(a) The Commissioner of Health is authorized and directed to establish a system of scholarships, which may provide for, but shall not necessarily be limited to, basic studies, in-service training, study leave, refresher courses and/or post graduate training, in the fields of nursing and such other medical or hospital skills, services or disciplines as the said Commissioner may determine are necessary for the proper and efficient providing of medical and hospital services for the people of the Virgin Islands.
(b) Not more than eighteen of the scholarships provided for in this section shall be granted annually, of which twelve shall be in nursing; Provided, That at least one such scholarship shall be granted to a qualified graduate from each of the high schools of the Virgin Islands, public or parochial. Such scholarships as are granted under this section may be renewed from year to year and such renewals shall not diminish the number of new scholarships which may be granted annually.
(c)
(1) Such scholarships may be for training or studies within the Virgin Islands or outside of the Virgin Islands and shall not exceed $4,000 per annum for undergraduate study or $10,000 per annum for graduate study.
(2) Scholarships may be granted to applicants who are residents of the Virgin Islands but who temporarily live outside of the Virgin Islands and who manifest an intent to return to the Virgin Islands.