Application Form – Deferral of Obligatory Service

Guidelines The Deferral of Obligatory Service is governed by the Policy on DEFERRAL OF OBLIGATORY SERVICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS.
Deferrals may be granted on the following grounds:

To pursue postgraduate studies or postdoctoral research that is aligned to the National Development Human Resource Needs of Trinidad and Tobago.
To pursue internships abroad in the medical field, in areas which are necessary for practicing medicine in Trinidad and Tobago, including the Foundation Programme.
To pursue other internships abroad which will add significant value to the Scholars ability to perform obligatory service within Trinidad and Tobago;
To pursue residency programmes and postgraduate programmes in the medical field that are aligned to the needs of the health sector within Trinidad and Tobago.
The Scholar wishes to pursue short-term employment or attachments, of not more than two (2) years, in foreign jurisdictions, which will provide requisite skills, abilities and work experience in their particular field of study, enhance the scholar's competencies and allow him/her to perform at a higher level within Trinidad and Tobago.
Certifiable reasons relating to the Scholar's medical fitness.
The Scholar requires additional time to complete the programme of study, thesis or research and/or a request for an extension of scholarship has been declined.

Supporting Documents Instructions

Review the list of required documents below. Documents are grouped according to the applicable Ground/s. Please ensure all required documents are submitted to ensure timely processing of your request. All documents are to be uploaded in PDF.

All Grounds

Official evidence of completion of the approved course of study under the Scholarship Agreement (official Academic Transcript/letter of completion/Diploma or Certificate) or Status Letter where the scholar has not yet completed.(Required)

Official evidence of Citizenship and or residency status: (Copy of relevant passport page(s), visa, Green Card, CSME Certificate. Copies of any application or responses related to the acquisition of citizenship or residency).(Required)

Guarantor Consent Form For Amending Contract Terms and Conditions. Please click HERE to access the form(Required)

Ground 1

Plan of study outlining the relevance of the postgraduate programme to the National Development Human Resource Needs of Trinidad and Tobago.

Official documents (Acceptance Letter) from the Institution indicating:

Course of study
Minimum period required for completion of the course of study
Duration of the course of study (Start and End Date)

A letter indicating the source/nature of financial support and a copy of any agreement/obligations under the funding arrangement. (where applicable)

Ground 2&3

A letter of recommendation from the Ministry of Health or other relevant Ministry indicating that: The residency programme is required for practising medicine in Trinidad and Tobago.

Ground 4

A letter of recommendation from the relevant Ministry indicating that:

The internship programme is required for practicing in Trinidad and Tobago; and/or
The internship will contribute to filling the need for the particular skill within Trinidad and Tobago.

Ground 5

Official offer of employment from the organisation abroad, including a copy of the Job Description and the nature of employment offered. (Please note that the period of engagement must be clearly stated.)

A document from the scholar outlining the areas that the attachment/job experience will contribute to the development needs of Trinidad and Tobago

A copy of the employment contract. (Once Executed)

Ground 6

Official medical certificates from a Registered Medical Practitioner. Medical Certificates must state:

he nature of the condition; and
The duration of the illness.
Medical certificates provided by Medical Practitioners outside of Trinidad and Tobago must be certified by a Notary Public or the Trinidad and Tobago Overseas Mission or Consulate that has jurisdiction where the Medical Practitioner functions.

Ground 7

Official letter from the Registrar/Admissions officer of the academic institution clearly outlining:

The period required to complete the course of study;
The revised completion date;
The specific courses/research to be pursued during the period of Deferral
Reasons for non-completion during the time as stipulated on the Scholarship Agreement.

Letter from the scholar indicating the reasons for non-completion of the required research.