The Diamond Education Grant Programme provides financial support for women in SIGBI member countries who want to enter or return to the workforce by gaining new skills. It covers course fees and essential equipment for approved educational or vocational programmes running between September 2026 and July 2027. The scheme prioritizes women facing financial or personal barriers and does not fund postgraduate studies or living expenses.

The Diamond Education Grant Programme helps women improve their employment prospects by funding essential costs related to education or vocational training. It is designed to support skill development, career transitions, and re-entry into the workforce across countries within the SIGBI Federation.

What the Programme Offers

The grant provides financial assistance for course fees and required books or equipment. It does not cover living, travel, or accommodation expenses. Its mission is to raise education levels among women who may not otherwise have the means to upskill or pursue career-relevant training.

Programme Timeline

The grant applies only to courses taking place within the academic year September 2026 to July 2027.

Courses must not begin before September 2026.
Only the first year of a multi-year programme or a short course fully completed within the academic year will be supported.

Postgraduate qualifications—including second degrees, Masters, PhDs, and similar advanced programmes—are not eligible.

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all core eligibility criteria:

Must be female.
Must be permanently resident within SIGBI territory (e.g., Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, regions in Europe and the Caribbean).
Must not have received a Diamond Education Grant before.
Must be willing to submit a progress report at the end of the academic year.
Must be applying for course fees or course-related equipment only.

Priority Consideration Is Given To:

Women aged 30 or above.
Those re-entering employment after a career break.
Women pursuing vocational or STEM-related studies.
Applicants without immediate family financial support.
Women facing physical, medical, educational, or financial disadvantage.

Why This Grant Matters

The programme directly supports gender equity in education and employment by:

Enabling women to transition into high-growth sectors.
Supporting reskilling for women returning after personal or family-related breaks.
Reducing financial barriers that hold back career advancement.
Strengthening local communities through enhanced female economic participation.

How to Apply

Follow these steps to ensure a complete and valid application:

1. Confirm Course Eligibility

Ensure your course begins no earlier than September 2026.
Verify that it is either the first year of a longer course or a short programme fully within 2026–2027.

2. Prepare Your Application

Complete the online application form before 15 April.
Ensure all personal and residency information is accurate.
Prepare details on course costs, equipment needs, and your reasons for applying.

3. Submit Before the Deadline

Applications close 15 April.
After this date, the form is removed and late submissions are not accepted.

4. Await Notification

Trustees review submissions and notify successful applicants in June.

5. Provide Required Documentation

Between July and October, selected candidates must:

Submit references.
Provide proof of enrolment.
Confirm course details.

6. End-of-Year Requirements

After June of the following year, recipients must:

Submit a progress report describing how the grant benefited them.
Provide receipts for any equipment purchased with grant funding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a course that begins before September 2026.
Requesting funding for living or travel expenses (automatically rejected).
Submitting an incomplete application or missing financial details.
Applying for postgraduate or second-degree programmes.
Forgetting to provide references and enrolment proof after selection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What costs does the grant cover?
It covers course fees and necessary books or equipment only.

2. Can I apply if my course starts in August 2026?
No. Courses must begin September 2026 or later.

3. Are postgraduate degrees eligible?
No. The programme does not fund Masters, PhDs, or any postgraduate level study.

4. Can I apply if I have received a Diamond Education Grant before?
No. The scheme is only available once per applicant.

5. Are STEM courses prioritized?
Yes. STEM and vocational courses receive preference due to high employability impact.

6. Do I need to be a citizen of a SIGBI country?
You must be a permanent resident within SIGBI’s territorial regions.

7. When will I know the result of my application?
Notifications are sent in June following the April deadline.

Conclusion

The Diamond Education Grant Programme is a valuable opportunity for women seeking to advance their skills, return to employment, or transition into new career paths. By offering targeted financial support, it increases access to education, empowers women across SIGBI territories, and strengthens communities through improved economic participation. Women planning to upskill during the 2026–2027 academic year can greatly benefit from applying before the April deadline.