The Ministry of Health is reminding the community that applications for the 2026 Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship close on Tuesday, April 30.
This year, the scholarship criteria have been updated by the scholarship committee to focus solely on nursing. The decision reflects the need to bolster Bermuda’s nursing workforce in the years ahead and recognises the importance of investing in prevention and community health. Training in this field can involve substantial educational costs, often requiring multiple funding sources, and the committee aims to help address this need by directing support to those pursuing nursing.
Dr. Barbara Bertha Ball was the first‑Bermudian-born woman to practise medicine in Bermuda. She graduated from Liverpool University Medical School in 1949 and worked in the United Kingdom before returning home in 1954. She devoted her life to providing care and advocating for fairness and dignity for all.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson said, “This scholarship reflects Dr. Ball’s legacy of service and her belief in empowering Bermudians to lead in health. We encourage eligible students to apply and take this important step toward a career that makes a real difference in our community.”
Applicants must be Bermudian, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited programme in a public‑health‑related discipline. Full eligibility criteria and application requirements are available online.
Minister Wilson added, “If you’re looking for purpose, pride, and the chance to make a real difference, nursing is where it begins. The Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship can help you take that step.
“Please do not wait until the last minute, submit your application today and take the next step toward becoming one of Bermuda’s future nurses.”
The Government of Bermuda is proud to continue this legacy by supporting future healthcare professionals. Students and interested persons may also visit https://www.gov.bm/dr-barbara-ball-public-health-scholarship for further information.
The application and full details can be found here.