Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question	Answer
1. Is there a contractual obligation for scholarship?	Yes. However, this is not in the traditional sense as scholarships usually offered by the Ministry of the Public Service which attract a five (5) year contract. There will be mandatory community service dependent upon the duration of the programme completed. Details will be provided in the contract.
2. Am I required to do my community service in the public sector?	No, you may do your community service in any private or public sector, NGO or registered organisation.
3. Am  I  required to work in the public sector after the scholarship is completed?	No, you may work wherever you choose or find employment.
4. Is there an age limit for applying for a scholarship?	Yes, you must be 18 years old or older.
5. Are all the programmes fully online?	No, only some of the programmes are fully online, others are offered as open distance learning (ODL). Many offer the student the flexibility to self-pace. Note: All the lectures and tutorials are online.
6. Is there a  difference between  Online courses and ODL?	While the line of difference is blurring rapidly, Online courses/programmes are delivered via the Internet and may include emails and discussion boards. ODL involves the use of telecommunication to provide or enhance learning and may encompass all technologies and other forms of learning at a distance.
7. Am I required to take final exams?	It varies. Some Universities require exams, while others may require course work/paper submissions.
8. What form would the exam take?	It may vary by Institution. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) requires written paper exams; the International University of Applied Sciences (IU) requires online exams but you can take a mock exam to determine your readiness for the final exam. UWI Open Campus has no exam; it accepts 100% course work to determine progression.
9. I am currently employed in the private sector.  Am I eligible for a scholarship?	Yes. Your current employment does not determine your eligibility for scholarship.
10. I do not have any CAPE /GCE/ CSEC/ O’ Levels, will I be eligible to enter into a degree programme?	Anyone who is 18 years and over can register for the six months Bachelor Preparatory Programme (BPP) programme from IGNOU. Upon successful completion, they will be eligible to apply for a Bachelor’s programme.

11. Can I apply for two programmes simultaneously?	Yes, you may apply for a maximum of three programmes, but you can only be admitted into any one of the three you selected.
12. Can I reapply for another    GOAL scholarship after completing my first programme?	You will not be eligible for another GOAL scholarship unless your first scholarship is for the BPP programme.
13. Can I be granted a scholarship in more than one programme?	No, you will only be granted a scholarship for one programme.
14. I am not a citizen of Guyana, but I am a resident, can I apply for a programme?	Yes, you can apply for the programme and pay the appropriate fees.
15. Will there be outreaches in hinterland/ interior locations?	Yes. Outreaches will be facilitated in all Administrative regions.
16. If I require assistance while doing the programme, will support be available?	All of the universities offer support services. However, GOAL also has a Student Affairs Department available for students requiring assistance, guidance and/or information. There will also be Learning Resource Centres in each of the administrative regions.
17. Can I take a study break if needed? What will be the ramifications/consequences for this break?	Yes. Many of the Universities offer the option of a break during the period of study to a maximum of six (6) months per programme. However, you should consult your academic counsellor and MPS scholarship office before taking a break.
18. Where is GOAL located?	Our main office is located at Ogle Estate, GuySuCo Compound, East Coast Demerara.
19. Is GOAL an accredited University?	GOAL is not a University. It is an umbrella institution that has partnerships with several accredited international universities to offer flexible and relevant programmes to Guyanese.
20. Are the programmes being offered accredited by the National Accreditation Council?	We will be seeking accreditations at the national level for all programmes offered in due time.
21. Do I need work experience to qualify for a scholarship?	No, however, work experience is a requirement for acceptance into some post-graduate degree programmes.
22. If I am not granted a scholarship, will I have the opportunity to pay for the programme?   Is there a payment plan?	Yes. Not yet established.
23. How long will it take for scholarship applications to be processed?	Scholarship applications will be completed within 2 weeks. Eligibility/acceptance into a programme will be completed within four (4) weeks.

24. How will I know if my application is approved?	You will receive an email.
25. I am 25 years old, and I have three (3) CSEC subjects. Is there a programme that I can be eligible for?	There are several certificate programmes being offered that require no formal qualification. You can also apply for the Bachelor’s Preparatory Programme (BPP) to make you eligible for other programmes.
26. What documents do I need to submit along with the application?	A passport size photo; copy of your national ID, transcripts and certificates of your current qualifications. Post -graduate and Master’s programmes may have additional requirements, such as evidence of work-related experience for a particular duration.
27. How do I apply?	Applications can be completed by visiting  www.guyanagoal.org and creating an account and submitting information. Additionally, you can apply by visiting our website at www.goal.edu.gy and clicking on the apply button.   Hardcopies of applications can be sent to the Ministry of the Public Service, 164 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown.
28. I am a UG who had applied unsuccessfully for a scholarship to pursue a Degree. I am in my second year and currently experiencing financial difficulties. Are you offering scholarships for students like me to continue and finish UG?	No, we are not offering scholarships to students who are currently enrolled in another programme outside our online GOAL Scholarship.
29. I just completed high school. I would like to pursue a Degree in Biochemistry; will I be able to get a scholarship?	Sorry, Biochemistry is not on our list. We only have scholarships for programmes list on our website.
30. I do not have internet, can I still do this programme?	You will need internet access to pursue this programme. The use of internet services is however, limited to downloading and uploading assignments. You will have access to digital study materials on your laptop which you can read offline.   Also, GOAL will make available study centres all across Guyana, fully equipped with computer devices and community internet hubs for students to utilise.
31. If I do not have CSEC or CAPE, can I still do this programme?	Yes, there are certificate programmes that you can apply for without any requisite qualifications. Also, the BPP  offered by the IGNOU, India is intended to bridge the gap for students who do not possess CAPE/post- secondary diplomas, but desire to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

32. Would I have to attend a school or institution personally/physically?	No, you will not have to. All partnering Universities have fully digitized formats and thus you will be accessing material virtually from the comfort of your home/study centre. In some instances, where physical examinations must be sat, GOAL will provide the mechanism for those assessments to be facilitated.
33. Where can I find out what documents I need to submit?	For more information about programmes and requirements visit our website at www.goal.edu.gy or our Facebook Page @Guyana Online Academy of Learning.
34. Where can I submit my application?	Applications can be submitted via our application portal at www.guyanagoal.org or can be dropped off at the Ministry of Public Service, 164 Waterloo Street, North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, Guyana.
35. Where can I find eligibility criteria for each course?	For more information about programmes and eligibility requirements visit our website at  www.goal.edu.gy or our Facebook Page @Guyana Online Academy of Learning.