants are responsible for meeting all subsequent deposit due dates, with information on deadlines being provided directly by McMaster University.

The PETNA Foundation was established by Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite to improve the lives of individuals and communities through education and community development. The Foundation is committed to extending a helping hand to talented young people who would otherwise be unable to pursue their education; to assisting families and communities who would otherwise suffer continuing hardship; and to doing so with a view to long-term self-sufficiency and lasting benefit. For more information, please refer to the PETNA Foundation website here.

Eligible Caribbean Countries (CARICOM)

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Montserrat
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Anguilla
  • Bermuda
  • BVI
  • Cayman Islands
  • Turks and Caicos

Martinique

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