What is the GATE Programme?
The Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses (GATE) Programme provides financial assistance to citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, who are pursuing GATE-approved tertiary level programmes at local and regional public and private Tertiary Level Institutions (TLIs). The GATE Programme is administered by the Funding and Grants Administration Division (FGAD) of the Ministry of Education – Tertiary Education Division.
Can I apply for GATE funding?
You can apply for GATE funding if:
- You are a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago with a continued period of residency of at least three (3) years prior to application (Documentary proof of citizenship and residency must be provided).
- You have been accepted to a GATE-approved local or regional public TLI or a local private TLI.
- You are enrolled in a GATE-approved programme that leads to the award of a recognised tertiary level qualification.
Can I get GATE funding at my institution?
To view a list of GATE-approved institutions, click here.
Will there be any bond for GATE funding?
All students who accept GATE funding will be bound to a period of national service that will be linked to the value of the GATE funds received.
Can a part-time student apply for funding under GATE Programme?
Yes. Part-time students can apply for funding under the GATE Programme. Part-time students who are employed and accessing GATE funding for a new programme of study may apply their current tenure of employment to their period of national service.
Are there any associated fees?
There are no fees associated with applying for funding under the GATE Programme.
What is the duration of GATE funding?
GATE funding shall be accessible to students for the duration of the approved programme. Should the student fail to complete the approved programme within its stated duration and have received funding that exceeds the tuition fees approved for that programme, the student shall not be granted access to GATE funding for any period in excess of its stated duration. The Funding and Grants Administration Division (FGAD) shall review an extension of the duration period of an approved programme by reason of extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
How can I apply for GATE funding?
You can find out more about the process of applying for GATE funding here.
What is GATE Clearance?
Your application must receive GATE Clearance in order for you to access GATE funding. Applications can be denied GATE Clearance primarily for the following reasons:
- Poor academic performance by student
- Student has withdrawn from programme/s without approval
- Student has received funding in excess of approved tuition fees
- Application for funding is not aligned with Government’s policy for GATE funding
Procedure For Receiving GATE Clearance:
Students wishing to access GATE funding must complete an online Application for GATE Clearance under their GATE eService profile. Students will be notified of their Application’s status while it is being processed. Please see the table below for explanations on the various Application Statuses:
