Half of Government Higher Education Loans to Be Allocated to STEM Fields Going Forward, Says President
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu speaking at the closing ceremony of the SIDS-SAIs Symposium and the opening ceremony of the IDI Global Summit on August 5, 2026 | Photo: President’s Office
President Mohamed Muizzu has announced that half of all government-funded higher education loans will be allocated to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as part of efforts to expand career opportunities for Maldivian graduates in these sectors.
Muizzu made the announcement during the seventh episode of The Pulse yesterday, while discussing the career prospects of Maldivian students pursuing engineering and other science-based disciplines.
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The President said the government is developing policies to prioritise STEM fields under higher education loan schemes while expanding professional opportunities in both the public and private sectors.
He also said the government plans to increase awareness among secondary and higher secondary students about opportunities available through science and mathematics streams.
Muizzu said he hopes to see Maldivian professionals leading STEM-related industries within the next three to five years.
The discussion featured Aishath Leen Nazim, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Architectural Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham in the UK, and Makhtoom bin Hussain, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham.
The President also highlighted the need to diversify renewable energy sources, saying the Maldives should explore ocean-based energy production as it works towards meeting at least 30 per cent of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2028.
