Govt of St. Maarten announces 2026 Study Financing Priority List

GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten has published the 2026 Study Financing Priority List. The list directs public study financing to fields tied to labor market needs and national development.

How the list was determined: The list reflects the Labor Market Needs on Sint Maarten study for the 2023 to 2026 period, input from stakeholders, feedback from the Student Support Services Division, findings from the SEA Labor Market Analysis, and consultations with the Ministry of ECYS and the Ministry of Labor.

It is important to note that Bachelor and Master programs are eligible, studies in English and Dutch are allowed, with Dutch noted on the list where applicable and programs already offered locally at the University of St. Martin and NIPA are not eligible for financing abroad.

The Priority fields for 2026 are:

Aviation and Aeronautics:

Air Traffic Management, Aviation Maintenance, Aviation Management, Commercial Pilot

Business and Finance:

Accounting, Actuary, Business Administration, Economics, Entrepreneurship Studies, Finance or Finance and Control, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Project Management, Risk Management or Insurance Specialist

Creative Arts and Culture:

Archaeology, Communication Specialist, Culture and Heritage Management, Graphic and Visual Designer, Journalism, Media and Entertainment Management, Theatre or Visual or Creative or Festival Arts Specialist

Education:

Early Childhood Education Teachers, Elementary Education EN or DU, Secondary Education Teachers, Arts and Craft or Handicraft, Chemistry, Computer Science, Dutch NL, English BA or MA, French, History, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Spanish, Special Education

Engineering and Construction:

Architectural Design Technology, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineers

Environmental and Sustainability:

Biochemistry, Biological Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Meteorologist

Healthcare and Allied Health:

Anesthesia Assistant or Anesthesiologist, Cardiac Technician, Cardiologist, Dental Hygienist, Dentist, Dermatologist, General Surgeon, Nursing, Ophthalmologist, Orthopedic Surgeon, Pediatric Psychiatrist, Pediatrician, Pharmacy Technician or Assistant, Physical Therapist, Radiology Technology, Veterinarian

Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary:

Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Mixologist Craft of mixing drinks or Certified Bartender

ICT and Digital Technology:

AI Developer or Machine Learning Engineer, Computer Science, Computer Programmer or Software Developer

Marine and Maritime Studies:

Commercial Boat Captain or Skipper, Marine Engineering, Maritime Logistics and Port Management

Public Service and Legal:

Criminology or Criminal Analyst, Law NL or CW or AUA or SXM, Law Enforcement Officer, Legal Assistant, Legislative Analyst, Protocol and Diplomacy Specialist, Public Administration, Public Policy and Management Political Science

Social Sciences and Community Services:

Pediatric Psychologist, Psychology or Psychologist, Social Work or Social Workers, Anthropology, Statistics, Exercise Science, Sports Management, Kinesiology, Safety and Security Management, Health Care Management

Vocational and Skilled Trades:

Carpenter, Cosmetologist or Hairdresser, Diesel Marine Mechanic, Diesel Technology, Electrician or Electronics, HVAC Technician, Machinist Lathe machine operator, Seamstress, Solar Photovoltaic Specialist, Tailor