The Ministry of Health awards the Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship annually to Bermudian students with proven financial need seeking careers or professional development in public health. 

About Dr. Barbara Ball

The scholarship is offered in honour of Dr. Barbara Bertha Ball who was the first born-Bermudian woman to practice medicine in Bermuda and a tireless champion for people’s rights. Born in 1924 in Bermuda, she graduated from Liverpool University Medical School in 1949.

She worked briefly in the UK before returning to Bermuda in 1954 to devote her life to the needs of the downtrodden. The Government of Bermuda is honored to provide the scholarship to outstanding students entering the healthcare field.

Eligibility

The Dr. Barbara Ball Scholarship is offered for a range of healthcare fields of study that benefit public health directly and which are a priority to public health needs in Bermuda. Scholarships may be offered for study in the following areas: 

• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Nursing
• Social Work
• Environmental health
• Occupational safety and health
• Doctor of Medicine (of public health need)
• Health economics postgraduate degree
• Counselling
• Doctor of Dentistry
• Dental hygiene
• Maternal care
• Clinical psychology doctorate
• Pharmacy

Appplicants must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 (UK 2:2, IB 30) and demonstration of financial need.

Application Process

You must submit your application by 30th April 2024 of the academic year to be funded through the Bermuda Scholarships Website. You will be informed of the decisions not later than the 31 May 2024.

The Ministry of Health will invite all shortlisted applicants to interview with the selection committee.

Application Requirements

• A cover letter setting out why you were attracted to your chosen field of study and how the scholarship will help you to achieve your goals. The letter should also identify how receiving this scholarship will allow you to make a contribution to improving public health in Bermuda.
• Proof of financial need: Complete the Financial Need Form setting out how you intend to meet those expenses - please note present financial support which might include savings, scholarships or anticipated financial support. Most importantly, indicate the shortfall between anticipated support and costs in order to justify your request for support;
• Proof of Bermudian or PRC Status
• Transcripts (most recent)
• Academic letter of recommendation
• Personal letter of recommendation
• Acceptance letter – if not available at time of application you must attach a document indicating when the letter will be available. As soon as possible, email the letter to the award provider or at latest bring the letter to the interview.
• Letter from college stating tuition costs
• Resume

You must submit your application through the Bermuda Scholarships website.