Gov’t Launches 250 Scholarships to Strengthen Therapy and Rehabilitation Workforce

The Ministry of Higher Education Labour and Skills Development has announced a major scholarship initiative aimed at strengthening the Maldives’ capacity in therapeutic and rehabilitation services, offering 250 fully funded study opportunities both locally and abroad.

The programme includes 120 bachelor’s degree scholarships and 20 master’s degree scholarships within the Maldives, alongside 30 bachelor’s and 80 master’s degree opportunities overseas.

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Speech therapy has been identified as the priority field, with 90 total placements allocated across bachelor’s and master’s programmes both locally and internationally. Other key areas include psychology, with 30 bachelor’s and 20 master’s opportunities, counselling and behaviour therapy with 30 bachelor’s placements, occupational therapy with 30 bachelor’s and 30 master’s opportunities, and behaviour analysis with 20 master’s placements.

Applications for the scholarships will close on 20 April at 1:30 pm, with full terms and conditions published in the official government gazette.

The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to expand access to mental health and therapy services nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.

Currently, more than 220 children receive regular therapeutic support through the National Special Protection Agency, while over 70,000 individuals have accessed specialised mental health treatment over the past three years.

With most services presently delivered by foreign-trained professionals, the government aims to develop a strong local workforce capable of providing high-quality and accessible care across all atolls.