GATE - Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses

Students can obtain financial assistance for tertiary-level education through the Government Assistance for Tuition Expenses Programme (GATE).  GATE funds cover 100% of tuition expenses for undergraduate students and up to 50% of tuition expenses, to a maximum of TT$10,000, for postgraduate students.

All students who accept GATE funds, including postgraduate students, will be bound by a period of national service that will be linked to the value of the funds received.  National service is defined as employment within the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in either the public or private sector.  The period of national service is determined as follows:

• One year for recipients of up to TT$50,000.
• Two years for recipients of TT$50,000 to TT$100,000.
• Three years for recipients of TT$100,000 to TT$150,000.
• Four years for recipients of TT$150,000 to TT$200,000.
• Five years for recipients of over TT$200,000.

Part-time students accessing GATE may apply their current employment experience as part of their period of national service.  Recipients must repay the total amount of the GATE funds received to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago if they do not complete the required period of national service. 

This programme is made available through the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (TEST).