Antigua and Barbuda · POLICY & PRACTICE
Antigua: the UWI option
Larger families should assess the UWI Fund on its own terms. Confirm eligibility first, separate the costs, then consider whether the scholarship fits a family member’s education.
Six means people in the application
Antigua and Barbuda’s Citizenship by Investment Unit describes the University of the West Indies Fund as an option for families of at least six people. The contribution for a family of six is US$260,000, including processing fees.[1] Six refers to the people in the application, not six dependants in addition to the main applicant.
Each dependant still needs to qualify. The CIU lists distinct categories for spouses, children, parents and grandparents, with relevant age, financial-dependency or other conditions.[2] Having six relatives does not establish that all six may be included.
For example, a couple, two children and two parents could form a proposed six-person list to assess. The parents’ age and dependency, the children’s eligibility and the family relationships should be checked before costs are calculated. This illustrates a family structure; it does not establish eligibility for a particular household.
Separate included and additional costs
The UWI page states that the US$260,000 contribution includes processing for six people. For seven or more, it lists the same base contribution with US$10,000 processing for each additional dependant.[1] Those two items therefore total US$270,000 for seven people. That subtotal is not the complete application cost.
The official fee schedule separately lists due diligence and passport charges, with due diligence amounts varying by role and age.[3] Translation, certification, professional services and other actual expenses should also be shown separately, identifying government charges and third-party services.
Compare quotations using the same participant list and review date. In particular, check that “processing included” has not become “all costs included”, and establish which items change when a person joins the application.
Read the scholarship precisely
The official UWI page provides for one family member to receive a one-year, tuition-only scholarship at the University of the West Indies.[1] It does not describe free study for every family member or cover accommodation, living expenses and tuition for an entire degree.
If a child may use this benefit, ask the university and handling agent about eligible campuses and courses, admission conditions, timing and the application steps. Assess the course against the student’s interests and educational plans. Avoid treating the scholarship as a fixed cash deduction from the citizenship budget before its practical value is established.
Keep the family and education decisions connected
When comparing the UWI Fund with other contribution options, use a single budget showing the actual applicants, itemised costs and applicable conditions. If someone withdraws, check whether the six-person minimum is still met and whether the quotation must change.
A useful decision record answers three questions: whether all proposed applicants qualify, what makes up the total expenditure, and whether someone has a suitable use for the scholarship. Together, those details show whether this option fits the family.
Official sources
General information, not individual legal, tax or investment advice. Eligibility and documentary requirements depend on the applicable rules and the authority’s assessment.