Over 60% of Maldivian Students Abroad Are Studying in Malaysia

More than 1,100, roughly 60%, of 1,800 Maldivian students studying overseas under government loan schemes and scholarships are enrolled in institutions in Malaysia, according to information shared by Mihaaru, obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request submitted to the Ministry of Higher Education.

Mihaaru reported that statistics provided by the Ministry show that a total of 1,819 students are currently pursuing higher education abroad with state-funded loans and scholarships. Malaysia accounts for 1,102 of those students — roughly 60 per cent of the total.

The data also highlight strong demand for government loan schemes in recent years. In 2023, the Ministry announced 720 loan opportunities. However, 1,274 applicants were selected after the government decided to extend the opportunity to all students who met the eligibility criteria. Of those selected, 1,079 students utilised the loans, while 195 did not take up the offer.

In the following year, when 500 loan slots were opened, 1,382 students met the eligibility requirements and were granted loans. So far, 881 students have taken up the loans, while 501 remain unused.

Beyond Malaysia, Maldivian students are enrolled in a wide range of countries. The United Kingdom hosts 90 students, Belarus 77, Spain 71 and Australia 70. The Philippines has 64 students, Egypt 32, Nepal 28 and Sri Lanka 27. The United States hosts 23 students, Russia 22 and the United Arab Emirates 21. China has 20 students, India 18 and New Zealand 17.

Smaller numbers are studying in Thailand (12), Hungary (7), Bangladesh (5), Georgia (4), Germany (4) and Pakistan (4), as well as Canada and the Czech Republic with three students each.

Additionally, one Maldivian student is currently studying in each of the following countries: Austria, Azerbaijan, Cuba, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Japan, Iceland, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa and Turkey.

The figures indicate that while overseas study opportunities remain widely utilised, hundreds of approved loan allocations have gone unused in recent years.