Higher Education Ministry Questioned Over Outstanding Student Loans

The Economic Committee of Parliament summoned officials from the Higher Education Ministry to address delays in government-sponsored loan payments for Maldivian students studying abroad.

The ministry reported that MVR 36 million in student payments remain outstanding. During the committee meeting, members expressed concerns that students were uncertain about when their tuition fees would be processed. Some students have received warnings from their institutions that their results may be withheld due to unpaid fees.

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Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haidar Ahmed explained that delays are often caused by incomplete applications or missing information. He outlined the payment process, stating that the ministry reviews and processes the necessary documents before forwarding them to the Ministry of Finance, which then releases the funds. If all required information is provided, payments are typically made within a week.

State Minister for Finance Abdul Raheem Hassan, when asked if the Ministry of Finance had withheld payments due to financial constraints, stated that he was unaware of such a situation. However, he said he did not believe student payments would be suspended due to a lack of funds. He cited President Mohamed Muizzu’s decision last year to provide loans to all eligible students despite economic challenges.