Higher Education Ministry Launches ‘Kuri’ Portal to Streamline Student Funding
Kuri portal introduced to digitalise and simplify fund disbursement for Maldivian students abroad | Photo: Min. of Higher Edu, Labour and Skills Development
The Ministry of Higher Education has launched an online portal named Kuri to address challenges in disbursing funds to Maldivian students studying abroad on government scholarships and loans, while also digitalising services provided to these students.
The portal was inaugurated by Higher Education Minister Dr Ali Haidar during a ceremony held yesterday, following increasing complaints from students over delays in the release of funds.
The Ministry stated that difficulties had been faced in disbursing financial assistance to students studying overseas at government expense, largely due to weaknesses in the existing system. These shortcomings were acknowledged to have negatively affected students’ education.
Kuri has been introduced as a permanent solution to these issues and is expected to strengthen the administration of the higher education sector. The portal enables higher education-related processes to be carried out more efficiently and responsibly, offering greater convenience for both students and parents.
According to the Ministry, students will receive funds without delays once the required documentation is completed through the portal. The system also allows students to monitor their financial transactions in real time, streamlines procedures, and reduces the time needed to assess eligibility.
The portal was developed under a policy framework that prioritises education within the state budget, with the government aiming to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder students’ access to education.
While the portal has been launched to address financial issues and other student concerns, the dedicated mobile application known as the Higher Education Management System, intended to further support students studying abroad under government sponsorship, remains incomplete despite the initial October deadline having passed. The Ministry previously stated in November that the application was in the testing phase and that work was expected to be completed by the end of that month, with a revised timeline now in place.
